Life moves so fast we can easily get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities.
The thing that is often neglected is essential to our well-being: taking time for ourselves.
While we can take short moments for a walk or meditation, another option to consider is a retreat.
A way to reconnect with ourselves and gain clarity amidst the noise of everyday life.
Benefits include self-discovery, stress reduction, enhanced creativity, and physical & mental health.
Here are a few things to consider in planning a personal retreat:
- Determine your Intention – What is the purpose of your retreat?
- Choose a Location – Do you want to go out of town? Hotel, Airbnb, or another option?
- Schedule the Retreat – How long – one day, five, more?
- Create a Plan – How will you unplug from distractions? What will your activities be?
- Pack Thoughtfully – What do you need to accomplish the activities you have planned?
A retreat is an individual experience and there is no “right” approach.
We should embrace the solitude to reflect, journal, plan, recharge, or whatever makes sense to us.
My Perspective
I’m a big fan of personal retreats.
Over the years, these moments of solitude have been essential to my well-being.
Some “retreats” have been just a few hours at home.
Others have been a full day on my own at home while the family had other activities.
A few have been a day or two on my own – in town or out of town.
Planning for what you want to get out of the time is critical.
Without an approach, progress won’t happen (this was me a couple times early on).
While time and location are important, they aren’t critical.
Spend less time thinking about how long and where to go and more time on the intention and plan.
Most importantly, give yourself grace to adjust your plan.
As you get into the retreat, you may find yourself moving in a new direction.
Go with it.
Your Turn
Have you done a personal retreat?
If you were to plan one today, what would you focus on?
Could you take the first step today and block time on your schedule?