When hearing I’ve been on silent retreats, people often wonder what I do during my time in the quiet. Following are 50 ideas for things to do on a silent retreat, written while on my last retreat. Not all of these activities fit in a weekend retreat, but many find their way into the rhythm of a week-long retreat. This is not intended as a to-do list, which might increase stress at a time meant for relaxation and reflection. But for those new to the concept of silent retreat, the list is meant to inspire and reassure that time away is time well-spent.
- Walk in nature.
- Talk with a spiritual director.
- Listen to birdsong.
- Take a nap.
- Watch a sunset or sunrise.
- Walk the labyrinth.
- Go to morning prayer.
- Go to Mass.
- Go to Reconciliation.
- People-watch.
- Pray imaginatively.
- Meditate with Scripture.
- Eat cookies. (Shout-out to the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House bakers!)
- Smile at strangers.
- Go to Adoration.
- Read.
- Write a poem.
- Journal.
- Compose your own psalm.
- Pray for loved ones.
- Pray for the world.
- Compile a gratitude list.
- Work on a puzzle.
- Color.
- Stare at nature.
- Sit. Just sit.
- Draw.
- Enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa.
- Visit the chapel at night.
- Pray the Stations of the Cross.
- Pray the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet (especially on a night with a storm watch!).
- Talk to Jesus on the cross.
- Ponder artwork.
- Exercise.
- Get up early.
- Stay up late.
- Explore the retreat house public spaces.
- Make connections to memories, Scripture, or past retreat experiences.
- Pray the Examen.
- Contemplate your faith story.
- Let time be unscheduled.
- Sing to yourself.
- Listen to music (with headphones or earbuds, of course).
- Take pictures of flowers.
- Visit the resource center or bookstore.
- Cry.
- Ask for the grace you desire.
- Make a resolution for after retreat.
- Go deeper.
- Be surprised!
If you’ve been on a silent retreat, what is your favorite thing to do? If you haven’t been on a silent retreat, which of these activities appeal to you?
A very nice list. May I suggest a couple more things:
– Savor the silence!
– Got up in the middle of the night for prayer. God will appreciate the effort!
– Enjoy your meals mindfully in silence.
– Pay attention to your dreams.
– If there is a cemetery at the retreat house, stroll through the graves to recognize the lives of these faithful servants.
Many thanks. The ’50 Things to Do on a Silent Retreat’ is a helpful recipe offered to readers by Denise. Every move and moment during such a ‘Silent Retreat’ can be hugely refreshing and spiritually rewarding. Instead of searching the Lord, one is moving with the Lord. Awesome stuff.
May all retreatants be moved by and with the Lord.
Pray with your body using gestures, movements and postures perhaps alongside centring prayer.
Good additions, Pam. Thank you for sharing.
Denise, I love your writing, and this is awesome! I found that even adding to your list became a prayerful experience for me—although my list quickly became much too long to put here! 😊 Sitting mesmerized by a fireplace, walking among the wildflowers or along the bridle path, writing notes of gratitude…
But what struck me most was realizing that so many of these aren’t just “retreat” activities. They’re things I can do at home, or wherever I happen to be, to make an ordinary day a little more peaceful, connect more intentionally with God, and bring a bit of retreat into the busyness of everyday life. Thank you for that reminder & my prayerful journey this morning! ❤️
Peggy, had my retreat been in the fall or winter, sitting by the fireplace may well have grabbed a spot on the list! Thank you for your encouragement.
Pray the Suscipe prayer
A good addition, Lorelei.
Two of my favorite things to do on a silent retreat are a very slow “prayer walk” in nature, and silently helping with cleanup after meals. Not all retreat centers allow this, but some do.
Thank you for sharing, Louisa.
Many of these suggestions are also good in daily life–for example, praying the Examen, or praying imaginatively with Scripture. There is more time for them on retreat!
You’re absolutely right, Barbara!
Denise, your wise and generous list of things to do on silent retreat brought back memories from past silent retreats I’ve made. It’s always a time of intense, incredible freedom that can generate surprises. During one retreat I found myself drawing cartoons(!) of various thoughts and experiences. I don’t draw, I’m not an artist, but this appealed to me enormously. I made a small booklet of them which I treasure. Another time, when I sat reading by a large window looking out over the prairie there would periodically come a light tap on the glass, making me look up. Once, coveys of quail literally feel from several trees and scattered to feed; another time a doe with 2 spotted fawns gamboled through the tall grass. It literally drew me out of my book and into a walk of praise.
Ann, thanks for sharing your experiences. I love that you drew cartoons during a retreat, showing that time away can bring out creativity and surprises.
Thank you Denise for this comprehensive list. When I’m on retreat I love to take walks around the grounds; walk the labyrinth; and sit in the chapel in front of Jesus on the cross. Retreats are so life-giving.
Yes, Lynda. I value my time on retreat. Thanks for commenting!
I love this list, Denise! Thank you for sharing!
And thank you for reading, Rebecca!