RETREAT

-A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a facilitator. 

-A place of privacy or safety or refuge.
 
-The act of retiring or withdrawing one's self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable.  

-A special season of solitude and silence to engage in stress relieving or meditative practices.

-A period of several days of withdrawal from society for exclusive  duty to retreat. 

-A temporary withdrawal from ordinary daily living to nourish ones inner spiritual longings.

-An active step toward embracing stillness of ones soul.

-A conscious move to open oneself to the inner workings of the mind and spirit.

-Time out to contemplate and meditate in peaceful surroundings.


-A choice to be solitary and still or in company of likeminded souls to grow spiritually.

- A time to enjoy a change in temperature(usually an increase), nourishing food and activities.



Yoga retreats often combine many of these elements, nutritious food, relaxing environment, physical activity, meditation, plenty of rest, time to reconnect and warmer temperatures (a welcome change from winter).  All of which help to decrease stress and restore optimum health.

Home Retreat

Create some time and facilitate a retreat for yourself.  Setting up time with your partner and kids that allows for this time in advance is best.

-Create space and a time to be solitary. This can be as little as fifteen minutes to several hours or days, enough time to recharge your inner spirit, to truly take a break for you. 

-If you have an outdoor space, create your retreat in a quiet corner the yard with a blanket, your ipod or cd player in the summer.

-If indoors take your time in a room, close the door.  Using headphones is often the easiest method of separating yourself, minimizing distractions.  A meditation cd can help, a guided approach may work for you.  Music or nature sounds, something  that is soothing or relaxing for you. Ear plugs work well to quiet a  space as well.

-The indoor retreat can be also taken in the bathroom as a soothing bath, candles, essential oils, possibly using the headphones.

-Your ipod and an arm strap can create a time for your yoga practice with a soundtrack or using an audio based asana/posture practice.