Re-treat, Restore, and Revitalize

At the start of the year, my sister gifted me something truly special—a yoga retreat. She’s been visiting this serene oasis for the past three years, using it as a space to step away from the busyness of life, relax, and reconnect with herself.

We spent months trying to align our schedules, and as December approached, I decided to book a week that worked for me. It seemed like May next year, might be the next time we could synchronize our schedules and that felt too far away.

Initially, when I inquired, no one else had booked for that week, but after I confirmed my interest, six more people quickly followed.

I decided to make it a road trip because the scenic route itself felt like a wonderful way to embark on my retreat journey.

From the moment I arrived, the stress and concerns of the year began to melt away. The retreat offered an atmosphere of calm: the sounds of birdsong, the gentle buzz of bees among the flowers, and the stillness of the countryside drew me into the present moment.

Our daily routine included early morning yoga sessions and late afternoon yoga meditations, with optional treatments like massages, poetry readings, and sound therapy tailored to what called to you. Every meal was vegan, beautifully prepared with love, and deeply nourishing.

Throughout the day, there were moments designed for simply ‘being.’ In these quiet spaces, I found myself painting watercolors with the art supplies they provided. It was a beautiful reminder that in a world so focused on ‘doing,’ taking time to simply ‘be’ is a gift.

For me, this retreat embodied what a Compassionate Business journey can look like: gifting yourself time and space to breathe, to nourish your mind, body, and soul, and to come back to yourself. This pause has recharged my creativity and energy as I prepare for the year ahead.

Lessons from the Retreat

1. Create Space for Stillness
   Taking time to pause allows you to reconnect with yourself and the present moment. This stillness is essential for clarity, creativity, and resilience in both life and business.

2. Nourish Yourself to Sustain Progress
   Just as we need nourishing food, you may also need restorative practices to fuel your energy and ideas. Balance ‘doing’ with moments to simply ‘be.’

3. Seize the Opportunity for Renewal
   When life offers a window for rejuvenation, grab it. Taking that step now can transform your perspective and prepare you for the opportunities ahead.

Here’s wishing you a festive season filled with nourishment, restoration, and moments of calm.

Lenore