5 Tips for Retreat

My retreat experience began in 2008. I was attending a yoga class regularly on Tuesday nights. I was very new to yoga, but really liked the 75-minute break from the busyness of life that my yoga class provided. I also really loved the yoga teacher. She was able to break down the poses into manageable chunks. She taught me how to connect with my breath and she spoke about spirituality in a way that resonated with me far more than what I experienced in a church. When she began promoting her retreat offering, I was curious but skeptical.

• Was this like summer camp for adults?
• Would I have to actually camp?
• Would I need to share a bathroom?
• Are there bathrooms?

I had all the questions and didn't know what to expect. Because some of you may be in the same boat, I thought I'd share 5 tips from my retreat experience over the last 15 years.?

1. There are many types of retreats - choose wisely.?

Are you interested in a spiritual yoga retreat? Would you like a weekend to explore your creativity through art, writing, pottery, etc.? Are you interested in camping, hiking or kayaking? Before selecting a retreat, it is important to be clear on the agenda. It should speak to you and feel nurturing.

Please don't select a retreat focused on an activity you have no experience with unless it clearly states that beginners are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Also know that any good retreat will offer the activities as invitations vs. requirements. If you would prefer to skip a workshop, be sure to let the instructor know and all should be cool. If you are not sure if it will be, ask before you sign up. The objective is to rest, renew and restore vs. stress yourself out doing something too hard, uncomfortable and/or get hurt in the process.?

2. Accommodations - know what you need for a good night's sleep.?

One of the best parts of going on retreat is the rest. The point is to unplug and have time to reset. It is hard to do that if you don't sleep a wink. Be clear about what you need. Are you open to sharing a room with others you might not know, or do you require a private space? Are you comfortable sleeping on the ground or do you need a soft mattress? Do you have a favorite pillow you need in order to sleep? If so, bring it with you. Give yourself every comfort needed in order to get the rest you so desperately deserve.?

3. Food glorious food - ask for what you need.?

One of the things I LOVE about going on retreat is the food. Not only is it usually healthy, locally sourced and delicious, but it is also prepared for me not by me. I don't need to do a darn thing but sit down and enjoy. No meal prep needed. No asking a spouse what they want for dinner. No need to prepare something separate the kids might enjoy. In this moment, it's all about enjoying delicious food to nourish my body.?

There are some retreat experiences that will ask for help with clean up. There are others where you are not allowed to even pick up a dish and carry it into the kitchen. The level of service provided in this regard is usually directly tied to cost. The more you pay, the less you are asked to help. If you are the primary person who cooks meals in your household, I recommend finding a retreat where you can just relax and enjoy the food. It is so wonderful to take a break from looking in the pantry to figure out what to make for dinner. A break for 3 meals a day over 3-4 days is a wonderful gift to yourself.?

A note about food allergies and dietary needs. Please ask for what you need. Be really explicit about any food sensitivities you might have. Most retreats will offer different dietary options or will make a meal specifically for you. If they can't meet your needs, then do not attend. I also recommend bringing a few of your favorite snacks or protein bars with you. You most likely won't need them, but if you do you will be very glad you tucked them in your bag.?

4. Unplug - gift yourself a technology break.?

I can't stress this one enough. The main purpose of going on a retreat is to step into an alternate universe of rest, relaxation and mindfulness. Get the most out of being present to the experience by moving your phone to airplane mode once you've checked in to let your family know you have arrived safely. Set expectations that you will be offline during this experience. Give your family an alternate way to contact you in case of emergency, and/or set the expectation that you will check in once per day. If you do this, I suggest either before or after dinner as the best time. There is usually some downtime built into the schedule around meals to give people an opportunity to digest and enjoy.?

5. Reentry - be mindful about rejoining society.?

Hopefully you have been able to enjoy a wonderful few days reconnecting with yourself. You feel refreshed and renewed, but now it's time to go home. Reentering society can be a little jarring. Please give yourself grace before jumping right back into the crazy. If possible, come home to an empty house. If not, let your family know you will need a little quiet time after giving them hugs and kisses hello. Stay grounded for as long as you can. Journal about your experience.?Start thinking about your next retreat adventure so you have something to look forward to.?

I hope you found these tips and tricks helpful. If you have not been on a retreat before I highly recommend gifting yourself the experience. Over the last 15 years, I've found 1-2 retreats a year to be the most beneficial for me. About every 6 months I get the itch to unplug and reconnect. I've attended weeklong retreats in Mexico where I was pampered every day. I've gone to rustic retreat centers in the woods where I've shared accommodations with strangers. Most recently I experienced sleeping in a glamping yurt. Each experience regardless of the level of luxury provided exactly what I needed in the moment and for that I am grateful.?

Last fall I had the opportunity to co-lead a retreat. After leading a guided meditation with the participants, I remember an unexpected feeling of joy. I had stepped into a way to be of service to others by holding space for their own deep listening experience and it felt amazing.?You can learn more about that retreat?HERE.?

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the privilege to lead retreats as part of my job at Find Your Frolic. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming retreats in 2024. I would love to see you there and hold space for your deep listening experience.?

Be well and frolic on.?