Healing and resilience retreats: views from participants

Several participants in our Healing and Resilience Retreats have generously offered to share their experiences with the Lab audience. We pass those words along here as examples of the comfort and growth that can come from chaplains connecting and resting in space and time set aside for their healing:

What I enjoyed the most about the retreat was the healing and restoration I received. I repeatedly said, “I can breathe again.” I found myself taking deep breaths and with each breath I released, I felt I was releasing all that I was carrying: the stress of work; the feeling I failed my patients, families and staff; my grief; my helplessness; my tiredness; and more.

I was also able to process my ministry during the pandemic and process my father’s passing from COVID. I began to associate images, which I drew out on paper. Seeing the images take shape, I was able to see what I have been through professionally and personally and I saw just how difficult that time of my life had been. I was affirmed when I was told “You showed up!” and that was good enough. The retreat also offered rest for my physical body. I slept well and ate wonderful food!

The retreat center was surrounded by beautiful trees; it was very peaceful and serene and the staff was warm and friendly. It was good to be with my fellow chaplains who, like me, were tired and needed rest and restoration. I appreciated their stories, their encouragement and affirmations. And though we came from all over the US, there was a common bond we shared. I was very privileged to be part of this wonderful weekend and hope other chaplains will have the opportunity to be refreshed, renewed and encouraged as I have.

Connie Choi is a chaplain for Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care.