Every Person Needs to Take One Day Away.

“Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”

― Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now

Maya Angelou had it right. We all need to take a break from life sometimes in order to charge our batteries. In our busy western culture, it can be quite difficult for men and women to slow down and take a time out.  Due to economic challenges, childcare duties and inflexible work schedules, it can feel as though taking a day for oneself, let alone a few, can seem impossible. However, both emotionally and financially successful people recognize that it is imperative to step back from life periodically. We all think that we are indispensable. Is that really true? Can’t we check out even one day? There are many people who are successful financially who are able to take nights and weekends off to spend with loved ones or themselves. Proper rest allow for a refreshed mind and body, contributing to creativity and motivation.

Strategically timed retreats, vacations and even day trips are vital for emotional well being. One definition of a retreat is “an act of moving back or withdrawing.” I myself have taken short 2-3 day retreats throughout Massachusetts. One favorite site of mine is in Cohassett, MA at St. Joseph’s Retreat Center. The house is right next to the ocean. The time there is spent in silence. These can be guided or unguided experiences meaning there can be interaction with the staff for spiritual direction or the person on retreat can do his or her own thing. Spiritual direction consists of meeting with someone trained to discuss matters of faith. The costs vary from site to site but I have never paid more than 250 dollars for these experiences.  The return on investment has been priceless. Checking out retreatcenter.com is a great way to find the retreat site of your choice.

In conclusion, we all need to recharge ourselves mentally, physically and spiritually regardless of our profession. A retreats can be viewed as a mini vacation. There are numerous secular and spiritual retreat centers in Massachusetts. One would be surprised how little it costs to go on a retreat. A retreat can be renting a hotel room for a couple of days, bringing with you an inspirational book to read or camping overnight. Perhaps it can be a day trip. I think that whatever the experience, it should be done alone so that you have an opportunity to think, pray, read, write and or meditate.

Here are some advantages for taking a retreat:

1)      Get more perspective: It is an opportunity to get perspective and see where we are and where are we headed.

2)      Cultivate your spiritual side: For those believing in a higher power, it is an opportunity to speak with one’s creator. Being in touch with nature is an awesome way to cultivate one’s spirituality.

3)      Get inspired and motivated: When we recharge our batteries we come back refreshed. It can allow us to do some goal setting.

4)      You are treating your body as a temple: Some retreats offer massage. I got great sleep and ate well. Food is important to me:) I also had opportunities to do some walking along the beach.

5)      Better appreciation for what you have: It’s a chance to count our blessings i.e. spouse, house, pet, children, etc.

For the month of November, my call to action for you is to set aside 1-3 days where you go on a retreat or spend time alone in nature. You’ll be happy you did.