“Space is not just a physical dimension. It is the breath between thoughts, the rest between notes, the stillness that gives rhythm meaning.” – John O’Donohue

Retreating, as in ‘the art of stepping back’, is important. Sure, its amazing to be able to drop everything for a week or two and disappear, away from your life and responsibilities for a little while. However, we can’t go on a big holiday every month, can we? So, how do we find space and time to recharge on a regular basis? Where can we retreat to every month? Every week? Perhaps even every day?

Relaxation means different things to different people. What counts as a retreat is up for debate. However, I believe that the following list offers a range of ways to find mini retreats in a regular, normal life. Which one suits you best?

 

1. A Still Start

It’s a simple one. A daily one. Don’t dive straight into the noise of life as soon as you get up. Don’t switch on the news, don’t open your laptop, and, under no circumstances, look at your phone! Start slow and silent. Get up. Put the kettle on. Look out of the window as it boils and notice things; the weather, the trees, the sound of the morning. Drink your hot drink in silence, or with some classical music, or with a chapter of your current book. Go for simple pleasure first thing in the morning. Don’t shove the world right into your face before you’ve wiped the sleep from your eyes!

2. A Five-Minute Floor Ritual

Lie on the floor, palms open, eyes closed. Meditation music is optional.

Let your body be held by gravity. Imagine the floor coming up from the centre of the Earth and pushing against your back. Imagine it is holding you up, not that you are pressing down.

Then work up your body in your mind, focusing on each part, from the feet to the head.

This simple exercise grounds you. It releases your muscles. It brings you back to yourself. No fancy props needed, just you and the earth.

3. A Wander

All without a destination. We are always going somewhere. Even when we aren’t, we tend to plan a walk. Try not to do this. Notice the world around you and be present. See where your feet and your interest take you. Just let your curiosity take you where it wants to.

4. A Special Shower

I know that, for me, I all but disappear in the shower. I lose all sense of urgency and time. My mind wanders. And that’s just a normal shower on a normal day. It puts me in a good place. So, what if you make it even more special? Dim those lights, add a scent, move slowly, use the fancy scrub. Let the water wash away the day. It’s not just hygiene, it’s healing.

P.S…. this works just as well if you are a ‘bath person’!

5. Tech-Free Teatime

Brew a cup of tea (or coffee, or chocolate, or Bovril?) and sip it without distraction. No screens, no scrolling. Just warmth, breath, and the experience of being. This simple act becomes sacred when you’re fully present to it.

6. Finish as You Began

Just as you did not leap into the day, do not put the emergency brakes on it just before you go to bed. Try to wind down to your bedtime. Turn off the big lights, screens off an hour before sleep, take time washing your face and teeth. you might even like to do a short meditation. This helps your nervous system to gradually shut down, as opposed to surprising it with a demand for sleep!

By Chris Thomson

 

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