“A retreat can be anything that allows us to intentionally enter another world where time slows to nonexistence, silence prevails, and a certain tranquility pervades the atmosphere. Here in this sacred space, we can replenish our souls, restoring our connection with the eternal. A daily retreat nourishes our inner life and encourages our progress along our unique spiritual journey. “
–Rachel Harris, Ph.D, in 20 minute retreats
Weake up call
The sun was still quite high in the sky as I sat quietly on the balcony. I had brought two very thick pillows to my bench to be even more comfortable than usual. I had a free moment and I did not bring a book, I did not sit down to plan or write. I decided to just sit there quietly and relax.
Stray thoughts had been passing to greet me all day as I hurried from place to place, pressed to do everything on the agenda as quickly and conveniently as possible, tense without even knowing it, wishing I could hit an Escape Button and be back home in my comfortable house dress and slippers.
What were my thoughts?
That right now, my life is moving too fast! That I have SO MUCH TO DO that I’m not taking care of myself, or my heart, or my soul, at all. Once again, I had fallen into my crazy routine of staying up late, waking up exhausted, and not breathing much as one item on the agenda shifted to the next.
Once again, I resolved to slow down and make room in my crazy busy schedule. For tranquility. For the stillness. For an intuitive guide. For connecting more deeply with myself. Join me?
What’s in your daily mini-retreat kit?
I suggest the following …
1) A Journal – Keep your journal close by in case a thought you want to capture comes to mind. Maybe even a paragraph? But there is no rule that says you have to fill a page. Even a two-word documentation of how you feel that day could be meaningful down the road.
2) A cup of tea: For me, a cup of chamomile tea is the warmest and most inviting thing I can think of to add to a retreat. But for you, it could be something else. Hot chocolate? Sweet tea? Give yourself something comforting.
3) A candle: mine smells like a cookie! But anything that smells good or is nice to look at will do. You can even hypnotize yourself by looking at the flame and have a few minutes of meditation.
4) A Relaxing Music CD: Music, unless it’s very gloomy, almost always cheers me up. Anything that sparks your spirit, inspires hope, or makes you feel good would be a great addition to your daily retreat.
How long are we talking about a withdrawal, exactly?
How long would it work for you? Even a ten minute break can be rejuvenating. I sat on my balcony for half an hour, but was completely relaxed in about 15 minutes.
