In Praise of Retreat

 Kirsteen MacLeod

ECW Press     2021

320 pages     Spiritual

Here is a synopsis of the book, In Praise of Retreat.

“For readers of Walden, Wild, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, A Book of Silence, A Gift from the Sea and other celebrations of the inner adventure. An utterly engaging dive into our modern ways of retreat ― where we go, why we’re drawn, and how it’s urgent. From pilgrim paths to forest cabins, and from rented hermitages to arts temples and quiet havens for yoga and meditation, In Praise of Retreat explores the pleasures and powers of this ancient practice for modern people. Kirsteen MacLeod draws on the history of retreat and her own personal experiences to reveal the many ways readers can step back from society to reconnect with their deepest selves ― and to their loftiest aspirations in life. In the 21st century, disengaging, even briefly, is seen by many as self-indulgent, unproductive, and antisocial. Yet to retreat is as basic a human need as being social, and everyone can benefit, whether it’s for a weekend, a month, or a lifetime. Retreat is an uncertain adventure with as many peaks and valleys as any mountain expedition, except we head inward, to recharge and find fresh energy and brave new ideas to bring back into our everyday lives.”

Retreat is not the same as sheltering-in-place which we are doing during this pandemic. Retreat is a purposeful separation from the world in order to think, write, regroup, ponder—and a whole bunch of other reflective words. MacLeod defines it thus: “A retreat means removing yourself from society to a quiet place where moments are strung like pearls, and after long days apart in inspiring surroundings, you return home refreshed and with a new sense of what you want to do with your life.” In a variety of ways, MacLeod explains what retreat means to her as well as what it meant to others through the centuries. Of course she describes what retreat meant to Henry David Thoreau, but I was especially taken with her study of the life of Leonard Cohen and what the concept of retreat meant to him.

MacLeod is an excellent writer, and her descriptions of her own retreats, from her cabin in the woods, to the wild places in the Scottish highlands make the reader yearn for some time away. She says, “In the quiet forest, I can begin to see the patterns of reality. To retreat is to stop, gain clarity and make space for change.”

I appreciated this study of retreat so much because of MacLeod's perspective and her honesty. Today, I was in great need of some solitude and quiet. I couldn’t leave home and go to the cottage or to the retreat center that I have been to in the past, so I decided I would make a retreat at my dining room table. I read MacLeod’s enlightening words and stared out my window at the bird feeder and the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks that were visiting nonstop. I took a walk to see the daffodils that are bursting all over the yard. And I practiced my deep breathing to find some clarity. MacLeod says, “Every retreat is a retreat to the self—not necessarily a place, but a state of mind and heart.” By heeding her words, I was able to find a brief respite from a difficult time in my life and find solace and rest. I rose from the table refreshed.

In Praise of Retreat will be released tomorrow. Articulate, well written, and profoundly challenging, I recommend this book to help us all navigate these uncertain times.