Stay at Home Spring Retreat

At Home Yoga Retreat; It's All About You!

Sitting at my desk, window open, birds chirping and a cool breeze blowing in. Ahh, Spring.  Anybody else feel me? 
Thank goodness Spring has arrived, bringing freshness, newness, and baby birds!  It is a great time for feeding our souls and nurturing our minds, bodies and hearts, a great time for a personal retreat for some self care. It would be amazing to be whisked away to some beachy or mountain location, disconnect from all the distractions and reconnect with our energy and our heart’s yearnings.  OK, OK,  I know that’s not a possibility for most of us, but I’ve got some great ideas for creating a retreat wherever we are.  Ten minutes or Two hours? I got you!

First, decide on your retreat space. Make it sacred and serene.  It can be outside at a nearby park or at home, you just need a small space, a spare corner in your bedroom or your back porch works fine.  Fill it with things you love; candles, tranquil music, crystals, sea shells, pictures, motivational quotes.  Grab your favorite snacks, cheese,chocolates,wine or hot tea. Really zoozsh up your space.  Then set your intention, “What do you need most from this retreat?”

When it comes to time for your retreat, choose a time when you have time.  Like, when the kids are gone or in bed and your partner is busy.

Got 10 minutes? Sit up tall, bring your hands together and rub vigorously.  Once your hands feel warm, close your eyes and place your hands on your eyes and forehead.  Breathe deeply.  Notice the sensations you feel.  Repeat several times. Another option, light a candle you love.  Grab your tea, wine or chocolate.  Sit for several minutes, savoring.  Noticing the feel, the taste, the aroma. Watch the candle flicker and take several slow, deep belly breaths.

Got 2 hours? Immerse yourself in nature for 20-30 minutes.  Take a walk, sit under a tree, lay down and watch the clouds. Make yourself a nice meal or snack. Commit to eating foods that you love.  Find a place to sit, take three deeps and then savor all the different tastes and textures of your meal.  Spend the last bit of time resting, yes, resting.

And always, leave a few moments for reflecting.  Consider these questions: What did I learn today? What was challenging? What do I want to celebrate about myself and my retreat? How can I take this information out into the rest of my life?

Whether you have 10 minutes, 2 hours or the whole day, a Spring Retreat for renewal and reenergizing awaits. Remember, it's all about you. Enjoy!