Kairos Spring 2024
Retreats are one of the most meaningful tools used at Stone Ridge to promote community, bolster student spirituality, and reflect on our values together as an entire class. The most well-known and highly anticipated retreat for students is Kairos, an experience provided for juniors that focuses on the importance of God in our lives and appreciating one another. Retreats can feel overwhelming and often are accompanied by expectations of a life-changing revelation. While transformation and personal development are always encouraged during a retreat, these are not the only positive results of this time to thoughtfully experience and reflect. Retreats are designated spaces for individual and class growth. They are a historically successful conduit for reflection and development. Here is how to approach retreat in an effective and meaningful way!
Tip #1: Approach retreats with an open and unassuming mindset.
Retreats can be intimidating for a myriad of reasons. While remaining mindful of the extent to which you wish to share your thoughts and experiences, don’t be afraid to open up. The sense of community and mutual understanding that germinates from simply explaining your story is incomparable!
Tip #2: Appreciate your time away from technology.
It might seem scary to unplug for a couple of days, but it will truly shift your perspective once you come home. Although the dreaded and agonized phone policy is annoying to many, it has shown the SR community how all-consuming our phones really are. Unplugging from the superficiality of Instagram and TikTok for a couple of days will enable you to thoughtfully digest and reflect upon the information and experiences you have throughout the retreat.
Tip #3: Set a couple of clear, broad goals to remember throughout the retreat.
Whether it’s participation in small group time, or just a general shift in attitude, approaching retreat time with intentionality will be helpful! Having a couple of specific goals you are working towards during retreat will allow you to process and reflect upon information in a way that will tangibly benefit you. Have these goals to guide you, but not to restrict you. They should cultivate a purpose behind your time at the retreat, not discourage you from being moved in the moment.
Tip #4: Be cognizant of how your body and mind is feeling throughout the day(s).
Retreats can be environments of vulnerability, which can bring up undesirable feelings and memories. Make sure to take care of yourself and prioritize your rest. It is important to maintain a calm and healthy mental state in order to continue to benefit from all that the retreat has to offer.
Tip #5: Reflect!
No matter how great of an experience you might have, without reflection, the elements of what you learned will not resonate in your day-to-day life. Reflecting will help you better understand your internal and external responses to the conversations and activities. It will allow you to assess how you want the information you acquired during retreat to play a role in your life once you return home.