Beth and I are in Costa Rica now searching out a place that people from the Baltimore tundra would appreciate visiting in winter 2019. These types of group trips are called “retreats”.

I don’t think the word “retreat” does justice to what we’d like to offer. The definitions mostly carry a negative connotation: an army retreating after losing a battle, or changing course as a result of criticism from others. There is also the definition “a quiet place to withdraw to rest and relax” down further in the list That is the intended meaning but it comes with a lot of baggage.

Why not a positive term instead? Something life and living affirmative? If a retreat is just like a vacation (but in a tropical setting), isn’t a return to the place you wanted to vacate or retreat from the inevitable?

Reprogram? That appeals to me as a computer geek but sounds a little scary and cultish. Mai Tai or Kool-Aid?

How about Rejuvenation? Feeling and acting young again would be great.

Better yet, Tune-Up? Knowing that one’s engine is going to run smoother once out of the shop sounds good. My desire after our week in Costa Rica is to return with fluids checked, brakes calibrated, and all pistons firing for the other 51 weeks of the year.

If you're interested, you can find us on our Retreat page!