What to do when you get to your retreat:

• Create an entry ritual. Light that candle, toss a leaf in the air, sit quietly and breathe. Or do all three.

Gaze. Wonder. Think. Probably fall asleep.

• Read something inspiring. Write or draw what you are hoping for from the retreat. Pray. Meditate. Sing. Do something physical.

I like walking.

• Allow what you feel to unfold. Many people are so busy and overstimulated they become uncomfortable being alone and are easily bored. Think about other generations before us, how simple their lives were, how much downtime their brains had.  Allow boredom. It’s good for you.

Wish my naps looked like this. More like, eye mask on, earplugs in, snoring rapturously.

• Take a nap if you need to. I’m one of those busy, overstimulated people. One of the first things I find when I get to my retreat, is an overwhelming need to sleep. I take a nap, and wake up truly refreshed and ready to delve into the depths of my experience. I’ve begun to anticipate the inevitability of that nap, and submit to it as part of my entry ritual.

ENJOY YOUR RETREAT AND REVEL IN YOUR SOLITUDE.

Harvest whatever it holds for you.

(Dang, I'm starting to sound new-agey, must have grown up hippie or something)

• When you leave, create an exit ritual. Close everything up. Pray and be grateful for the time you had to richly experience whatever gift that retreat brought you.

This is a great graphic that sums the whole thing up.

• Begin planning your next one! Retreats are good for your mind, body and soul.