Harbin Hot Springs, located in the heart of Calistoga's wine country, is one of the oldest and most famous retreat destinations in California, offering a wide variety of classes and events as well as space for personal "time out." The folks at Harbin graciously offered us this excellent article on how to get the most out of your next retreat. See Harbin's listing in OPEN EXCHANGE's Retreats & Getaways category.
If you haven't been on a retreat in a while, spring is a fine season for spiritual, physical and emotional renewal. Visitors to retreat centers often ask for advice on taking a retreat. Is there a "right way" to retreat? Not really. But there are ways to get the most out of your time away.
- Change your atmosphere.
It's difficult (but not impossible) to take a retreat at home. For most of us, it is too tempting to begin that project, make that phone call, or catch up on a little housework. So leave. Go someplace special. Choose a place that is designed for retreats, rather than an activity-prone vacation spot. Consider retreating by yourself, instead or traveling with a spouse or friend.
- Leave your routine behind.
Once you arrive, choose to do things a little differently. If you normally sleep in, try waking up for the sunrise. If you always have a pot of coffee every morning, enjoy a cup of herbal tea. Skip the morning paper. Try on a new way of being, knowing that you'll probably return to your routine the moment you return home.
- Unplug from technology.
Leave the laptop, PDA, cell phone, beeper, MP3 player and wristwatch at home. They will wait patiently for your return. Avoid television and radio. If you give out the retreat center phone number, do so for "emergencies only."
- Connect with nature.
Spend some time with Mother Earth. Dig in the earth. Walk barefoot. Hug a tree. Dip your feet in a stream. Practice bird calls. Float on a lake. Listen.
- Nurture your body.
Treat yourself to healthy, balanced meals. Avoid your usual snacks and treats, replacing them with activities or meditations. Schedule a massage, or spa treatment. Soak in a bath. Luxuriate in your favorite lotions.
- Open to inspiration.
Consider beginning your day with a quiet meditation. Pack an inspirational book or audio tape to focus your thoughts. (But avoid the temptation to read through your entire retreat.) Pull runes or tarot cards. Consult with a spiritual counselor or advisor, if one is available.
- Stretch, move, breathe.
Uncurl your body. Take a yoga class, or bring instructions for simple stretches. Dance to your favorite artists, shaking, flowing and releasing to the sounds. Breathe deeply. Then breathe deeply again.
- Allow silence.
Inner wisdom often lies below the rumble of conversation, waiting to be discovered in simple silence. Consider taking a silent retreat, or set aside a few hours every day for peace and quiet. Mealtime is an especially wonderful time to enjoy the presence that silence can inspire.
- Write it down.
Pack a journal in your bag. You may receive inspiration that is worth remembering. (But do be careful about creating long "To Do" list. Your retreat is about taking a break from these mental lists we carry around with us.)
- Bring home a reminder.
A rock, leaf, picture or quote can serve as a useful, daily reminder of your retreat experience once you return home. Place your reminder by the sink, on your desk, or create a small retreat altar. Let it inspire daily "mini-retreat" moments to carry you along until you're ready for your next weekend or weeklong time out.