The power of taking a retreat
The power of taking a retreat
I just finished leading a private coaching retreat with a beloved client who came to spend a magical day with me in Santa Fe to gain clarity around her life and her business.
This client, we’ll call her Nancy, has been running a branding firm in New York for close to 20 years and at the age of 48 she is feeling burnt out and lost.
Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Burnout doesn't just affect the individual; it has a ripple effect on relationships and professional interactions.
Nancy is not alone. There is currently an unspoken epidemic of middle aged creatives feeling burnout and unsure about what to do about it.
This crossroad, like any crossroads we might face in life, can feel heavy and lonely. What we know as familiar may not make us come alive anymore and meeting ourselves in that space often brings up fear and anxiety about the unknown future.
Whenever I am at a crossroads, or whenever I meet myself in a place where life isn’t flowing like I would like it to, I know that it’s time for me to take myself on a retreat, unplug from the everyday and reconnect with my inner muse.
Leading people through a process of rekindling their creative free spirit has become a big part of my work, much thanks to the dozens of retreats I have taken myself on in the last thirty years.
I find that when I go on a retreat, I always get a new perspective on whatever challenging situation I am facing. I’ve collected a treasure chest of tools that I use during my retreats that
help me reflect and understand myself better and bring the clarity that I am seeking.
Some of my biggest life decisions were made while on a retreat. This happens with my clients as well. The perspective they gain by going inward and allowing their authentic self to express itself often leads to insights and the answers they’ve been looking for. Guiding them through this process is a sacred experience that I hold dear to my heart.
Why taking a retreat is good for you
One of the primary benefits of taking a retreat is the creation of space — space away from daily responsibilities, constant notifications, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This space is essential for allowing the mind to slow down and the heart to open up. For someone like Nancy, stepping away from her branding firm provided her with the mental and emotional distance needed to gain new perspectives on her career and life.
It's important to note that a retreat is not like taking a vacation. While a vacation can involve leisure activities, sightseeing, and entertainment, a retreat focuses on introspection, healing, and personal growth. A retreat is about delving into one's inner world to gain clarity, process emotions, and set intentions for the future. The goal of a retreat is not merely to rest but to emerge renewed with clarity and goals.
When we are entrenched in our routines, it can be difficult to see beyond immediate challenges. Retreats offer a fresh vantage point, enabling us to look at our lives from a broader perspective. This shift can lead to profound insights and a clearer understanding of what truly matters. During her time in Santa Fe, Nancy found herself reconnecting with her long-forgotten passions and envisioning new possibilities for her future.
My role as a retreat guide helps create a safe space for exploration and provide the necessary tools and guidance for deep inner work. I assist in identifying and working through emotional barriers, uncover hidden desires, and set actionable goals. In Nancy’s case, our sessions focused on waking up her soul artist and reconnecting her with her inner muse who was ready and willing to help upon being called upon.
Burnout often stems from a prolonged disconnect from what brings us joy and fulfillment. Retreats offer an opportunity to rediscover these aspects of ourselves.
Taking a retreat with a guide like myself could absolutely fast track and create significant change in your life but it isn’t necessary. You could gain many of the same benefits from taking a solo retreat just as well. I take one at least once a year, so why couldn’t you?
If the idea of taking a solo retreat is speaking to you, here’s my top 3 tips based on my own experience on how to make the most out of one:
1. Create the ideal environment and set clear intentions:
Location: Choose a location that allows your heart to expand and your mind to quiet down. Look for total comfort with super comfortable sleeping accommodations and healthy food to nourish your body. Consider resorts or retreat centers that inspire you and lift your spirit in creative ways.
Intention Setting: Be clear about what you hope to achieve during your retreat. Set your intentions as this will help you remain focused and receptive to change. It eliminates confusion and sets the stage for a transformative experience.
Unplugging: Make necessary arrangements to be unreachable for the time you are away. Go offline and protect this time from distractions to fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience.
2. Balance structure with flexibility:
Agenda: Create a loose schedule to make the most of your time, including meditation, nature walks, meals, work sessions, and rest. However, also allow for unplanned time to respond to spontaneous inspiration or to simply relax.
Self-Care and Creative Expression: Incorporate activities that nurture your body and mind. This could be booking a massage, swimming, or engaging in creative expression like drawing, painting, or writing poetry. These activities help you get out of your head and connect with your inner self.
3. Engage in reflective practices and embrace nature:
Journaling: Keep a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and discoveries. This reflective practice helps process experiences and provides valuable insights.
Nature: Spend time alone in nature, listening to the environment and observing natural beauty. This grounding practice can lead to profound moments of peace and insight.
Avoiding Distractions: Avoid alcohol and anything that could impair your judgment or clarity. This ensures you maintain a clear mind throughout the retreat, maximizing the benefits of your time away.
Taking a retreat is an investment in yourself. A retreat provides the time and space needed to reflect, heal, and gain new perspectives. By stepping away from daily life and engaging in deep inner work, we can reconnect with our true selves, find clarity in our direction, and return to our lives with renewed energy and purpose.
Whether you are feeling burnout like Nancy or simply in need of a change, consider giving yourself the gift of taking a retreat. It might just be the key to unlocking your next chapter. And if you feel you could use some guidance and support, you are welcome to come to Santa Fe and spend a day with me.. :)