It’s no secret that Albert Einstein was brilliant. But what’s often overlooked is that attributed his incredible success not only to his intelligence, but to his ability to contemplate. His theory of relativity did not emerge from a packed agenda or endless meetings—it was born out of deep reflection, from deliberate time spent in retreat (often to the Adirondacks of Upstate New York), away from the noise of daily obligations.

In a world that keeps moving faster, we all long for time to get away, to slow down and take a breath. But not all “time away” is created equal. The difference between a vacation and a retreat isn’t just about where you go — it’s about what you’re seeking.