Flow Practice No 4 - the Retreat

To make the most out of a personal retreat, think of it as an essential recharge—a time to restore your emotional and mental capacity. A retreat can be especially helpful when you’re feeling low, self-doubtful, or irritated, and need to reconnect with yourself. Here’s a guide on when and how to embark on a successful retreat, tailored to bring you back to a place of balance.

When to Retreat

A retreat is most beneficial when you’re running on empty. Look for signs like irritability, a lack of self-belief, or when you notice you’re being harder on yourself than usual. If smaller breaks haven’t been enough, it’s a sign you may need this deeper reset.

Plan to do this type of retreat a couple of times a year or whenever you feel you need to reconnect with yourself in a profound way. Trust your instincts about when it’s time; you’ll know when regular rest stops feeling restorative and something more immersive is needed.

How to Set Up a Successful Retreat

1. Choose a Setting That Inspires You
   Pick a natural location that feels calming and invigorating. Ancient woodlands, like those with old trees and ponds, can provide a powerful sense of history and grounding. Find a place where you can be undisturbed, even if it’s not far from home.

2. Embrace Solitude—But Not Monastic Silence
   While solitude is key, this doesn’t mean you have to avoid all human contact. A brief interaction with someone you meet, like a host at an Airbnb, is fine. The focus is on connecting with yourself and keeping distractions to a minimum.

3. Set No Agenda
   A central part of the retreat is letting go of plans. Begin each day with a blank slate, allowing yourself to follow your instincts. Whether you decide to sleep in, take a long walk, or simply sit quietly, let your desires guide you. The aim is to break from the structure of everyday life, so avoid schedules or to-do lists.

4. Break Routine Habits
   Use this time to disconnect from the routines you fall into at home, like watching TV in the evening or listening to the radio every morning. Small changes can help you re-evaluate and tune in to what you actually enjoy versus what you do out of habit.

5. Allow Time for Reflection and Awareness
   Without the usual distractions, you’ll likely notice things about yourself that might be overlooked in daily life. This can include physical tension, unacknowledged emotions, or moments of joy in simple pleasures. This reflective state can be incredibly rejuvenating and expansive.

6. Start Small and Make it Easy
   Don’t wait for the “perfect” circumstances or gear (like a camper van or expensive retreat site). Start small with a night or two somewhere nearby, with the goal of carving out time just for you. The goal is to ease into the practice without stress or obstacles.

Why Retreating Works

By stepping away from your daily environment and loosening the routines that govern your time, you create space for deeper personal awareness and relaxation. This retreat practice isn’t self-indulgent but is rather a powerful way to restore your inner balance and tap into what you genuinely need. The impact of spending intentional time alone can bring you back feeling rejuvenated, grounded, and ready to engage with the world with a clearer mind and renewed energy.

Good luck on your first retreat—start small, make it simple, and let it be a time for your soul to reset.

Here are some photos from this retreat and Staverton Thicks (what a name!)

Staverton Thicks, near Wantisden Park in Suffolk, England

And here’s a video to inspire you to go on your own retreat