When was the last time you gave yourself permission to retreat?
In this thoughtful episode, David and Margaret explore the transformative power of stepping away. During the recording of the podcast, David was mid-way through his own retreat. He took a few days for himself to travel to the mountains of Colorado (one of his favorite spots) to enjoy the changing leaves and some quiet time.
Our hosts explore some of the many ways of going on retreat—whether it’s escaping to mountain solitude, better sleep rhythms, or setting aside time for creativity.
How Do You Know It’s Time To Take Some Time?
Last month, the daylight rhythms switched so that there are more dark hours than hours of light each day. Margaret shares that she had a conversation on the solstice which invited us to find permission to curl up and enjoy the pull towards stillness that can accompany shorter days.
David chose to plan some time away after he noticed having a strong urge to have a change in climate and environment. He knows that giving himself permission to get away puts fuel in his tank.
Margaret knows it’s time to schedule some quiet time when she recognizes when her capacity for joy starts to diminish and she starts to avoid tasks that feel boring or challenging (more than usual).
Is There Such a Thing as a “Sleep Retreat”?
David swears by eight (or more) hours of sleep (and the science behind it). Our hosts wonder: could listeners benefit from commiting to a weeklong or even a weekend “retreat” that includes a commitment to 8 hours of sleeping?
David is a fan of beginning his night when the sun goes down.
Other Ideas To Retreat — Even from Home
David and Margaret explore how even brief retreats can restore your creative spark — even if travel or solitude for several days is not possible. Here are a few of their ideas:
- Say no to something in service of honoring your Inner Introvert
- Journaling
- Walking in nature or spending an afternoon on the beach or near a lake or stream
- Saying yes to connection and deep conversation with good friends
- Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way offers many creative suggestions to retreat to self
- Painting, knitting, making soup — or other activities that feel relaxing or restorative
- Watching movies that make us laugh or move us can be an escape OR curling up with a book — whatever feels like a better choice for you!
If Your Team Needs Time Away Together …
Our hosts also suggest that if your team needs a rejuvenating experience, they work in organizations seeking to build trust through organizational retreats. Through shared experiences and intentional boundaries, we can cultivate an environment where rest becomes a catalyst for growth and creativity. These moments of pause can rejuvenate not just individuals but entire teams, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.
When we create moments for reflection and rejuvenation, we lay the groundwork for more meaningful contributions to both personal and professional spheres. The harmony between rest and action becomes a delicate but rewarding balance that sustains us over time.
In conclusion, our hosts invite listeners to think about how they might slow down in service of clarity, rest and perspective.