Introducing: RETREATING

Retreats-taking care of YOU by taking time for YOU, is  a topic that I want to teach you about

(for those who aren't familiar with this form of self-care. Lots of people I know do this regularly, in all sorts of ways. On the other hand, lots of people I know never take time for themselves.

My philosophy about taking care of yourself is this: Self-care begins at home.

That means it starts with you, in your mind and heart.

On this blog, you can come here to get tips, resources and encouragement to start to experiment with how to go about retreating, or retreating more often.

This is more about deciding to give it a try. I'll provide you with information so you can choose how, when, and why.

So, I've come up with an idea: Here, we can form a community of people in the world who wish to care for themselves.

You can leave comments here about your retreat experiences to share with others.

National Relaxation Day is Saturday, August 15th, 2015.

This will be our first launch date together. (If you can't make it that day, please choose another time that works for you)

There is no charge to be part of the Attract A Great Life community

At this time, there is no Facebook group to report in to-just comment here.

I also put out a free newsletter online: Contact me at sandycoaches@comcast,net to subscribe.

WHAT'S A RETREAT?

• Taking time for yourself
• It can be a moment or two, half-day, full-day, a week, a month
• Perhaps you will be still and rest
• Maybe you'll run and play
• Working in the garden
• For a young mom, 2 minutes in the bathroom alone is a retreat
• Renting a cabin
• A spot near the water
• My son-in-law says it would be with a fishing pole at the lake
• At home, there might be just the spot-perhaps a comfy chair
• You can retreat alone, or with others
• Parks are wonderful
• You may use the time to remember others
• A retreat can be silent~or not

WHEN TO RETREAT

The time is up to you. Often, we must plan ahead, which is a great thing!

This way, you get to look forward to your special time that is just for you.

You may need a baby-sitter or help at home

HOW I'VE DONE IT

Usually, I pack a small tote bag, because I often retreat at home, often in my studio-home office.

I put little treats in it and maybe a book, DVD and some art to do. When the day comes, I can't wait to go in there, light a candle and sit quietly. Our little patio works, too.

I notice my breath and appreciate it.

HOW OTHERS HAVE DONE IT

A friend went to a retreat site to sing, dance and write poetry to honor her mother

Someone else goes to a Buddhist retreat in the mountains for 12 days of silence

My husband sits quietly a few minutes before leaving for work

Another friend calls Monday mornings her 'Soul Spa'-she does what she wishes

I'm on retreat when I chop veggies in my kitchen-relaxing, to me

A park bench is a welcoming retreat spot, isn't it?

At the beach, the mountains, the city, the country, the RV

WHAT NOT TO DO

DO NOT 'GO ON RETREAT' WHILE DRIVING!!! 

DO NOT LEAVE BURNING CANDLES UNATTENDED

DO NOT TELL YOURSELF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS-YOU DO!

Make a decision to begin to relax, refresh, and restore yourself.

There's no time like the present!

NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH

HOW WILL YOU RETREAT?

RESOURCE:

The Woman's Retreat Book-Jennifer Louden (great for men, too)-tons of ideas on ways to take a retreat, books, movies and music to choose from.