Choose Your Life Monday is an invitation to name what pattern you will lovingly notice this week and to do so in community. Of course, you can do it any day you want- you don’t have to start on Monday. Join in when and whenever suits you.
But It’s Wednesday!
Monday’s post was all about announcing the retreat and I got so carried away with my first video post that I pushed Choose Your Life Mondays into today…
And because I’m getting all centered and excited to lead the Virtual Retreat starting this Friday morning thus (I love to write thus)
I’ve been writing about setting a retreat intention for the e-book that comes with the retreat (which is very good, if I might say so myself!)
thus (had to write it again, couldn’t help myself) I’ve been thinking about my intention for the retreat, therefore and heretofore (okay, on a weird roll here) today’s post about choosing my intention for the retreat (and maybe you will share yours, too).
(and if you are not retreating with us this weekend, we will miss you!)
Of course, I’ll be retreating too!
It’s my sacred wow-I-get-to mission to hold the space for you. So that you can have the experience you need, knowing someone is out there holding the space for you. And checking in here often to answer any questions (you can also ask questions of the other speakers throughout the four days).
A very brief word about intention from the e-book also drawn from my book The Woman’s Retreat Book:
Retreat is not about a statement, it’s about a question. Most of the work
of giving yourself a fruitful retreat is in understanding what your
question is. That question is an articulation of an inarticulate longing.”
Christina Baldwin, author of Calling the Circle and Story Catcher
Ever since Christina uttered the above statement to me, I have been passionate
about creating an intention question to guide retreats. For many people, having a
question to ask yourself on retreat gives you a starting place as well as somewhere to
return to if you feel lost or restless, or find yourself asking, “What should I do next?”We are always asking ourselves questions, but mostly not very fruitful ones
(tune into your mind at any given time and you’ll hear what I mean). Giving the mind
a deep-rooted, heart-centered question is like offering it a nutritious meal after a
steady diet of WonderBread™. It can create both peacefulness and insight.
Of course, not everybody prefers to set an intention. You may find that
following your heart without any prompting is more nourishing for you. Or you may
find that simply asking the wonderful question, “What would I love to do next?” or
“What do I really want right now?” is all you need as you navigate your retreat time
and investigate your yearnings.
My intention for the retreat is
How shall I hold the space for the retreat and nourish myself?
Yum! Yum because I have no idea and thus (smiling she wrote that) it is a good intention question – it invites exploration. It invites mystery and contemplation and doodling and who knows what else? (‘Cause who retreats when she or he knows the answer to their heart’s longing?)
Join me, won’t you?
Open up that e-book (it’s waiting for you in the members area, all shiny and well-designed) and then read the part about preparing and then post your ideas and intention here… and if you don’t want to do all that, then don’t but do tell me how you are preparing for this weekend. Or not.
I’m easy.
37 responses so far ↓
1 carolyn Jan 14, 2009
JEN, this is wonderful….I’m just getting to your retreat info. (thanks for posting the intention link on FB!).
Intention is central to the practice of yoga, so says thousands of yogis from ancient times until now. Life, like asana, is all about learning to listen to these – so often – unformed and unconscious leanings.
In our quest to please others, we learn to cover up our inner longings.
My intention is to relax and listen more.
2 Jenn Givler Jan 14, 2009
ooo – I love this exercise… especially the ability to publicly state what my intention is…
My intention is:
How can I make even more space to honor every part of myself – even those parts I tend to push down and ignore sometimes?
3 Lynne Jan 14, 2009
Hi Jen,
REALLY looking forward to this retreat — especially because lately, for me, the word “RETREAT” has been applied to my life in a pulling back/hiding kind of way (actually, it’s been like hiding and procrastinating and being small on steroids)… so I am really looking forward to the opportunity to set aside the icky stuff and blossom… or at the very least, breathe deeply!
I’m wondering if I’m not looking in the right place (totally a possibility), but I’m not finding the ebook you mention on the member site… just wondering if its hiding in a special place…
Thank you!
4 Anne Kaplan Jan 14, 2009
My intentions are twofold:
1) To receive guidance around “what’s-first-and-what-can-wait” questions about my soon-to-be-birthed website and related ideas & projects.
2) To be open to new connections, ideas, and perspectives. With such an amazing panel of speakers, there just have to be lots of these — but how many will touch my heart, have something in me say “Boing! Yes! That!”?
Looking forward to all of it.
AmpleThanks for doing this, Jen,
-Anne
5 Joy Weese Moll Jan 14, 2009
On this retreat, I intend to ask myself “How can I experience confidence about fixing up our house and contentment with its current state?”
I’m very excited!
6 Timmy Jan 14, 2009
Oh it is so obvious how excited you are! You certainly don’t have to tell us, and I’m a new subscriber! lol All your “thus”s and (parenthetical asides), it’s beautiful! You should see how many exclamation points I was writing with today lol. I’m sorry I’ll miss your retreat, I’m frightfully busy serving others this week! You can’t blame me for that :]
7 Jennifer Jan 14, 2009
Yum everybody – and thanks for playing. And Timmy, wish you could be here. Lynne I sent you the How To Retreat book to your email so hope you got it.
Love you all!
8 R. Jan 15, 2009
I’ll only be able to attend a few of the classes live, b/c of time zone issues and Shabbat (can’t use the phone from Friday night through Saturday sunset), but I very much looking forward to what I can attend.
I’m thinking of creating tiny, mini-retreats each day, maybe a little something before and after the calls I can make it to. That may be wishful thinking, and assumes a relatively peaceful weekend, but I can wish, can’t I?
I read this post yesterday, and have been thinking about what to set as my intention since then! (I’m really regretting that I lent my Life Organizer book to a friend, because then I would have just flipped through and chosen a question from there!)
My problem is I am too goal oriented, I feel like I need to get something tangible (like, work) out of everything. I finally decided on a question that I’m actually not comfortable with, but is important, and I decided to choose it because I am not so comfortable with it. I don’t know the answer, in other words. Hate those kinds of questions… !
My intention is…
How can I be more kind to myself, and accept more kindness from others?
(I am tempted to add on “without guilt”, but I think that might be too much. I already feel guilty just for having an intention at all and getting to be a part of this amazing retreat Jennifer has set up! Every time I think about it, I get that ache in my chest, that “You do not deserve this,” ache. So, for this weekend, I think I’ll just focus on kindness… with or without guilt.)
9 Helga Jan 15, 2009
I am preparing for the retreat in fits and starts between responsibilities that cannot wait. And it looks like my retreat itself will be jumpy like that, too. As my inner critic is chiding me about not doing this “perfectly” (whatever that means), I am setting my intention thus-ly [:)]
I will not should on myself. Instead, I will retreat however I resonably and fruitfully can.
10 Eveline Jan 15, 2009
Helga – I will join you in preparing for this retreat “in fits and starts between responsibilities that cannot wait”. We will not should on ourselves, we will not hold ourselves to how “perfectly” this has to be done
I have to speak at a women’s breakfast on Sat. morning and have worship responsibilities on Sunday – my intention will be to carry as much of the calmness of a retreat as I can into these activities.
Jen – I love how the e-book has suggestions for “mix and match” retreats you can do on your own after the weekend, using whatever audios fit – I will use those suggestions later for the calls I will have to miss!
11 Jennifer Jan 15, 2009
Jumpy is okay – just like Eveline said and there are lots of ideas in the e-book about coming and going out of retreat space.
I will be doing the same! Mostly to check email to see if everybody is okay.
12 Anne Corey Jan 15, 2009
Wow. I never really thought of having an intention for the retreat. I was thinking about it like the difference between taking a water class at the gym and just going to the gym and trying to get myself motivated to do my whole workout. I sort of feel like, for a few days at least, I can listen to other folks talk about all those tough things that are going on inside me that I keep pushing down. I can relax and allow myself to deal with what is keeping me stuck, without forcing myself to deal. Just AHH sit back and AHH listen and AHH feel that I am being taken care of AHH… I guess my intention is AHHH…
13 Gayatri Jan 15, 2009
My intention for the retreat is encapsulated in the title of Michael Stanier’s session — how can I take steps in my life now to do great work and make lasting impact on my family, community, and world? Too broad? Too big? Too out there? Hmmm, not going to get hung up on all that, and just flow with the intention of receiving insight and guidance on this question so I can take steps this year towards manifesting my life purpose in new ways.
14 Carol M Jan 15, 2009
Oh my… good question! I’ve had a mantra for years and years; it often helps me return to center, calms, and connects me when I’m feeling itchy and detached – “May I be at peace, May my heart remain open, May I know the beauty of my own true nature, May I be healed.” I’ve been saying it a lot lately in preparation for the retreat… I don’t know why (ok, maybe feeling a little itchy about the whole thing)… so I suppose my intention question will be… “Why?”
Great materials and resources!
- Carol
15 Susan H. Jan 15, 2009
I printed out all the materials for the retreat and have been reading and highlighting key points for me. No intention presented itself. And then your blog appeared today and I realized I am searching – for me! Who am I?
Married to my childhood sweetheart for 42 years (dated since ages 15 & 17), who was my very best friend in the whole world, I have been a widow for just over 2 years. It has been very hard work trying to figure out who I am in the scheme of life. Always had some other identity being a wife and mother, etc. Now I’m on my own and have the opportunity to fine tune me.
So my intention is to find out who Susan really is…..and I mean REALLY IS. Yikes.
16 Al Jan 15, 2009
I am very much looking forward to this weekend’s retreat. My intention is to have an open and safe learning-growing- experience in which I gather the knowledge, energy and love provided while staying in tune with what my needs and feelings are and honoring them.
Thank you for asking this of us. It is truly meaningful.
17 Mona Jan 15, 2009
My intention for the retreat is to be open to how I can be both relaxed and engaged at the same time.
Sometimes I think being relaxed means retreating into myself and ignoring everything else.
Sometimes I need that kind of relaxation…
But for a stretch…I want to be open to how I can be relaxed and engaged in other activities. Like a nice blend between the two.
I’m already good at relaxing and withdrawing…but being relaxed and still connected to others and the world around me is where I want to take my practice.
18 Christine Jan 15, 2009
Thanks for the great guidelines to prepare for this retreat, Jen! This is my first virtual retreat. I feel a bit ancy about whether to retreat for all four days – if I were going away on retreat I would feel more comfortable about it….something strange about doing it at home. Seem like I should be taking care of “business.” The guidelines really help.
My intention question is: What is my “soul purpose” and what is most important for creating my best life right now? (I am 62 years old, retired from public mental health work and still feeling a bit lost in this new life. I know my passions, but seem to be stalled in making choices/plans to manifest them.
19 LindaB Jan 15, 2009
Ahhhh, my intention… Knowing that I tend to stay in short-term, present time, I want to address intention in two parts.
What’s next right now (given an organized workspace, which is part of my hope for this retreat time)? And Where am I headed in the long term to arrive in 2014?
These may change after I focus on reading Jen’s guidebook for this retreat, but right now I intend to find out:
What creative path shall I focus on now?
What 2014 destination do I want to head for?
20 AnitaML Jan 15, 2009
Hello Jennifer. I’m excited about this weekend. I get to join in directly Friday and Monday, and vicariously Sat and Sun.
My intention? to listen for what’s next for me? I’ve got lots of open space what do I want to fill it up with?
21 Kathy , Ghent NY Jan 15, 2009
I can’t wait for the virtual retreat! Help me center please!!
My intention?
What can help me center and focus more on my vision, reenergizing so I can move forward.
My Mantra?
“Wherever you are called is Here”
22 Janet Simpson Jan 15, 2009
Our first call is during my yoga class tomorrow morning. I am not sure if I will quietly leave for the 20 minutes of “getting centered” or be with all of you “in Spirit.”
My intention: to re-visit my 2009 theme “on higher ground.”
Thanks Jen!
Love you all,
Janet
23 Paula S Jan 15, 2009
An intention? Just one?
Wow, I feel so torn in different directions all the time…family, school, work …..I think my intention will be to calm down, and realize that it is okay to let other people handle things around the house while I focus on school and taking care of me.
24 Gayle Jan 16, 2009
I loved Carol M.’s mantra. I’m feeling really stressed out about work and life in general right now, so my intention is to get centered and focused on what I really need to take care of (versus accomplish) this year. I know it affects my health and even my beloved dogs. It’s also risky to ask for limits from your employer in this economy, but enough is enough. They need to set some priorities because you can’t do it all.
25 Karen G. Jan 16, 2009
Thank you Jen for giving me “the nudge” I REALLY need this retreat !!
I feel like I am going to have to walk off the edge of my world into the void.
I’ve been running from that edge like hell.
For quite a while.
I need to sell this house move figure out what I want to do in the world -and somehow support myself reinvent me.
And more……
My intention is to joyfully embrace my desires -and my Life. To finally get that its OK to feel afraid ..no longer abandoning myself -hiding under the covers. To get a sense of direction ,and “inner ground”to extend out into the world from.
26 Diedra Jan 16, 2009
My intention is to move into a new phase of life with grace and appreciation.
I decided a year ago to simplify my life so that I could appreciate what really mattered.
With my husband in Iraq all of last year, everything was put in glaring perspective. There is nothing more important than the the people in your life that you love an who love you.
I realized that if I accomplished nothing else in my life but to be the best wife and mother I could be then I was doing my life’s work.
It was a year of huge change, and much time alone. I finally left a job that was eating me alive. It was hard because I loved being a floral designer, but being in management was literally making me sick.
Now that I’ve had a year of down time, and my husband is home I’m looking forward to this retreat being the bridge to living the sweet simple loving life I’ve always dreamed of.
27 Photopoppy Jan 16, 2009
I’m just jumping into the Retreat Materials now.
I think I’ll be spreading out the retreat an hour or two a day for the next couple of weekends. Devoting more time to it just sounds scary – I’m afraid I might miss out on creating something awesome if I push to retreat all weekend and ignore my camera.
My intention is pretty unformed right now…. I did the two pages of writing, and I know my intention surrounds needing to take a look at what I”m doing with my time and consider whether it’s time to give up some of my activities or time to ask for help with others, and what falls where.
Perhaps my intention is “how might my time best support me?” Or something like that.
28 Irmgard Jan 16, 2009
My intention is to find calm, strenght and courage for my project and make time to finally get started to establish my own coaching business. Its all in my head but now its needs to come out into the world. I am looking for inspiration and confidence and being gentle with myself. I want to do one step at a time and keep going. This reteat could be a perfect kick-off
).
29 Jennifer Jan 16, 2009
I am uplifted and strengthened reading your intentions and Poppy, camera as PART OF retreat… maybe your intention question is “What do I need to see in my life right now?” or “How can my seeing help me focus?”
I love you all!
30 Mari Jan 16, 2009
Loved the opening session! I’m excited and ready to go. My intention question is, “How can I inspire and motivate myself to get out of this funky rut?”
I’m on the west coast so had to wake up early for the first session. When it was over, I thought how nice it would be to wake up with that everyday!
Thanks Jen!
31 Christine Jan 16, 2009
I got up just in time to join the opening and agree with Mari….very helpful – especially idnetifying and making a commitment to giving up things that distract us from the time we have dedicated to being in retreat mode. Now I am in the “in between” state and trying to figure out what to do – having lots of appealing options makes choosing hard for me. Guess I’ll just focus on that question of “What do I really want right now?” and wait for the answer.
And will remind myself that Jen is holding the space for us as we embark on this new experience. Will be interesting to see how it is for us. Thanks to all for sharing your situations, intentions…..and mantras!
And here’s to you for your courage for trying out this new format for retreating, Jen!
32 Elizabeth Jan 16, 2009
Letting go and leaning in……
I just had right eye surgery (seriously….on Wednesday morning) and have been savoring layers of the ‘vision thing’….many familiar questions ‘look’ different! What is clear, what remains fuzzy, what are the textures I can see, feel?
Intentions, I’ve had a few…and here’s what I know about intention: like hope, it is not a strategy. I do better with desire, commitment and focused
direction.
My commitment during this lovely retreat and the second half of January is to remember these things:
1. I stopped hoping for a better past long ago.
2. activity does not equal action
3. I will be still and reflective
4. I will listen well and write notes to myself
Looking forward
33 LindaB Jan 16, 2009
Some random thoughts about today’s sessions
• This idea of building ways to consciously approach taxes or writing or whatever project or work we want to do dovetails well with Steve’s idea of not going unconscious! Love that!
• When we think, “If I stop, everything will fall apart”: give that some attention. How about thinking, “If I stop, things may fall into place” !?!
• I can hardly wait to do Shiva Nata crazy dancing with Havi in Taos!
34 Karen G. Jan 16, 2009
Yes! Thank you all.
I feel so supported.
(which is the first thing I wrote when preparing for this retreat-”I need support”!)
Thank you for providing this ….space.. inside, helping me to shift and have “light bulb” moments and show up today.
35 Jennifer Jan 16, 2009
So honored to provide this space for you Karen and for everyone!
Linda, love the take aways and yes, Havi is our brain teacher habit educator at the Writer’s Retreat – 4 spots left!
36 Christine Jan 18, 2009
The session on life purpose with Laura B. was soooo exactly what I needed to help me with my intention question of “what is my “soul” purpose?” The words”essence” and “blueprint” plus the questions helped me come up with a word that ecompasses it for me – encouragement. Realizing that I can be it anywhere, everywhere, everyday gives me new energy and motivation to keep evolving it. Highly recommend this session to everyone! Thanks so much, Laura and Jen!
37 Virtual Retreat - Inspiration! » Comfort Queen Apr 24, 2009
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