In Praise of Retreat

From pilgrim paths to forest cabins, and from rented hermitages to arts temples and quiet havens for yoga and meditation,In Praise of Retreatexplores the pleasures and powers of this ancient practice for modern people. Kirsteen MacLeod draws on the history of retreat and personal experiences to reveal the many ways readers can step back from society to reconnect with their deepest selves and to their loftiest aspirations in life.

In the 21st century, disengaging, even briefly, is seen by many as self-indulgent, unproductive, and antisocial. Yet to retreat is as basic a human need as being social, and everyone can benefit, whether it's for a weekend, a month, or a lifetime. Retreat is an uncertain adventure with as many peaks and valleys as any mountain expedition, except we head inward, to recharge and find fresh energy and brave new ideas to bring back into our everyday lives. (From ECW Press)

Kirsteen MacLeod is a writer and yoga teacher from Ontario. She is also the author of the short story collectionThe Animal Game.She was a former finalist for theCBC Nonfiction Prize.

• 53 works of Canadian nonfiction coming out in spring 2021