Retreat!

When was the last time you took a day off to fill your own “well”?  A “well” is your personal reservoir of physical, emotional, and spiritual energy.  It is the source of your well-being, determining how you feel.  How you respond to daily life depends on the condition of that well.

Actual wells found in the ground, as we know, can run dry from overuse, especially if there is not an adequate source of replenishment.  As busy people today, we run the same risk.  If we do not refill our wells with time away or self-care activities, we can dry up, even become ill.

Taking a personal retreat day is the perfect way to refill our wells - body, mind and spirit.  Yet, because we are busy people, rejuvenating ourselves must be scheduled in, put at the top of our priority list if we wish to remain emotionally balanced and in good health.  Seizing the day to retreat is a wonderful gift we can give to ourselves, and it’s fun, especially if you live in Michigan.

Michigan has a wide variety of picturesque places to retreat, many within a day’s drive.  Bed and breakfast inns, waterfront cottages, ambient retreat and spirituality centers, quaint hotels, and woodsy cabins await.  So, what are you waiting for?

Designing a Personal Retreat

Begin by asking yourself where you’d like to spend your day.  At home or away?  What is your time frame and budget?  If you can get away for 24-48 hours, consider something within a few hours drive.  And if money is tight, let friends know what you’re looking for – a home, apartment, or condo might just turn up - with the friend gone, of course!  Or you can simply stay home alone, savoring the silence and solitude.

If you choose to travel, select a setting that is quiet, comfortable, with amenities you will enjoy.  A natural setting, comfortable places to lounge, a Jacuzziand pre-prepared or catered meals are ideal.  The point of a day away is to do as little work as possible, engaging only in activities that soothe and restore.

If you elect to retreat at home, you’ll need to set some ground rules to ensure genuine R & R.  No business,

laundry, or housework.  Turn on the answering machine and turn off your cell phone.  Put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the front door.  Plan your meals ahead of time.  Most importantly, ignore the pull to do what you “should” or feel you need to catch up on just because you’re home.

What to Do on Your Day Away

No matter where you decide to retreat, the key to a successful getaway lies in what you choose to do with your time.  There are no retreat police, no set way to fashion your personal retreat.  It will depend on what you’re hoping to get from the experience.  Rest or much needed sleep?  Creative inspiration?  Do you long for a totally self-indulgent day?  Choose pastimes that support your spirit.  Consider these self-nurturing activities: a nature walk; a massage; a spa experience, including a facial or pedicure; journal your thoughts and feelings; listen to music; dance; engage in a favorite hobby; read or meditate.

Though, tightly scheduling your day is not the idea either.  The focus of a retreat day is to do exactly what YOU want to do, to give yourself what you need in that moment to feel completely relaxed and at peace.  It’s a day to take good care of YOU in a most delicious way; you choose the flavor, texture, and richness as the object of your desire. And most importantly, do it guilt free!

Create the Perfect Atmosphere

The props you use while on retreat will enhance the quality of your day.  When I retreat, I enjoy bringing special things with me to make my surroundings comfortable, thereby creating a sacred space for myself.

These might include: music/portable CD; candles or incense; favorite pictures or mementos; a journal to write in; an art project; books or magazines; aromatherapy body and bath products; comfort food and drink; your own pillow or blanket; lounging clothes.

Put all of these elements together and “voila!” you’ve created the perfect day away.  Now, it will be up to you to really make it happen.  Your well-being isworth the time and price of a retreat experience.  Plan for it.  Save for it.  No matter what form of personal retreat you choose, my hope is that you will discover an oasis of peace and serenity in the midst of your busy life, even for a day.  I guarantee you’ll love every minute of it and wind up wanting more.

Check out these great sites for retreat options in Michigan:

www.findthedivine.com
www.retreatsonline.com
www.retreatfinder.com
www.allaboutretreats.com

And these for leads on B & Bs:

www.bbonline.com
www.michigan.org
www.bedandbreakfast.com
www.bnblist.com

Looking for more retreat ideas?  I recommend two books by Jennifer Louden:  The Woman’s Retreat Book and The Couple’s Comfort Book, both available at
comfortqueen.com.