Save thousands on a retreat by retreating at home.

Being the Mother of two small children I am finding more and more that giving to myself also gives to them. Getting away though, can be a little more challenging. This month I thought I would bring to you the idea of a retreat at home. I hope you enjoy!

A retreat can be beside the ocean or in a mountain cabin but it needn’t be. The most important aspect of a retreat is the work within.

What is a retreat? A retreat is a time set aside to withdraw (retreat) from the distractions and responsibilities of the outside world. It begins with an opening ceremony and ends with a closing ceremony. It is about silence, solitude and mindfulness.

When should you retreat? Take your diary and block out an hour/morning/day/week for your retreat.

Who do you retreat with? You! A retreat is a time for solitude.

Why should you retreat? You should retreat to re-focus and recharge.

Where do you retreat? Choose a place; it could be an unused area of your home, a chair you never sit in, a bathroom or even a big closet! Even the smallest apartment has a space if you’re creative.

How to retreat?

1. Choose an intention, what is the purpose of your retreat? A wonderful article on choosing an intention is this one written by Jennifer Louden

2. Perform an opening ceremony, it could be as simple as lighting a candle and declaring “I am now on retreat” or taking a bath and letting your worries go one by one.

3. Choose an area and make it comfortable and free of clutter. Fill it with candles, pillows or cushions, blanket and journal if you wish to write. If you need to leave your retreat stay mindful, keep internal chatter to a minimum and speak only when absolutely necessary.

4. What to do? As little as possible. Dance, take a bath, bake bread, pamper yourself with a home spa day or a home spa treatment , journal, meditate. Always being mindful and in the moment.

5. When you are ready to return to reality make the declaration “My retreat is now over and I feel alive with vitality”.

If you think that you have no time to retreat, you’re right! But what if you could make the time? Open your mind to the possibility. If you haven’t already read Jennifer Louden's article then read it now and be inspired.

Make time to give to yourself so there is more of you to give to others. Even if you have to say no to someone, do it, and have a wonderful retreat.

Expect Bliss!

Kellie Langan