In my studies through the years, I find it fascinating that the leaders of three of the world’s great religions have one thing in common…

They understood the importance of stepping back from the world for personal reflection and renewal.

In ancient times, spiritual leaders sought refuge in nature or isolated spaces, understanding that it was in these quiet moments that clarity of purpose and direction emerged.

For example, the Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree in northern India (the place of enlightenment) would form the foundation of Buddhism.

In the Quran, there are numerous accounts of the Prophet Muhammad receiving revelations and instruction from the Angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira, which shaped the world of Islam.

Jesus Christ often retreated from his followers into the wilderness to meditate and pray, helping him connect with deity in order to establish Christianity.

Each of them reminds us of the importance of stepping back from the world to take some time to reflect and recover.

Modern leaders can take inspiration from these examples by carving out time for reflection, not only to recharge physically but also to reassess their leadership and the broader impact of their decisions.

Whether in politics, business, or social organisations, leaders face constant pressures to perform, make decisions, and address challenges swiftly and effectively.

My experience on Saturday was a simple mini example of this, taking some uninterrupted time to be alone or in this case sharing it with someone special.

Monic and I took a 2 hour long walk along the seashore, borrowing my sister’s dog Fern.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time of rejuvenation, foraging for brambles along the way and taking time to pause, reflect, talk and recover.

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world of today, the notion of retreating for renewal has in recent years, gained a renewed relevance, especially for leaders.

A retreat, whether it’s time spent in nature or engaging in deep meditation, offers a space to disconnect from noise and reconnect with oneself, which in turn fosters sharper judgment and greater creativity.

Regularly tending to the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental aspects of our lives keeps us in a well-resourced state.

I know that most of my innovative ideas come not from being in the middle of the action but from stepping back, in moments of solitude and reflection.

Just as spiritual figures like Buddha, Muhammad, and Christ found profound insights in times of isolation, you and I along with today’s leaders can benefit greatly from stepping away from daily responsibilities to recharge, reflect, and renew our sense of purpose.

Everyone needs to unplug, refocus, retreat and reboot sometimes.

Go on – make that time to retreat today….

You know you need to.