This might be helpful as you plan your retreat. A recent guest left the following notes about the rhythm of her retreats: During my last retreat, I gave attention to the typical pattern my psyche follows while on retreat. At the end of my retreat, I recorded this pattern to guide my future retreats. You may find it helpful to make note of your own patterns. In the meantime, my guide might serve useful and it follows here: First 24 Hours It takes at least 24 hours to really sink into solitude. Until you cross the threshold of shedding your outer shell that you tend to carry with you in your everyday life, you’ll feel both anxiety and/or restlessness. Stay with it. Try to not let yourself become too distracted by these feelings. Do what you need to during these first 24 hours to nurture yourself (but avoid technology). Perhaps you need to sleep. So sleep. Perhaps you need to look at a mindless magazine or stare out a window. Do it! Most importantly, don’t worry about not getting done what you set out to accomplish on retreat—have faith that when you are ready, it will come. 24 to 48 Hours If you haven’t yet honed a specific intention for your retreat, do so now. Write your intention on a piece of paper or note card. Some productivity (if your intention involves seeking) or creativity (if your intention involves creating) starts to slowly emerge during this period. If not, I usually have some good self-help books on hand and I just read, stopping to meditate on the words or journal, as needed. If you are at a retreat center, you may even find that your room is well stocked with books that may spur on your personal quest. It might also help to make a gratitude list or go for a walk or hike, location permitting. 48 to 72 Hours (and beyond) Here is where the magic happens; where you will begin to embrace the solitude more fully. By trusting the process, you will allow your inner guidance to surface and you will begin to discover answers or create with earnest as you allow yourself to be led from deep within. This is the true power of retreat. At this point, I often recall how much trouble I had settling down on the first day of retreat and smile because, already, I don’t want to leave when it is time to emerge from my hermitage.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 21:11:54 +0000
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