Do you long to get away for some much-needed renewal and unplug from the chaos of the world, if even just for a day or two?
Do you wish to find that perfect retreat that would satisfy all your needs and whims at a time that’s good for you?
Here I will guide you step by step through the process of creating your custom- made retreat that suits you perfectly, with you as the leader.
Several years ago a favorite yearly yoga retreat I had been attending had stopped being held. I desperately still needed this time away to recharge so I searched and searched for another retreat that didn’t involve much travel time. Nothing came up. I couldn’t find another retreat that really appealed to me, that offered all the soul-filling activities I was into along with plenty of alone time.
At the time I was living in a household with three pre-teen to teen sons and a high needs husband. As a strong introvert I was starving for solitude to re-fill my very empty well. Suddenly a solution came to me. I’ll just make my own retreat!
I happened upon a cozy, comfortable cabin in the mountains of Berkeley Springs, WV. None of my family could understand why I would want to go alone. What will you do? Will you be safe? Friends would ask afterwards, “didn’t you get bored?”.
I have to admit, that first night’s stay after a bumpy drive up dirt mountain roads and a fierce thunderstorm that night, I was wondering myself what I was doing this for. I soon enough settled in, relishing in the freedom to do I as I please. I’ve been returning one to two times a year ever since.
My “cabin time” has become so much more than just getting away. This is sacred time. Magic happens there. I’ve had spontaneous awakening experiences there. I can walk into this cabin and trust that I will connect to myself and the Divine in ways I never could at home or at an organized retreat.
I also have very normal relaxing times there, like watching the sunset or soaking up the sunshine on the deck. The best part is I get to choose how I want to spend my time. No facilitator or traveling companion to sway me one way or another.
Below I offer you my step by step guide based on my years of experimenting with different approaches to creating my own retreats. I’ve finally got it nailed down to a surefire system.
10 Steps to Creating Your Best Retreat Ever
photo by Karen Tasto
1. Decide what kind of environment best suits you. For me my soul feels most at home in the mountains with forest, wide vistas and water flowing. You might feel best seaside, in the desert, farm or even city.
2. Browse different rentals, hotels or B&B’s. What most speaks to you? “My cabin” offers the solitude I need. Do you need some human interaction or do you prefer absolute quiet or something in between? Do you want to eat meals out or keep it simple and make your own?
3. How long can you manage? Ideally you give yourself 2–3 nights away. One day can also do wonders. It’s more about quality than quantity. Carve out your time well in advance so nothing will take get in the way.
4. Decide before you go what types of practices or activities will most fill you up. Let this be about being more than doing. These activities are not things to knock off a to-do list but rather just possibilities. My usual practices are meditation, journaling, yoga, slow walks/hikes and dance. Sometimes I’ll maybe collage or paint, write poetry, reflect on the past six months — year. I park my car at the cabin and don’t leave until check-out. I used to need to drive into town for a meal or shopping midway through but now I need to stay put. I have found that leaving the space except for hikes or walks disrupts my flow and hampers my connection to my inner world. You want to have some ideas of what you’ll engage yourself with just so you’re not resorting to old habits like phone scrolling or TV watching. Think meaning and not distraction. The point is to face yourself with all your thoughts, emotions, and stories that may arise when you are alone with yourself.
5. Gather supplies and tools. Yes, you need to bring the usual bag of clothes and personal items. But don’t forget about such things as yoga props, journal, books, art supplies you love, music, guided relaxation recordings.
6. Unplug. Most importantly, turn off electronic devices. Limiting distractions like your phone allows for your Highest self and inner voice to emerge. My husband and I agree to just some texts at bedtime to check-in.
7. Step into your space with intention but be open to it shifting. Setting an intention for your retreat is super important. The more intentional you can be, the more likely you will receive exactly what you need.
8. Make sacred space. Smudge. Set up your altar or a sacred visual. An altar is a crucial piece for me and one I took time to really grow into. This gives me a focal point in the space and creates the sacredness I crave. Add ritual like lighting a candle or incense or adding things you gather from outside to your altar. One ritual I try to perform, weather permitting, is to make a small bonfire, write on pieces of paper what I’m letting go of and burn them. The cabin I go to has a designated firepit.
9. Stay in flow throughout, asking yourself, “what do I most need now?”.No should’s. This is a chance to really get to know yourself and what your body and spirit need in each moment rather than your usual life of demands, responsibilities and expectations. Make sure there is more being than doing. Let Spirit guide you!
10. Keep a journal for writing your intention, recording insights, and discoveries. Before you check-out, answer in your journal, “what am I leaving with?”.
Most of all have fun with the process. Let me know how it goes in the comments below and happy retreating!
Article originally posted on medium.com