Tomorrow is our Virtual Retreat day – it’s an invitation to dip into January’s Virtual Retreat materials and/or to create a day for yourself with the helpful support of me and a community of like-minded people. This is a stand alone retreat day – you do not have to have participated in the January event.
Our main topic for tomorrow is Inspiration as that’s what we’ve been talking about at the Comfort Cafe this month and because Spring is all about being inspired, don’t you think?
How do you get inspired?
You don’t.
That’s one thing I’m going to talk about tomorrow… among other topics like fear of choosing what to do on retreat, resisting doing what you really want to do, bugaboos around inspiration, and who knows what else because you can ask me questions and we will see where that takes us!
Mainly, I’m going to create a space in which you can let inspiration find you.
A space where you can put down the effort to change or be different than you are.
Ahhh…
Preparing to Retreat
Here are a couple of groovy blog posts I wrote in January that you might find helpful.
Don’t forget you get a handy dandy How to Create Your Own Retreat 27 page e-book so go download that in the members area – you got a link to this area in the email when you registered (and Cafers, you do have to register for the retreat day, even though it’s free for you!)
What a Comfort Cafer is Doing on Her Retreat
Here’s a tidbit from a member at the Cafe, sharing what she’s done to prepare for retreat, which already started. It got me feeling all cozy and excited.
I started my retreat on Thursday and will complete it on Sunday. I’ve done silent retreats before and am choosing not to make this one a silent one. Instead, I have made absolutely no commitments for the next four days. (Note from Jen: great idea. Retreats spring from and our guided by our wisdom and that wisdom needs time and space to be heard.)
I have put messages on my phones that say that I’ll be returning calls beginning on Monday, April 27th. In the past when I’ve done retreats, I’ve sent an email letting others know I’m doing one – usually they’ve been silent ones. I have a thing about not returning phone calls or emails promptly which is why I’ve always let the ones I’m involved with know ahead of time. (Another great idea especially if you tend to worry and half way through your retreat you are sure someone you love has been kidnapped by pirates in your small landlocked town and thus you have to call them to be sure.)
This time – I made a significant shift for me. I decided that if someone wants to get a hold of me, they’ll call or contact me and I can have something go out when they do so that I’m not disturbed rather than be so pre-emptive. (Yeah!)
So, I’m going in and out of my daily life as I choose with an eye towards being more conscious of transitions…. This morning I woke up really cranky as I tried to go to sleep last night and the dogs were barking literally all night about something that was in the yard that they were interested in… I did a long meditation and felt better – because I am on retreat, I had the extra time to give myself a full hour to settle and rest.
So, how’s it going for you? How are you transitioning into the retreat?
Please post what you have in mind for your retreat – from how you will protect your time to what intention you might explore to questions about retreating… it’s a great way to feel connected and supported as you retreat, even if it’s only going to be for an hour or two.
Related posts:
25 responses so far ↓
1 Stacy Apr 24, 2009
I don’t have many social commitments anyway, so keeping this day free has been simple in that way. But my husband can be high-maintenance sometimes, so I’m a little worried he’ll come looking for me if he gets bored. I haven’t told him about the retreat yet, I’m not sure why. Probably because he’ll want to know why I want to be away from him.
2 Lisa Apr 24, 2009
I am very much looking forward to my “ME” day tomorrow. This virtual retreat comes at a very interesting time; I am on a year-long sabbatical from work (it started three months ago) in order to finish my dissertation, and I’m LOVING having control of my own time and getting to delve into research and reading that feeds me. I feel a bit guilty about taking a retreat from a life that is currently very fulfilling. However, I am already thinking (softly) about how I want my life to look post-Ph.D., and my intention for tomorrow is to focus on “what my life would look like if I was free from internal and/or external restraints.”
I am going to have to fight the urge to work on my dissertation tomorrow because I’ve been on a lovely roll today. . .
3 Anne in Virginia Apr 24, 2009
My husband will be away, so I’ll have the house to myself. I won’t answer the door or phone but will attend to my 16-1/2 year old cat. I haven’t set an intention yet and plan to see what bubbles up during your opening live session. I am going to journal about several of the questions at the Comfort Cafe (week 16 of the Life Organizer) after that session and later in the day (my anchoring activity). Other than that, I’m going to play it by ear and see what I’m drawn to do.
Thank you, Jen for giving us this refresher day–I need it! I look forward to retreating with all of you.
4 Lynda Apr 25, 2009
My husband is away for the day, too. It just fell into place somehow and surprised me! I have the house and the quiet to myself which is rare. So, thank you for this time, Jen. My life is so busy, I sometimes feel starved for quiet time, time with friends, time with women especially, and time to feed my creative soul. My intention: just allowing myself time to think and explore what I really need and how to get more of it into my day…and learn from others who will be on the retreat.
5 Deena Apr 25, 2009
Thank you for this hour. It was great and I know that as I move through the day, in and out of retreat, that the feeling I take with me changes the day anyway. No matter what I am doing I can it more richly, more aware of my feelings as I do it.
The writing to our retreat question was great because as I listened to others answers to “what would be fun” I “heard” my own answer of fun still being about doing things but just without a schedule or sense of “have to now”. I want to acknowledge moments today when they can just be about fun and not tasks to get done.
Great start to the day! Blessings.
6 Suzane Apr 25, 2009
Going under the ropes–ahh! That produced such a feeling of relief in me! I guess I haven’t realized how much I’ve been in thinking and trying to figure things out mode. I operate that way so often and to let that go for a while felt so good. Now, to allow desire to bubble up and see what arises will be interesting.
7 Robyn in AZ Apr 25, 2009
Good morning. What a lovely way to start the day, listening to the calming and accepting sound of your voice. Reminding me of things I know, but too often forget. Or sometimes don’t forget, but don’t act on.
My windows are open, the birds are singing, the water in the fountain outside my window is babbling, the sun is shining, and a nice breeze is blowing. A candle is burning in front of me, and I feel at peace. I couldn’t ask for anything more. This is a feeling I rarely, practically never, feel any more.
When you first asked me to write what would be fun, I wrote “What is fun? How does it feel? When did I last feel it?” I honestly wasn’t sure. I first wrote that it would be able to be calm. Then I kept writing that it was “not” things – not feeling crazed, not feeling stress about all of my “shoulds”. Then I thought I should (there’s that word, but not too strongly so I won’t stress about it) be more positive. Take a long bath. Listen to some good music. Play with my rabbit.
I even thought about straightening up some of my home office. I pushed that thought aside, thinking that can’t be “fun.” But I like doing relatively mindless organizing sometimes, and I would like my space to look better. I work at home and spend a lot of time in it, so I’m putting that back on my list. I was glad to hear that someone else thought that, too. Thanks also for the ideas about taking a walk.
I’m rambling here, but I like to do that sometimes, too. When I started this, I thought I had a question about whether any of this made sense. (Is it OK to desire “not” feeling or doing? Can just relaxing be “fun”?) But I think I can answer my own questions, and the answer for me is yes, I believe that fun is going to be whatever feels good right now.
I have some other thoughts swirling around in my head that I know I want to address (in a kinder way) today. Part of me would like to keep noodling here, but I think I’m going to go take that long bath instead.
I just want to say thanks, Jennifer, and thanks to everyone on the call. You’ve been a tremendous help. I look forward to the rest of the day and the other phone conversations. Now I’m going to post this without judging it or comparing it to anyone else’s, which is something I so so often do and let get in my way. (gulp)
Love to all
Robyn in AZ
8 Jennifer Apr 25, 2009
That was a great start! I so wanted to hear from everybody and was sad when the connection got all muddied. Oh well!
Now under the ropes and into the retreat space we go!
The 1st call will be posted as soon as I can get it edited.
9 Jennifer Apr 25, 2009
Robyn, I have to say yes, yes, yes! When we rest, even for a second, in our unconditional wholeness, then we can follow what would be fun, and that can be mindful
cleaning, but of course. There are no rules. Your ramblingness is a perfect indication of retreat mind – yes!
10 Theresa Apr 25, 2009
Ahhh, the first session was a great way for me to start what is turning out to be a very busy, non-retreaty day. This will probably be the only session I can listen to live, but it is comforting to have the recordings to look forward to.
Thank you for getting us to think about what would be fun. I’ve been working on “what do I want” or “what will nurture me” (which are sometimes still hard for me to answer, after years of ignoring my inner voice). But the idea of fun was a new twist… and a bit hard for me to think about. Fun? What is fun? I think it’s something I want to explore. In reading up about “adult children of alcoholics,” one of the aspects we really have a hard time with is fun. Life is such serious business growing up. And learning fun is almost like learning a foreign language. I’ve learned French so I think I can learn fun.
Have a good retreat, everyone!
11 Pat Apr 25, 2009
I’m enjoying my time listening to your calming, soothing voice. I’m recovering from knee surgery and sitting in my little recliner icing down my knee. Your thoughts and comments are helping ease the pain! It’s a beautiful day outside in Arizona and the birds are seranading us outside. Thanks Jen!
12 Jennifer Apr 25, 2009
Love this line – if i can learn French, I can learn fun.
Glad the pain is abating Pat.
Sorry everybody for the phone line ick ick ick. I’m going to walk the dogs and let go of that frustration!
13 Rosaland Apr 25, 2009
That was wonderful Jen! How great to step away from perceived demands and step into my own personal space to rejuvenate my soul! Thanks so much!
Rosaland’s last blog post..A Journal & A Magnolia
14 Allison Apr 25, 2009
Thanks so much Jennifer, don’t be discouraged, even with the tech glitches the call ins have been wonderful!
I’m feeling totally shocked by one of the reactions I’m having to our discussions this afternoon… I feel incredibly guilty that I’m thinking so much about myself today, it’s actually painful for me to hear someone telling me that I deserve be inspired, that I’m safe, creative and loved. I was certainly not expecting this.
Hmmm, maybe I needed these sessions more than I thought.
15 Lynda in Tampa Apr 25, 2009
Hi Jen:
I work with technology challenges all day long at work… trying to be creative and responsive when the computer is just too slow or not saving my work and crashing, so I just say BRRREEEAAATTTHHHEEEE!
and let it go! It’s been a great retreat…
I’ve done some journaling, created a doorway in my journal…because it comes with me everywhere…so I’ll be able to enter whenever I need to! I liked the opening…softening my heart…thinking FUN! Feeling gratitude, thinking about what I love, what is working and what has inspired me…all so positive and uplifting.
I lit incense, put on music, hugged myself, danced, smiled and truly felt inspired.
I also found a roommate in between the phone calls for my next retreat in May.
there’s nothing like serendipity! Thanks you for this special time.
And to everyone else…I can feel your energy and thank you for being on this retreat and adding to the experience.
16 Rachel Apr 25, 2009
Just wanted to say I’m sorry the line was all messed up, but I still feel that connection to the others, b/c I know they are there, I can feel their energy, and that I still love this retreat, and you, Jennifer! I just wanted to cry, feeling your frustration… sending you lots of comfort vibes (imagine little ol’ me, sending comfort vibes to the comfort queen!
)
Some of the answers to the question, “what do I love about my life now?, what am I most grateful for?, what inspires me?” :
* homeschooling my kids
* the beautiful world that surrounds me here
* the amazing sunsets I can watch every day out my window, but yesterday, omg, it was the MOST beautiful sunset I have ever seen… pinks, and purples, and blues, and the reds, and the clouds, oh my… my 7 yr old remarked that the clouds made it look as if there were cities in the sky just above the horizon, and we could see all the way to tel aviv (40 minute drive away) when the street lights went on in the distance AMAZING… it looked like little tiny fire flies
* the comfort cafe and the wonderful people there
* the emphasis in my life on writing
* our upcoming vacation to Eilat
* my husband, my kids, who are SO good and so loving
* the little snails outside, even the three that somehow got into our laundry room and are hanging on the ceiling!
* humming birds, butterflies, fresh, juicy melon
And, a question for Jennifer…
I found the 1st, 3rd, and 4th question the easiest to answer, and had no trouble writing lots of stuff down… but the 2nd “What’s working in my life now?” for some reason, that was difficult… I could think of things, but my mind kept feeding me things that are not working… I’m not sure why, nor what made that question any different mentally than the others… but I wanted to mention that.
So glad I could make it to this call, even tho I had to miss the first… love to everyone!
~ Rachel
17 Karen G. Apr 25, 2009
Thank you all-great comments!
Oh, Jen, if I can learn French…I realized while writing, I don’t really do much of what I think is fun-Yes, I came up with some ideas…I haven’t gone any further doing them!
18 Eva Apr 25, 2009
I am having a wonderful day! It is beautiful sunny day here. I love the meditations we have done..it feels so good to just relax and breathe. Between the two classes, I am painting in watercolor. I love the medium because it is so emotional. It is such a gift to have time to explore and be creative.
I love my life! I am so grateful to have a wonderful, peaceful home!
Thanks Jen for your gentle guidance! You set the perfect example of “there is nothing wrong here” as you let go of the telephone glitches and echoes. The experience is whole and complete as our retreats unfold. I am grateful to be with you and all the others!
19 Jennifer Apr 25, 2009
Allison, I have those reactions from time to time… we don’t need to know why they are here now, only to bow to them, say hello, and remember these feelings/thoughts are not all of us. I think too when we work in the domain of the soul, we can easily think we are doing more for our own than we are. At least that is true for me!
Karen, how many of us do many things that are fun? Fun is the first thing to go and what a sadness it is when it does.
Rachel, maybe “working” is just a crappy word for you, a word that feels less about what you love and more about problems. Sounds like you got a great image/feeling of all that is right. I’d let working go chew its own tail.
Feel the happiness and the sunshine and the connection, oh thank you!!
20 Chris S. Apr 25, 2009
What I love about this day is the mix of structured and unstructured. I love the bubbles of space in the hour calls where we gather together, then go off and do our own thing for a few hours. If I have to run to the grocery store (and I did), I can. If I want to take a walk, I can (early this morning, with the grass still wet, lovely), or I can lie on the floor of my office and think nothing for an hour, just listen to the outside Saturday sounds, also good. In between, I have also gone through closets and drawers and accumulated a big pile of clothes to take to Good Will, which I’m been meaning to do for forever, so that felt good.
To create my space I opened all the windows in the house and lit a lilac-scented candle (purple in color, yay!) in every room. I made sure I had water, chocolate, tea, colored pencils and markers, and a new notebook. I also have a chalkboard I painted on the wall of my office, which I erased so I could write on that if things felt too big for the notebook.
I also can still feel everyone between the calls. I’m thinking of how we’re all doing something to nurture ourselves during the in-between hours, and that’s such a nice, soft, supportive energy to experience.
21 Eva Apr 25, 2009
I just read retreat re-wiring. One of my responses to “What am I most hungry for…” is confidence. I retired from teaching a couple of years ago and I am working on redefining who I am now in this world. I teach yoga, take watercolor class, listen to Mike Dooley’s Infinite Possibilities and Manifest Change cds, work on staying fit for life, and enjoy my flexible schedule. I want to lead retreats. But I, too, have the nagging “what if I am not good at this” what if I can’t make money doing this” “what if I am too old to be doing this” “what if no one comes” Those voices drown out the possibility that I know I am. I am the possibility of inspiration, creativity, and self-expression! I procrastinate and blame not having the perfect space, the perfect mission statement, the perfect blah blah blah blah!
What I discovered is that I like being in limbo…I am comfortable in limbo…No one will know my flaws if I stay there. Interesting that comfort in limbo is stopping me from taking a risk…to open my wings and just jump without a safety net!
This has opened my eyes that it is me stopping me from doing great things. Pathetic but true. Fear is resistance.
I know that I must breakthrough and just do it. I must believe that I am the possibility of inspiration, creativity and self-expression. All else will unfold just the way it should!
22 Jennifer Apr 25, 2009
Chris S. i keep flashing on you lying on the floor of your office and it makes me feel so good!
Eva, what great revelations! Be gentle with yourself as you discern between desire (What would I love to do next in my life?) and mood (What do I feel like doing?) I think mood is what can keep us stuck where it is safe. Lots of love!
23 char Apr 25, 2009
Hi Everyone:
Having the most wonderful day – being, doing, surprising myself by asking first that magic question “since i’m already whole and complete, what would be fun to do?” love that word fun.
It’s like “Char has left the building!” – meaning the personality part of me – all those voices that make up who I thnk I am.
Instead, what I find is when I feel like moving – well, I just do it. And when the phone rings as it is right now and I’m typing, it keeps ringing til it stops. And it just does. And the cats are looking out the window at the rainbursts we’re having today – and life feels very simple and easy.
Hmmmm – wonder what’s for dinner. No rules today – or maybe ever for that matter – and I find that what I want is sauteed spinach and steak. Ohh, no – says some voice somewhere – steak, how could you Char? You’re an animal lover. Don’t you know that. . . . . I bow to that voice and promise to get back to it another time, but not now.
I’m off to do the next thing which will be a surprise to me – whatever it is. Used to be when I had depression, indecision was a big problem. Now, I always remember the words of Leslie Sansonne who does these walking dvd’s (it’s actually low impact aerobics) who says “you can’t do this wrong.”
And that seems to be my motto lately – I just can’t do life wrong. How totally liberating and fun! And there’s that word again – fun!!!!!
Love to all of you across the miles as we share this special experience together regardless of technology!
Char
24 Chris S. Apr 25, 2009
Post retreat link for those who are interested: the ‘Mindfulness Clock,’ a program you download that installs an audio clock. You set it to chime whenever you like: random, quarter hour, hour. There was such great discussion of connecting with and staying in the present on the last call and then I opened my email and found this link in my monthly newsletter from Waverly Fitzgerald, School of the Seasons. If you don’t know her, please check out her website http://www.schooloftheseasons.org. She is all about mindfulness: nature, time, ritual.
Here is the link to download the audio clock:
http://www.mindfulnessdc.org/mindfulclock.html
I’m using it as an opportunity to take a deeper breath, check my posture, stretch, look up and out a window (whether I’m sitting at my computer or in the same room with it on) or place my attention on my intention for the month. Will post in the Cafe as well.
What a privilege today was! For me it was such a great mix of restfulness and energy, and I managed to move between the two without feeling anything akin to ‘jet lag.’ Very grateful for that. Thanks for all the energy and support you gave to us (as always), Jen!
25 Jennifer Apr 27, 2009
Thanks for an amazing day and all your wonderful comments.
Chris, Waverly is going to be our guest next month at the Comfort Cafe – so cool you mentioned her! Thanks too for the link.