How to Gently Unpack From Your Retreat
A Bag to Unpack, photo by K.Hampton
You may or may not know this, but for three weeks I escaped from my everyday environment and left the country.
It was the best thing that I’ve done for myself in years.
The main reason it was so great was that I did it solo. Alone. By myself. Alone with myself. I did everything on my own terms—when and how I wanted to do it. Where did I go, you’re probably wondering.
I went to beautiful Mexico, just over 1,000 miles away.
Before I jetted out of the U.S., I’d made lots of plans for how I’d get to, travel through and stay in Mexico. But once my feet were on the ground, a few things didn’t go as planned, so I had to make a few adjustments and tweaks here and there. But in the end, everything turned out splendidly.
Remember, we retreat to:
Reflect, regenerate, recalibrate, reset
Grow in self-awareness
Go inward, for more introspection
To create, recreate, discover and rediscover
Move away from what no longer serves us well
What do you do when you get back from all the yummy goodness and frolicking around?
Well, Sis, you must literally and figuratively unpack your bags when you reenter your “old” life. You’ve lugged a big ole suitcase back home that was overpacked when you left. And on your travels you picked up more stuff, trinkets, souvenirs, ideas, new thoughts, clothes, books and contact information of people you met.
Like a rocket returning to earth from space, re-entry into our old environment ought to be done with care. Why? Because like a rocket upon re-entry, you can expect resistance, heat, and friction.
A Three Week Solo Retreat, photo by K. Hampton
Upon my return to the US, I took my own advice: I’ve been slowly and gently unpacking my mind, resting my body, and continuing to do the inner work by reflecting on my experiences.
I ask myself:
What did I learn?
Did I fulfill my purpose?
Were my experiences helpful to me?
Was I served well by this solo retreat?