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Original poster

Retreats

18 replies

Blink182mummy · 19/01/2018 16:44

I'm thinking of finally taking myself off on retreat and looking for something fairly local I have come across Laundering Abbey. Does anyone have any experience of visiting here?

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Original poster

Blink182mummy · 19/01/2018 16:52

Oops, Launde Abbey.

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thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts · 19/01/2018 18:04

Yes. It is in a lovely spot and the food is excellent. The only downside is that it is used a lot by dioceses doing training courses so the place can be full of clergy and diocesan staff being a bit loud at meal times.

When I've been there the individual retreat people have been given their own tables in the dining room set back from the crowd.

Did I say the food was good? It is the best I've had at a retreat house.

Original poster

Blink182mummy · 19/01/2018 19:09

Good food is a selling point! I can cope with noisy clergy, I'm married to a curate and after 2 years eating in college I just tune out shop talk!

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Original poster

Blink182mummy · 10/07/2018 15:36

So I booked the retreat, it's this weekend. After 6 months of waiting I'm not getting a bit as apprehensive about it. I'm not used to doing anything without 2 small children and silence for a weekend? I'm not used to 10 minutes! Eek!

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Vitalogy · 10/07/2018 17:11

Sounds great OP. Have a peaceful weekend, and enjoy the food!

Original poster

Blink182mummy · 10/07/2018 23:00

Thanks, I'm looking forward to it. Just a bit apprehensive about what to expect and driving myself crazy trying to get everything sorted for my husband to take the girls to my mums for the weekend.

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FloralBunting · 11/07/2018 01:23

Blink, I shall pray that you have a wonderful experience. Is it guided at all, or are you entirely free? If it's not guided, can I suggest making a loose 'plan'. Take a good notebook and a handful of pens. Maybe a spiritual book, a Bible, and a prayerbook if you use one. And set aside plenty of space to stretch your 'being alone and listening' muscles.
I've found it quite normal to be nervous in the run up, not least because of logistics, and therefore the first hour or so is a little disorienting. Be prepared, too, for coming back to reality with a bump - I've had ecstatic experiences during retreat, and come home to total chaos and it is sometimes a challenge to acclimatize back into the every day stuff. All the best xx

Niminy · 11/07/2018 12:26

I've been on my own to Launde Abbey. I'd echo what FloralBunting says, but also: feel free to sleep as much as you feel like, this is really ok and an excellent use of retreat time. Rest is a very important part of being on retreat. Also get outside. The garden is beautiful and there are plenty of walks in the countryside around, and you can also use the big sitting room and library. If you're a person who likes to knit or sew or do creative stuff, take that. But don't worry if you don't do it. I like to go to morning prayer etc but you don't have to. I would say if you have young children and you've been supporting a spouse through college it is VERY important that it doesn't feel like work. It doesn't matter if you don't have ecstatic experiences, it does matter that you have time to remember that you (not you as mum or wife) are loved and delighted in by God. If it doesn't feel very 'spiritual' but you have time to smooth out the crumples caused by everyday life that is perfectly fine.

Original poster

Blink182mummy · 11/07/2018 18:58

Thanks floral and niminy for the advice and prayers. It's a beginners retreat so semi silent and led I believe. I'm definitely looking forward to taking some me time!

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Madhairday · 11/07/2018 22:21

I love Launde Abbey! (My autocorrect also tried to put Laundering )

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time - the retreat sounds lovely. Enjoy.

Meadowland · 12/07/2018 08:12

I haven't been to Laude but have been on several local "Quiet Days" I come away feeling so relaxed and spiritually refreshed. Just the tonic in today's frenetic world. Hope you do too Blink-would love to know how it goes.

Vitalogy · 16/07/2018 10:05

How did you get on OP?

Paddington68 · 16/07/2018 10:13

Went on a silent retreat to Launde Abbey, used to know the warden. If you stay in the house the rooms are much more plush that the annexe. It's a retreat, so treat yourself. Good food, good walks and no phone reception. Lovely gardens to walk round. Lovely little chapel space. A great sense of calm.

Original poster

Blink182mummy · 16/07/2018 17:26

It was lovely, just what i needed. The food was fantastic, the grounds beautiful. Especially in this weather. After stressing so much before i went( mostly as my husband though i would hate it!) im planning on booking another one for easter time next year.

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Vitalogy · 16/07/2018 17:34

Oh that's great. See, next time you go there won't be the apprehension of the unknown, you can get right down to relaxing straight away.

Did you have to make convo with anyone or was it mostly spent in silence? Do you feel your batteries have been recharged?

Original poster

Blink182mummy · 16/07/2018 18:47

It was silent apart from meals and im happy making small talking over dinner so thats wasnt a problem.
I didn't realise how run down i was but am absolutely recharged and ready to go!

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Vitalogy · 16/07/2018 19:04

I reckon you deserve an Autumn break, long time til Easter

Original poster

Blink182mummy · 16/07/2018 20:58

Thats would be lovely but im not sure we could work it in so soon, with a big family holiday in september and me not working! I might try and sneak a quiet day or 2 in when the girls are at nursery though!

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