I am heading out tomorrow for a week’s retreat. This is something that I tried for the first time last year. It was a wonderful experience.
I set aside a week. No phone. No computer. I bought enough groceries for 2 meals a day, and stayed away from sugars and processed foods. I took books, paper, pens and the laptop if I wanted to write really fast! I also took some rudimentary art supplies. Then, I headed down to the beach which is about an hour from my house.
Out of that retreat last year came a flood of creative writing that resulted in two published stories this past year. I also created two stained glass window mosaics from which I continue to get daily pleasure.
I also learned that my family can survive without me for a full week. So can my email. And I can live without “being available” by phone and computer. The rejuvenative effects of that retreat lasted about 9 months. And, I’m ready for another!
This kind of self-care is one of the ways that I continue to recover the “good life” from anxiety and panic. This kind of peace, slowing down and making space for myself is the life experience that I can continue to create INSIDE my head and heart no matter where I am.
And that reduces panic, anxiety, fear and chaos.
So I bid you all a fond farewell for seven days — and look forward to returning refreshed, renewed and reflective!
Be well.
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March 28, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Social Avoidance
Congratulations Cindy, we all deserve to give to ourselves that kind of treat once in a while. As you mentioned your last trip gave you 9 months of rejuvenation, that’s a gift to yourself and it shows self respect and love for yourself, so enjoy.
March 30, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Anxiety 2 Calm
I just wanted to say that I have also found art to be a fantastic way to release worry and stress. I think some people may well benefit a lot from seeing a qualified and experienced Art Therapist. But you don’t need this expensive treatment to get some benefit.
Writing is good. Sometimes I write about my problems but in fiction, with the characters experiencing them instead of me. I find writing in that third person way enables me to see my issues from someone else’s perspective. It gives more insight. Also it is great just to take some art equipment like a brush and some paper and let your imagination go. It doesn’t matter if traditionally you are not good at art.
What can I say, it works for me!