I’m Retreating — the Discovery

When I decided to go on a solo retreat, I had no idea what I was in for.

I wanted to get away from all the trappings of a busy life-TV, computers, phones, email, deadlines.

I wanted to be free of all the noise that I’d become numb to – shopping malls, fast food chains on every corner, traffic.

I wanted to stay where it was simple, where all my basic needs would be met and I would feel comfortable and safe – and not distracted by expensive restaurants or shopping or any other form of entertainment.

I wanted it to be just me and me.

I stayed in a 1-room cabin, called The Hermitage that was about 12’x10’ total.  I had everything I needed – a warm bed, a screen porch, a rocking chair, dining table encircled by 3 bay windows that looked out into the woods and a kitchenette.  Sounds sparse doesn’t it?  I must admit, that when I arrived on Friday evening and walked in, my first thought was, “Oh my. This is tiny!”  By the time I awoke the next morning, my thought had shifted to, “This is perfect.”

My experience over the next 2 days was amazing – hearty meals delivered to my door wrapped to keep warm  (homemade everything, all organic, all made with love), deer walking past my window while I wrote in my journal, long hours of reading in the rocking chair with a blanket around me.  I learned a lot about my ability to make do with very little and realized it was just enough.  I was reminded of how important quiet time is – not just for a few minutes or even an hour – but for many uninterrupted hours in a row.  It was incredible and I am so grateful for the opportunity to commune with Nature and experience silence.

This time away wasn’t just for me personally.  I had set and intention to get clear on my 2014 business goals and how I wanted my year to look in general.

I know what you’re thinking. Goals and planning don’t sound too relaxing.

Ah, that’s what you think.

You see, my coach, the amazingly brilliant Jac McNeil,  had just created a retreat guide for solo business owners to aide them in gaining clarity on where they’ve been, where they are now and where they want to go.  I was armed with a road map had all the provisions I needed. I learned so much about myself – what I want, what I don’t. Mostly, I learned that there’s no rush. There’s no deadline for me to meet. I am doing work I love and finding my way and that in itself is amazing. This is a journey for me – not a destination. I plan to do this work for the rest of my life and now I know it will evolve as I evolve. There is no “there”. It’s just “next”.

I think we can all look at this and find something that fits.  We women don’t take enough time to care for ourselves. We continue to make choices to care for others and pile more on our list of things to get done thinking that we’ll arrive at some magical place called “there.”  This leads us further and further away from our natural selves.  We all have an innate wisdom that when listened to, tells us exactly what we need to know.  Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve stopped long enough to hear yours.

Maybe it’s time to rediscover and learn to trust it again.

(Do you find yourself speeding through life, oblivious to the longings of your soul? Stay tuned for the dates for my 2014 women’s retreats!)

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