Retreats – a luxury or a necessity?
“Silence’ in modern life, is becoming a mere theoretical concept. Not only are we excessively stimulated by movement, smells, flavours and images, but also we have to cope with a cacophony of sound. “So much to do and so little time” is a common slogan and all the while we scurry about.
Perhaps man was created to move only at a walking, or at the very worst, a running pace. Perhaps time should be nothing more than an awareness of morning, noon and night. Perhaps the sound of birds or the gurgle of a clear stream is the greatest music on this planet, and man is supposed to live in nature and enjoy the good and healthy fruits of the earth. Perhaps time spent in the company of God is what life is all about…
But, that is not the present reality. Today we must make deliberate choices to ensure physical and emotional health. We need time out to enable our souls to catch up with our bodies and minds. The crucial question is: How do we put the madness aside and enter into a space of serenity and stillness? How do we connect with our inner selves again? How do we regain a life with God?
Your answer may very well be to retreat to Four Flies Nature Farm
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”.
Mark 6:31b
A retreat at Four Flies Nature Farm presents you with the opportunity to withdraw from the mayhem of every day existence into a sanctuary of silence and serenity. Here you can engage with yourself and with God to recuperate your spirit, to hush your mind and to ease your body.
Beautiful nature, the still water of the dams, a small stream, songs of birds in the trees and a classical labyrinth to help quiet ruminating thoughts, all contributes to the experience of peace and tranquillity. This farm certainly offers the seclusion and stillness so desperately needed for contemplation, meditation and prayer.
This safe and secure shelter is available for people who hunger for the presence of, and rest in God, be it ministers, caregivers, emergency workers, prayer groups, couples or friends.
What can you expect?
- Comfortable luxury accommodation in a 4 star rated house. There are four rooms and two bathrooms for sharing.
- Three light meals as well as tea or coffee.
- Programmes will help with time structuring or own programmes can be used. Themes will be published on the website.
- Scheduled time with trained listeners when needed.
Bring a bible, a journal and a pen. Spiritual magazines, books and study bibles will be available.
Day 1
17:30 Arrive and unpack
18:00 Supper
18:45 Orientation
20:00 Eucharist
20:30 Coffee
21:00 Prayer time
Green = silent time
Day2
07:00 Labyrinth
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Prayer time
11:15 Tea
11:30 Creativity
12:30 Lunch and rest
15:00 Time alone
16:30 Coffee
16:45 Group
18:00 Supper
19:00 Eucharist
19:30 Wine and discussion
Green = silent time
Day 3
07:00 Labyrinth
08:00 Breakfast
08:45 Time alone
10:15 Tea
10:30 Group
11:00 Evaluation
11:30 Home
Green = silent time
Make your reservation for one of the scheduled retreats or arrange for your own group (minimum 3 and maximum 11 people)
R350 per person per night (> 3 people)
(Includes bedlinen, bath towels, meals, coffee and tea)