Prepare for your Retreat
The quality of your retreat will be strongly impacted by how well you
prepare yourself for this special time. One key is to take care of any
potential loose ends which could distract you from being fully present.
To the extent possible, complete projects, get current on
communications, pay bills, etc. Leave messages on your e-mail and
phones indicating the dates you will be unavailable.
Spend some time reflecting on why you are taking the retreat. Ask
yourself, “If I have a totally wonderful retreat, what blessings might I
be bringing home with me?” From this reflection, develop and write
down some clear objectives for your retreat. Aim high! On this magical
mountain, you can receive just about anything your heart truly yearns
for.
Do whatever you can to ready yourself both physically and spiritually
for the retreat. If you plan to spend time hiking up on the mountain
(strongly recommended!), you may want to amp up your exercise program to
prepare your heart, lungs, and legs for this challenge. If you’ll be
doing lots of meditation or some other spiritual practice on your
retreat, it’s wise to do that practice regularly in the days leading up
to the retreat. You will build momentum and strengthen your focus. You
might also want to look through your collection of inspirational books
and select one or two favorites to take with you.
Start Off Gently
Start your retreat with rest and relaxation. Particularly if you are
tired and/or stressed, it is very helpful to give yourself as much time
as you need to unwind and rest. Let your body sleep as long as it needs
to. Spend some leisurely time sitting by or swimming in one of the
beautiful alpine lakes close to Mt. Shasta. Perhaps go for a gentle
hike. Take an afternoon nap if you’re tired. Don’t put any pressure on
yourself to focus spiritually. If you feel inspired to do some
inspirational reading, meditation, etc., go for it. But, please don’t
have any sense of “should” around this.
Renew Yourself Deeply
Once you feel well rested and relaxed, you’re ready to dive into the heart of your retreat.
I
find it very effective to combine intensive spiritual focus with
physical activity. Spend time meditating, praying, gazing at the
summit, sitting by a mountain stream, singing, decreeing or whatever
helps you connect deeply with God. Intersperse this with hiking,
swimming, biking, or other physical activity. By alternating the
spiritual practice and exercise you will better ground whatever new
energies and realizations you tap into it. While hiking or engaging in
other physical activity, practice being in the present moment. One
simple way to do this is to notice your breath and to be grateful for
the gift for life so freely given. When you notice your mind going to
the past or future, simply be grateful for that awareness. Gratitude
will bring you right back into the joy of the present.
If
you can, spend some time up high on the mountain. The energies of
Panther Meadow, South Gate Meadow (also known locally as Squaw Meadow),
and surrounding areas are exceptionally supportive of spiritual
awakening. But anywhere you go on or around Mt. Shasta, you’ll find
special gifts and incredible beauty. This is truly a sacred mountain.
Spend
as much time as you can on this phase of the retreat, but make sure to
leave at least a few hours, if not a full day, for the critical third
phase.
Build a Bridge Back to Your Life
Once you’ve immersed yourself deeply in the joy of the present, take
some time to look at your life from a nonjudgmental space. Notice which
areas of your life are already in alignment with the fully alive,
powerful Self that’s been reawakened. Also, note areas where there’s
disharmony, struggle, stress, etc. Write down action steps which can
bring these areas more into alignment with the inspiration and clarity
you’ve tapped into doing your retreat. Make sure that some, if not
all, of these action steps are simple and easy to do (i.e., making a
phone call, scheduling a meeting, etc.).
Also, take time to reflect upon and write down the insights and
realizations you’ve had during your retreat. Ask yourself “How can I
bring these realizations home with me?” For example, you might want to
consider purchasing a picture of the mountain, crystal, or special
Shasta memento which you keep in your bedroom or office. Or you may
want to commit to a new daily practice or ritual that will keep the
flame in your heart burning strong.
When you arrive home, do at least one of your action steps the first
day you’re back and as many as possible the first week. Also, make
sure to spend time in nature and some time doing the spiritual practices
you used on the retreat. This will help integrate the gifts from your
retreat into your daily life. Do your very best not to get so busy
catching up on everything that you get overwhelmed and stressed out.
By choosing to go on retreat, you demonstrated a strong commitment to
your wellbeing. Honor this commitment and the time you invested in your
retreat by truly making a new beginning in your life.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Andrew
Oser has hiked and camped extensively on Mt. Shasta since 1978. He
deeply loves and respects the mountain and is passionate about helping
visitors from around the world to discover its gifts. Andrew is an
expert in experiential learning, having created and facilitated a wide
variety of programs which have served many thousands of people.
A
summa cum laude graduate of Princeton University, Andrew brings a wide
range of experience to his current life coaching and retreat
facilitation work, including starting and running a successful nonprofit
organization, serving as a top-flight professional tennis coach and
exploring many approaches to personal and spiritual growth. He is the
author of the recently released book How Alternation Can Change Your Life. For more info, see www.summitcoachingservices.net
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