In my last blog I introduced you to the fantastic Dhanakosa, a buddhist retreat located by Loch Voil ... a location of absolute beauty and tranquility.
When you hear of a retreat you instantly think of relaxation, good food and fresh air ... all that you get, plus picturesque scenery and the opportunity to meet some fantastically interesting people.
What people fail to tell you is that you should never underestimate the effect on your body when you remove distractions and just be.
I have been to a few retreats over the years and one of the things that continuously shocks me is the impact being with your own mind 24/7 has on your sanity. On entering, everyone seems well-balanced, but after a few days the cracks start to show.
Now saying this, I don't want to take away from the benefits of a retreat. I recommend everyone try it out at least once and would be shocked if you don't make a return visit. It's great to escape for a week and to remember that there are alternative lifestyles open to you.
So how do you make the most of the experience, here are my top tips to stay sane on a retreat.
Tip 1: Tell someone where you are going
On retreat I rarely get a signal ... and to be honest I wouldn't want to. Disconnecting is part of the fun. At 12 o'clock at night though, it can also cause a lot of stress. What if something has happened at home? Do people know how to get in touch with you? Don't let these concerns distract you. Tell someone where you are going in advance and make sure your out of office is on.
Tip 2: Wrap up warm
For some reason, on retreat, people seem to feel guilty about putting on the heating ... there is no reason for this but it seems to be a consistent theme. You also want to make sure you have some cosy footwear. Most retreats ask you to leave your shoes at the door so make sure you have some cosy socks or slippers to bring along.
My person preference is Mahabis. Be warned, at £79.99 they may seem expensive, but with slip on soles it means you get the value of two shoes without the bulk.
Most retreats also have a store where you can buy books, equipment, clothing, photography etc. When I go on retreat I take lots of books and writing material but once there my mind always seems to go in a different direction. It's good to have some spare cash to be able to buy the books that fit with your mood and with most onsite stores, doubling up as a social enterprise, you are also helping people with your purchase.
Tip 4: Take running shoes
You may want to invest in some running shoes or walking boots. Most retreats are surrounded by amazing views. You naturally want to sample some of the beauty but more so ... you may have a Forrest Gump moment where you just feel like running. If you ask the retreat organisers, they should be able to provide you with maps. Some retreats also have hillwalking in their programme.
Tip 5: Write
Silences are hard core. The first few you may enjoy but after a while you regress to being the 12 year old sitting at the back of the class, writing notes to your best friend. As a chatter box, this was tough for me. Reading is a great escape, but for me writing is the best way to get through a silence. Your brain will throw up some weird and wonderful thoughts at you. Trust me you will want to record some of it :)
Tip 6: Warn your family and friends
Going back into 'real' life is one time when throwing yourself in the deep-end isn't best. You may be overly sensitive and won't take negativity very easily. You may want to warn your nearest and dearest to treat you with kid gloves for a bit.
Tip 7: Integrate gradually
You may feel anxious about going back on the grid. For me, dipping your toe in the water is better than diving right in. I start off by switching on my phone. Anything urgent will come through phone calls or text messages. Once you realise your world hasn't fell apart, gradually introduce social media ... then when you are feeling brave, check out your emails.
Tip 8: Remember not everyone has been on the same journey
What you have taken part in is very unique. A few demons may have came to the surface and you may want to talk or even confront someone about it. Whatever you feel the urge to do, remember that not everyone has been on the same journey as you. They may not feel as intensely about the situation or may not want to talk about it.
Tip 9: Find a meditation playlist
Meditation and mindfulness is becoming a lot more common and I can see it's popularity increasing .... In the UK social acceptance isn't quite there yet though so be prepared to get some comments if people find out you are meditating. I recommend investing in a pair of headphones. Meditation doesn't need to be done in a shrine room. You can do it anywhere ... work, home, walking, running ... the bathroom. You Tube has some great videos that you can listen too ... a lot last as little as 10 minutes. I recommend Doreen Virtue as well as Wild Mind.
Tip 10: Make your own
I have OCD when it comes to blog numbers but I only have 9 top tips so I am opening this up to the floor. If you have any practices that you would like to share, I would love to hear your comments.
I hope you enjoyed this blog and love your retreat.
Love Stacey x
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