Care for the Caregiver

When everyday life feels crowded with noise, routines, and constant demands, even a brief pause can bring relief. A short retreat—whether for a day or a weekend—offers an opportunity to step into a calmer setting, slow down, and simply breathe. With that space, some of the stress we have been carrying can begin to ease.

A pause can also help us see things more clearly. As the noise of everyday responsibilities fades into the background, we may begin to recognize what has been draining our energy, reconnect with what matters most, and see our challenges with fresh eyes.

Recently, we decided to spend a weekend on retreat together on Bowen Island, setting aside a little more than 24 hours to step away from our busy lives and reconnect with ourselves and each other. Here are our reflections on the experience.

Sometimes, all we need is a little distance from the familiar to find our way back to ourselves.

My retreat weekend on Bowen Island offered just that. Walking an outdoor labyrinth nestled in the forest, I found inspiration in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, allowing the quiet of nature to invite reflection and a deeper sense of connection.

Hiking around beautiful Lake Killarney reminded me of a truth that is easy to forget amid the busyness of daily life: the present moment is truly all we have. Here, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, there was nothing to accomplish and nowhere else I needed to be.

Nourishing meals, peaceful surroundings, and even the brief ferry ride from Vancouver helped create a gentle transition away from everyday responsibilities. Almost without realizing it, I was able to let go of my usual tasks and turn my attention toward rest, renewal, and self-care. Sharing this time with a dear friend helped us set an intention for the retreat and cultivate a shared sense of presence and awareness.

I returned with a renewed appreciation for the simple things that nourish us: time in nature, moments of stillness, mindful presence, and the willingness to pause.

Perhaps the gift of a retreat is not so much about escaping our lives as it is about remembering how to inhabit them more fully.

This past weekend, I went on retreat with a dear friend. He is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor with his own private practice, and I have known him for almost thirty years. He is what I would call a soul friend.

We planned this retreat as an opportunity to intentionally set aside time from our busy lives and simply be. We took the ferry to Bowen Island, walked around a lake, enjoyed delicious food, drank tea, and chatted as we caught up with one another. We also visited a local church and walked a labyrinth.

We made space for therapeutic processing, too. We both use EMDR in our practices, and we each had an opportunity to engage in some of our own soul work. We also spent time consulting with one another and discussing the business side of private practice.

It was perfect—exactly what we needed.

As I walked the labyrinth, I experienced a moment of clarity: God will provide. All I need to do is keep showing up, doing my best, and following the path in front of me. What I need will be provided along the way, including the gift of companions like my dear friend.

Being away also brought an unexpected benefit: I was reminded of how much I missed my husband and kids. And they missed me, too.

Sometimes, stepping away from our everyday lives is exactly what we need to reconnect—with ourselves, with God, with the people who walk alongside us, and with the people waiting for us at home.