Smile. Breathe. Go Slowly. Learn to be calm and you will always be happy.
8 Ways To Create A Mini Retreat
Let’s take good care of ourselves first by “mini-retreating” into this last month of 2020.
We don’t have to go to Bali, Costa Rica, or Italy to find renewed energy – although a week-long yoga retreat would be fantastic right about now!
Prepare and create a foundation for a more rested and balanced self, replenish inner resources, and take time to incubate intentions for 2021 now from any place we call home.
Customized Down Time
Take a few moments, considering why a retreat would replenish inner resources. Are you feeling stuck? Is our work-life balance out of wack? Is there heaviness in life responsibilities? Or, is exhaustion the culprit? Considering what we are dreaming of retreating to will help us find the remedy.
First, begin by thinking of the perfect day. The week-long yoga retreat organizers consider elements and activities to restore body and mind like intention setting, solo time, nature walks, healthy food, physical movement, observed inspiration, adventure, and reflection time.
Creating A Mini-Retreat
After checking in with what your mind, body, and soul require, create your mini-retreat by taking all or a few of the following eight ideas.
- Most planned retreats are purposely off-the-grid, so try disconnecting! Put up an away message for email, turn off the phone and take a break from the news – even if it’s just for an hour.
- Just for you – Create an intention for your retreat time. What will be the purpose, dedication, or desire for this retreat?
- Start with a morning routine to get this mini-retreat off on the right foot. Make some special tea or your favorite morning drink. Try something new – sipping chocolate for breakfast comes to mind as a decadent way to indulge.
- Write yourself an inspirational note. Compose a letter about your hopes and dreams and how you feel after your mini-retreat from the world. Tuck it away and open it in six months from the day you wrote it and see what’s changed.
- Pamper yourself. Give yourself a massage, indulge in a facial scrub, have a Mani/Pedi —whatever makes you feel light and lovely!
- Clear away stagnant energy with water. Stand in a cold shower, swim in the sea, run through the rain – cleanse and purify, and allow all worries to be washed away.
- Be inspired by surrounding yourself with inspiring people. Listen/watch some TED Talks. Maybe take a class, online or in-person, on something you’ve been curious about.
- Go outside and REALLY look around you (my favorite). The beauty and harmony of nature is a natural remedy for our soul. Take time to notice everything – the sights, sounds, and smells. This exercise is all about shifting focus. When we breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on our skin, and marvel at the miracle of nature will alleviate whatever was creating our funk in the first place.
Book Time With Yourself Again
Let the spirit of this mini-retreat seep into your life by re-doing parts of it each day by integrating the pieces that will indeed keep you balanced and fulfilled.
Ask yourself, “What inspired me during my time away?” Did something you do light a spark? Is there a new idea brewing? Consider what you’d like to continue. Is there anything you’d like to incorporate into your daily routine?
Now, get out the calendar and book your next self retreat, but don’t wait too long. Mini-retreats should be done often.
I feel compelled to share the following – someone reading this email needs a hug and possibly given permission to let go of a heavy burden.
There are times to hold on, but now is the time to completely surrender and trust. By releasing the hold, creative forces can spiral through us, bringing inspiration and direction. Sometimes our journey goes in a different direction than expected, and that’s ok – it’s in not knowing inspiration and insight are activated. We only discover new places if we dare to let go of the shore.
All is well, friend.
BREATHE. LISTEN. ACT.
Take Action
After you indulge and give yourself space to reset and renew – tell me about it. I love hearing from you and this exercise is so important (in my opinion).
Many blessings.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. My mantra, “Be where my feet are,” nothing more, nothing less. To me, it means living in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. You’ll find resources and stories primarily about subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on these pages. By acting on my dreams and sharing my experiences, I hope you’ll be inspired to say YES, and live your happiest, best life. |
Follow along! Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
She offers weekly inspiration and a monthly roundup filled with stories and tips on travel, exploring, van living, self-care, photography and being human.