A mini-retreat is a period of intensive meditation practice.
It can be as short as a Sunday morning or last a whole weekend.
Scheduling a personal retreat is easier than it sounds, and it’s worth every second.
I’ve been amazed by how consistently reliable this practice is.
Get clear onthe intentionof your retreat so you know what to focus on.
Write down what you hope to experience or get clarity on by undertaking the retreat.
The more specific you are, the better.
Step 2: Schedule it in your calendar.
If you dont make a conscious commitment to creating that time and space, its not going to happen.
If you plan ahead, you save yourself from having to make decisions during the retreat.
This will help your mind to settle.
Identify a place where you might be quiet and free of distraction for the duration.
Decide beforehand exactly what practices you will do, so you dont spend the day wondering what’s next.
Step 3: Print out your schedule.
Write or print out your daily schedule of practice and tape it to the wall.
Include formal practice, meals, rest, writing if you want, inspirational reading, and/or listening.
Meditation should be the foundation of the day.
Here’s a sample of what your schedule might look like:
Step 4: Plan ahead.
Prepare an area to practice by making it clean, spacious, airy, and temperate.
(Bonus if it has a scenic view.)
Decide on your menu and shop forlight, nutrient-packed foods.
Too much sugar or too many carbohydrates can make you feel heavy and sleepy.
Too much fruit or caffeine can make it hard to focus or settle down.
Gather practice materialscushion, mat, candles, incenseand make an altar if you like.
Createan environment that inspires youso you’ll actually want to sit on your meditation cushion.
Step 5: Set your retreat boundaries.
Silence is a powerful practice in itself.
Set yourself up to benefit from this experience.
Tell friends and family you will be unavailable.
Turn on auto-responders or lock your devices in your closet.
Step 6: Make retreat a regular practice.
I would also argue that it is imperative for mental health and well-being.
When you are relaxed, you become fully present.
