What
exactly is a retreat? The definition from Webster is an act or process
of withdrawing; a place of privacy or safety; a period for prayer, meditation,
study, or instruction under a director
I
would add, a period of time you completely unplug and disconnect from your
normal routine, responsibilities, and distractions, to focus completely on
yourself and your needs.
Retreats
have been valued for a long time, shown by this quote, “Every now and then
go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your
judgment will be surer; since to remain constantly at work will cause you to
lose power or judgment…” written by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th
Century! Even way back then, the brilliant artist recognized the value of
retreats!
Retreats offer a rich and valuable
experience to help you lead your most authentic and intentional life.
Here
are my top 10 reasons why:
1. We change our environment, we change our mind. When you are away
from your email, piles on your desk, children, messy closets, and yardwork, it
frees your mind to think about your life in a totally different way. It
creates space in your mind to explore, contemplate, and ponder things on a
larger scale.
2. We have to be quiet in order to listen. We are so busy with
so much stimulation around us today, it is rare to have any quiet time. Our
still, inside voice of wisdom, (the one we often don’t pay much attention to)
comes through loud and clear when we take the time to be quiet.
3. We all need to be part of something bigger. Being with a group of
like-minded people is powerful. Strong bonds are made, even in a weekend
when you spend time eating, talking, and practicing together inside the
community of a retreat.
4. We experience something new. Much of the power of
going on retreat comes from a willingness to open to the adventure of the
complete experience. I can’t tell you how many of my participants have done
something for the first time on their retreat—from surfing to horseback riding.
5. We flow with nature. Most retreats are centered around
nature. Whether it is the ocean, a river, or the mountains, when we experience
the passionate flow of nature, we are reminded how we can choose to flow in our
own lives.
6. We experience breakthroughs when we take the time to stop. A new perspective is
powerful. You take a step outside your “normal” life and things become more
clear, transparent, and obvious, all setting you up for a breakthrough in your
relationships, your work, or your handstand.
7. We give ourselves the permission and space not to be “doing”
something all the time. There is not a busyness, but a
real business in retreating. You learn how much you really are doing for
yourself, by doing nothing.
8. We find our way back to ourselves. We renew, rejuvenate,
and recharge with the mental, emotional, and physical rest a retreat provides
and remember our true nature.
9. We experience freedom. You get to choose
when to eat, sleep, take a walk by yourself, or join the group hike. When
you focus on what you need moment to moment, you experience a sense of peace
and contentment with your freedom of choice.
10. Your Retreat is a gift you give yourself, but it is also a
gift to others. After you experience the power of a retreat, you
return home more present, attentive, and intentional with yourself and everyone
else in your life.
Now
that you know the power a retreat has to offer, what are you waiting for?
You could always take yourself on a retreat, but the problem is you have
to figure out all of the logistics, and the perfect time, and if you really
have the money, and, and, and,…you may not quite get around to doing it.
I
encourage you to look online, talk to people, and book your retreat NOW.
To get you started, here is the information for my upcoming
Costa Rica Retreat January 15-21, 2013 at Pura Vida Resort in the lush tropical surroundings.
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