If you’re working on establishing a level of inner simplicity, few things you can do will give you a better boost than a formal retreat (#95). But if you’re not quite ready to do that, or you can’t take the time now, arranging your own retreat at home might be the next best thing.
Obviously, having a weekend retreat at home will be easier if you’re single or if your spouse and/or children are either away for the weekend or receptive to the idea of your taking some time on your own.
Set aside your normal weekend routine. Plan to start your quiet time by dinner on Friday evening and carry it through Sunday evening. Unplug the phone, and tell your family and friends that you won’t be available until Monday morning. Plan not to answer the door.
Turn off your TV and your radio; put newspapers and magazines away, but make certain you have a supply of appropriate reading materials (#16). Take your watch off so you are not concerned with time. Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes. Avoid the type of food and drink or other substances that will lower your energy.
Do whatever you need to do to your space to make it as pleasant and as conducive to quiet reflection as possible. Air out the rooms; bring in fresh flowers; provide candles or incense or essential oils. Have everything you might want at hand so you won’t have to dash out into the world.
Spend your time in silent reflection. Meditate. Do yoga or gentle stretching. Practice deep breathing (#96). Write in your journal (#31). Create your inner affirmations (#28) and visualizations (#29), and start practicing them. Watch sunrises and sunsets. Take a mini-sunbath to keep your mind and spirits elevated. Spend time in nature. Stroll in the early morning or evening, away from people and traffic. Sit quietly, not thinking, just being with the moment. Ask for guidance and be open to whatever messages come to you from the universe.
Go to bed early and get up with the sun, or even earlier. If you rarely get to experience the joy of the birth of a new day, this is a good time to start.
Prepare your meals with love and awareness. Eat in silence without reading or any other distractions; make a point of savoring each bite.
Make a commitment to yourself not to worry or to engage in negative thinking during this time. If necessary, use the bean system (#63) to become aware of your thought patterns. If you feel lonely or frightened, write about your feelings in your journal.
This is the time to reconnect with your soul. Enjoy it.