The suggestions for individual retreats presented in this book aim to provide assistance on the path to contemplation. "Contemplation" - as understood by Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross - refers to that form of prayer in which a person is entirely receptive to the experience of God, in contrast to "meditation," where the methodically guided activity of the person plays a larger role. The act of contemplation is ultimately beyond our control, a pure gift, grace. However, experience teaches that certain exercises ("exercises") can help one to properly prepare for the gift of contemplation. Such exercises can take on a particular intensity during days of explicit retreats, but they can also extend over a longer period. In this sense, the exercises presented in this book serve this purpose.