How to have your own at home Retreat

At home Retreat

Perhaps you don’t have the time or the finances for a getaway weekend retreat, but all is not lost: I suggest a DIY version!

It’s important to utilize the time we have to make sure we are taking care of ourselves and taking regular weekend retreats can be a wonderful way to bring balance.

This can be difficult with a family, but it’s not impossible. Let the people around you know of your intension and decide what you need. You and your family might consider a “family retreat.” It might even mean putting all electronic devices away, bringing out the board games, cooking together, or having a movie night. It also might mean you and your partner juggling the kids to give each other some special retreat time.

Whatever your situation, your retreat will take some planning. Make a list, make a schedule. Invest the time to really contemplate what you might need and what you would like to get out of your retreat.

Consider these three areas:

Retreat

What does this mean for you? Shutting the world out? Being specific and intentional about where you spend your time?

A retreat might mean that your clear your schedule. Block out a “no commitment” time that is just for you, but not necessarily too planned.

It might mean deciding exactly what you are going to do ahead of time.

Disconnect from devices. It can be freeing to give yourself permission to put the phone/laptop away for a period of time. Doing this really provides you with the space you need to retreat. It is very hard to connect with yourself if you are constantly connected to a device. Set up an auto reply message and put it away!

Silence. Can you spend part of your day or weekend retreat in silence? I’ve spent many days on silent retreat and it can be absolutely magical. Not having to speak or construct sentences can really free up your mind for other adventures.

Environment. Think about where you will spend your retreat time and prepare it. Maybe this means prepping your apartment space by clearing out clutter. Getting some essential oils, candles, luxurious bath supplies etc. Make sure you have the laundry done and any shopping or supplies on hand.

Restore

What do you need? What will be your restoration focus? Here are a few thoughts.

Food. A primary source of nourishment. Get healthy seasonal foods at the ready. Decide ahead of time what you are going to make and plan a menu. Nothing too complicated, just simple good food. When you are preparing it, really focus on the act of preparing. When you are eating savor each mouthful.

Meditate. Take a class or make time for yourself. If it’s something you’ve been meaning to do, your retreat might be a great time to begin your commitment.

Yoga. Yoga can be wonderfully therapeutic with the right teacher. It can be an act of mindfulness and of meditation. A time to stretch out your tension, to release, to focus on your body and it needs. Do a bit of research and find a teacher and class that will offer what you need on your retreat,. There are also online options if your retreat does not involve venturing out.

Read. Be aware that anything going into your mind has an effect in some way. What do you want to be absorbing on retreat? A book of magical thinking that will transport you? A book that will help you gain insight into yourself? Inspire you? Where do you want to be taken by the written word? Again consider what you need at this time.

Journal. Writing can be a wonderful way to process emotions, to clear your mind of clutter, to find a way to move on from something.

Paint, Draw, or Color. Let your creativity flow. Enjoy the process. Do not be concerned with any outcomes, this is just about using materials and being in the moment.

Pamper yourself. This can actually be classified as basic self care! Get that massage, or that facial! Or set up your bathroom with candles, essential oils, and clean towels. Rejoice in the beauty of water.

Reconnect

Again, really contemplate what “reconnection” means to you. What do you want to reconnect to?

Nature. Take a walk in the park and focus on the surrounding trees, sky, and earth. You will never have this moment again – soak it up.

Art. Think about what your eye is consuming. Perhaps you need some visual stimulation in the form of art, color, and line. Do you want to absorb paintings? Sculpture?

Friends and community. Reconnecting might mean spending time with the friends that really make you feel good. The friends that inspire, that help give you clarity, and make you feel good.

You won’t regret taking this time for yourself. The more often you can do it the better – for yourself and those around you!

Brogan Ganley is Mindfulness and Meditation Program Developer and Teacher who helps her clients find clarity and a sense of balance and resilience in their lives. She specializes in teaching tools and techniques designed to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.