Why Retreat Can Lead To Better Productivity
And 6 Ways To Get Started
“…growth requires an oscillation back and forth between retreat - protected psychic space - and advance.
Between action and contemplation.” - Stephen Cope
I had never been on a yoga retreat before flying to Mexico last month.
Although I had no idea what to expect, I had trust in myself, in the moment, and in meeting whatever was meant to be on the other side.
But how did I get here? To this place of faith, of flow.
It was as though I knew exactly how the week was going to unfold without having even stepped off the plane.
One year ago, a yoga retreat sounded like a fantasy, a concept from a different time. Two years ago, I thought yoga retreats were reserved for tree huggers and hippies (stereotypes I’ve since embraced as I’ve discovered them within myself). I believed spiritual journeys were for lost souls.
I guess I didn’t realize how far off the path mine had gone.
Yoga has brought me many gifts, too many to include in one post, but enough to inspire and influence those to come. And this retreat was no different.
While I could use this space to share the agenda and adventure from my trip, I’ll leave that to social media. Instead, let’s talk about the power of retreat and how you can take what I learned with you to reap its benefits.
I’ve always been too busy in the doing. I have spent most of my life wrapped up in the work and the hustle, associating my productivity with my value. Heading into my retreat, I decided I would be conscious of being. For the first time on a trip, I didn’t sign up for every excursion. I didn’t fill my time with action and activity.
And you know what? I didn’t miss it.
Instead of feeling like I was experiencing less, I found I was stepping into more.
More space, more stillness, more inspiration. I found myself surrendering to the moment and allowing my decisions to be what they were - a choice. A choice without layers of anxiety and judgment.
By taking the time to slow down, I was learning first hand the power of rest.
Not only did I have more energy because of a good night’s sleep, I had more energy because I was listening: to my body, my intuition.
“This inner voice of wisdom must be cultivated in silence and stillness. Wisdom is the true nature of the mind, but it usually reveals itself in silence, in stillness, and in it’s own time.”
- Stephen Cope
It’s in the stillness that you can hear the most, call in the most.
You are doing more by doing less.
By simply, being.
From this place, you are balancing your nervous system by activating your parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. You are tapping to space inside you that nurtures compassion, sparks creativity, and promotes healing. The more you activate it, the healthier you will be mentally and physically.
So, how then, do you channel this energy?
How do you tap into the magic of a yoga retreat while being at home?
Here are six simple ways to to reduce stress, balance your nervous system, and find moments of stillness in your day-to-day:
Breathe
The benefits of breath work continue to be explored as there is no doubt that our breath has the power to bring us back to the present. When you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just in need of a break, place your hands on your belly, thumbs at the navel and fingertips below. Allow the belly to expand under your fingertips on the inhale and contract on the exhale.
Sleep
It goes without saying that we still have work to do in how we value and respect rest. Listen to your body and do not judge yourself if you need more sleep. Work on shifting your mindset away from sleep being synonymous with laziness, and instead with good health and well-being.
Meditate
Not sure where to start? Headspace and Calm continue to be popular, but if you’re looking for something more personal and intimate, try The Sit Studio - a meditation platform for all levels founded by wellness-expert (and my friend!) Danica.
Cold Showers
Have a hot bath (my favourite) or hot shower to warm your body, followed by a one-minute cold shower. The cold water causes your dilated blood and lymph vessels to contract, activating your parasympathetic nervous system. Trust me, this will lead to a boost of energy while also relaxing you.
Nature
Being in nature reminds us that we are part of a bigger picture, a larger purpose. It helps to boost your mood and lower stress levels. Allow yourself to be grounded and supported by the earth beneath your feet.
Practice Periods Of Silence
For the first 24 hours of retreat, our yoga teacher had us practice silence: no talking, no technology. To say it was enlightening is an understatement. Depending on your work and lifestyle, you may not be able to spend that length of time in silence, but I highly recommend finding periods of time to practice silence - and that includes shutting off devices and putting them away.
Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, creator, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!
