STILL FLOATING

BY ADAM MCDONALD

They say a change is as good as a rest and I felt I was in desperate need of one just before ReCoCo broke for the summer holidays. I needed a pick me up, something that would keep me going through the winter.

As it happens the universe listened and provided, in the beautiful form of ReCoCo who gifted me with a place on the yearly break to Minsteracres retreat.

The Minsteracres break is gifted by ReCoCo to volunteers who have given their free time supporting the college. It’s a way of saying thank you for a year’s hard work. As a Therapeutic Enabler I also give something back by offering some voluntary hours and was lucky enough to be able to go along this time.

For those readers amongst you that have never heard or experienced the wonder that is Minsteracres Retreat Centre, it’s a Christian place of prayer with a resident community of Roman Catholic Passionist Priests and lay people.

The experience at the retreat reflects so much of the values we share at ReCoCo and it’s another place where love, kindness and all those amazing positive vibes aren’t just the spoken word but practiced throughout. Right from the welcoming ‘hello’ from the lovely gentleman who transported us to and from Minsteracres to the amazing team of volunteers who dedicated a huge portion of their time and talents to making our visit so special.

Personally, I really did feel the love and acceptance from start to finish.

Don’t get me started on the food as I’d be here all day and Karen would have to take an extra day to write it all up, ready to put in our prospectus lol. All I can say is if you want to know the difference between  shite processed food and good wholesome fresh food, then get yourself some Minsteracres in your life. All homecooked meals, straight from their wonderfully kept gardens.

In addition to the fabulous food there was a selection of treatments on offer: massage, Reiki, cleansing bath etc., I took advantage of all on offer and I won’t lie when I say a day has gone since my visit and I am still floating about in a bubble of peace and positivity – just what the doctor ordered! Again, I must give thanks and gratitude to ReCoCo, I feel privileged to have the college in my life and my recovery and everything they provide.

Yes, exactly the break I needed came but alas passed too fast, as is always with good times. Although, I will be taking full advantage of the wellbeing I’ve learnt whilst there and using it to see me through the cold, dark months so that I can ready myself for the joys of spring.

Minsteracres, is the most peaceful place I have been to. This amazing place gives a feeling inside of love, trust and understanding ran by wonderful staff there, most of them giving their time to look after you for free, for me they are on the same wavelength as ReCoCo.

They have a varied calendar throughout the year, and anyone can go along to the things they run with a suggested donation.

Check them out on their website. https://minsteracres.org/