Retreat: WHAT

Second in the retreat series... Since my last blog entry, I have had some comments in person and on the web - all positive and affirming. Folks have said, "So glad you got to do that... you really needed it!" I'll go ahead and hope they're saying that because they appreciate that I needed a break and not that I was such a pill before I left that they were relieved to have me vacate! :)

So we've covered the "who(m)": Just little 'ol me. I mentioned the title: DOME (Don Oxygen Mask Escape/Extravaganza/Emerency/Egress ... whatever)

Now for the what; what exactly did I DO on my own for three days in God's country?

My agenda would bore you, but I will list some basics. I rose and retired when I wished (this did not mean greating the sun or burning the midnight oil. Just no boundaries on either end). I took along lots of notebook paper, a white board, my laptop, the Bible, and lots of books.

My main goals were to get a handle on my goals and priorities. Think: shake the etch-a-sketch. I did a brain dump, where I listed everything I could think of that needed to be planned, organized, cleaned, repaired, taken care of. I made my categories on paper, but discovered the joys of www.workflowy.com and added it all there.

Next I began a series of goal-setting videos (by Chalene Johnson, of Beach Body/ P90X fame). The purpose of the series is to cause the viewer to adopt habits based on personal goals and priorities; basically skipping over "file the medical records" in favor of "place an ad in three newspapers today" if, say, "Increasing My Family Income" is at the top of my life and goal priority list (it's not).

As a result of those videos, and cemented by the fact my cell phone had already given signs of epic fail, I deduced my NEED (not desire, really) for a smart phone. I need a nag. I need a push. I need something with me all day long that holds my priorities and goals and that I won't leave at home in my purse when I "step out;" because I need to assess if that "stepping out" is in line with my priorities!

I'm not going to gush here ... I do it on facebook and in person, but: I LERVE my iPhone.

Wait a second?! I thought this was a spiritual journey, this retreat??

I DID pray. I DID read scripture throughout the day. I also perused the variety of daily devotional books I brought along, attempting to choose one to use this year to keep me focused and in the Word. However, in my LISTENING, I felt a strong nudge for this other, seemingly non-spiritual stuff - to get my house in order. To carve out moments for myself, my marriage, my children, my friends. To get my daily todos in line with my monthly and yearly todos. In order to conquer my Martha-isms, I need to do some prep work. To give myself permission to Be Here Now (my personal mantra), I need to know what God wants me to be doing. To LISTEN to Him, I need to clear my mind.

I know ... it hurts the brain, no? But this kind of sustained thought and organization therof is exactly what I can't get done at home ... at least, I haven't been able to. And so: retreat. I didn't swim, get a pedicure, listen to the waves crashing (there are no waves in Columbiana, OH) -- I did sprawl out on a bed I didn't have to make and listen to the storms ... that was nice.

Headwork = stress relief = retreat for Rachel. Greatly needed.

Fun Fact

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient for waking you in the morning.

Fun Fact

Coca-Cola was originally green.

Retreat: Who

First in my series of posts about retreat.  Bet you can guess what the next 5 are gonna be, right?

The plan: pack myself and some "stuff" and head off by myself for three full days.  Not unreachable, wilderness-type stuff, but more the comforts of home away from home.  No interruptions I don't invite or allow, a fluid, flexible personal agenda, and as much silence as possible.

Just Little 'Ol Me.

"Vacationing" and "retreating" could be considered two different things ... I suppose what your mind conjures up will dictate your own opinions;  Mr. Mark may think of retreat as Civil-War related, and Gramma Carol may think of vacationing at the beach.

For me, "Vacation" = effort, forced fun, scheduling, cost, planning, getting your hopes up, some down time between meals, handling disappointment, orchestrating activities.  Just going from one person to two dramatically increases the thought and effort going into vacation plans. (Bear with me; it's not that I think all vacations are misery.  I promise.)

Truth be told: I'd rather stay home.  I LIKE my home.  I like my house, my books, my family, my photos, my town.  I don't have this insatiable desire (which always fascinates me-- truly), to "get away."  Is the need to leave here or go there?  I'll concede it can be both, in theory.  Just not for me.

"Retreat" = relax. unwind. no expectations. think, dream, read. quiet.  If this were at all possible with a husband and two children in tow, I'd be all for it.  The crux is that every DAY I desire alone, quiet time.  I breathe better, I think more clearly, I am able to get a handle on things.  I often attempt to do so before the house wakes, but I am finding that more and more difficult as the youngest member of the family is quite the alarm-clock preempt-er and has an internal sensor for that top-step-squeak.

And so, I retreat.  Away from here, yes, but with no particular agenda there.

Yes, I needed a break.  But we'll talk more about that when we get to the "why." ;)

reTREAT!!!!!!!!!!

I am writing this in a lovely room in another state.

I am here, alone. For three days.

I am incredibly happy.

My husband recognized my need for some time to myself. Not just a "go to Starbucks and get yourself a coffee" kind of alone time, but uninterrupted, nearly silent, do-what-I-want-whenever time. A monastery would be heavenly, but this place will do nicely.

I call it a DOME.  Don Oxygen Mask Escape. I need this; I need to recharge, refresh, re-examine.

I like that "dome"
sounds like "om."

If you know me (and if you don't, why are you here, exactly?), you'll know I can't possibly leave the house without some paper and books ... this retreat is not all lying about and eating Andes candies, thoughtfully placed by "Nancy," my housekeeper. In fact, it's a respite from the last few months, but it's also an opportunity to clear the clutter in my mind, so I can tackle the clutter at the house. Reorganize my priorities so I can keep my eyes on my goals every day. Spend some quality time calling out to God, with the actual time and silence to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN.

So, I have a schedule. I made it myself. And I'm allowed to stray from it, though I probably won't.

All I wanted to say is - I'm here, I'm refreshing, I hope to be a better everything when I return (and a little less of some things).

Thank all of you for supporting our family, and encouraging me.  Thank you, neighbors, for looking out for Ian and the kiddos while I take this completely selfish and necessary excursion.  Thank you, God, for the incredible blessings in our lives, and that You care for me, as I cast my cares on You.

Amen.

Fun Fact

Drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent.

Fun Fact

The most common name in the world is Mohammed.