If you have invested in one of my online retreats, thank you very much! I appreciate it, Arcadi my Borzoi appreciates it and so do Tess, Aurore and Esprit, my Friesian horses. And the cats, mustn’t forget Caspar, Lucy and Lillie.
You can approach your online retreat in two different ways: you can set one or two days apart and work through the retreat materials from beginning to end, or you can set aside 10-30 minutes or more each day to do a section of the retreat each day – depending on the format of the retreat.
Either way, the time you set aside for your retreat is sacred, and there are a few this you can do to make sure others know that during this time you are not to be interrupted.
- Choose a specific time slot for your retreat, whether it’s a full day, a weekend, or several shorter timeslots on consecutive days. Mark it on your calendar and commit to honouring your retreat schedule.
- Create a peaceful environment: Designate a quiet and private space in your home where you can retreat. If you don’t live on your own, you’ll benefit most from having a door with a lock between you and the never-ending demands of everyday life.
- You are doing your retreat online. The online environment can be seriously distracting: you may receive notifications from social media, emails, etc. You may also be tempted to multitask, dividing your attention between the retreat and other tasks. Do a digital detox: disconnect from distractions. Turn off or silence the electronic devices you are not using for the retreat, including phones, tablets, and computers, to avoid distractions and interruptions. This will enable you to fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience.
- Nourish your body, mind, and soul during your retreat. Prioritize self-care activities such as healthy meals, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest.
- Plan your retreat activities: If you are setting aside a day or two for your retreat, decide on the activities you want to engage in during your retreat, in addition to working through the retreat material I have provided. This can include going for a walk, doing some stretching exercises, or engaging in creative activities.
- Create a loose framework for your retreat. Allocate time slots for each activity, allowing for breaks and transitions. This structure will help you stay focused and make the most of your retreat experience.
- While it’s important to have a plan and structure for your retreat, avoid overloading your schedule with too many activities or sessions. Give yourself ample time for rest, reflection, and integration. Allow for flexibility and spontaneity in your retreat, allowing yourself to explore what feels right in the moment.
- Make sure you have a comfortable, uncluttered place to sit or lie down.
- Start each session by paying attention to what is going on inside of you as well as around you. What do you see? What do you hear? Are you listening to my Gratitude and Generosity Playlist on Youtube? What do you feel? What do you smell – an aromatherapy candle? What do you taste? In my case, it would be the first blissful cup of coffee of the day.
- Use the vast array of online resources available for retreats. Look for guided meditations, mindfulness apps, and virtual yoga classes that align with your aims for your retreat.
- Reflect and integrate: As your retreat comes to an end, take time to reflect on your experience. Journal about insights gained, moments of clarity, and any action steps you want to take moving forward. Reflecting on your retreat allows you to integrate the lessons and benefits into your daily life.
The key to a successful at-home online retreat is creating a dedicated and intentional space for self-care, self-awareness, self-discovery and growth. Tailor your retreat to suit your aims, needs and preferences, and embrace the opportunity to reconnect with yourself in the comfort of your own home.