Creating a Sacred Container for Your Virtual Retreat
Prepare yourself mentally and physically for your retreat, as much as is possible. Arrive as well-rested as you can. Treat yourself with extra kindness in the days beforehand, putting self-care at the forefront of your mind and schedule.
Clear your schedule
Cancel any appointments, just as you would if you were going away for the weekend.
Do any grocery shopping and essential errands in advance.
If you will be remaining at home, keep essential tasks to a minimum. This includes child care, pet care, meal prep & clean-up, household duties, etc.
Prepare meals in advance, as much as is possible. For example, prepare a big pot of soup or stew that can simply be heated up and served.
Create as quiet an environment as possible. If you remain at home, select a spot in your home that allows you as much privacy and quiet as possible. Or you may have the opportunity and choose to find a quiet space away from home - at a trusted friend’s home, a comfortable AirBnB or maybe even a secluded retreat center.
Beautify this spot in some way that allows you to really enjoy your time there. Perhaps put out flowers, create an altar with a few sacred items, light a candle. Whatever might make this space feel special and inviting to you.
Give yourself to the retreat schedule. Attend the sessions that are offered! This is a gift to both yourself as well as the others who are in attendance. Commit with your heart. The schedule is created to allow continuity to your practice, so the more you attend develops awareness and insight.
Please keep your video camera on unless you need to temporarily step away from your screen. This really supports your practice and deepens the sense of community. Your presence on screen allows for a more connected and intimate experience for everyone there, retreatants as well as facilitators. If this is something about which you feel uncomfortable, please reach out to me beforehand so that we can talk about possibilities. Thank you!
You may wish to practice silence during the times when we are not gathered (overnight and during breaks). This can be a powerful experience and allow you to go deeper into the practices. If you live with others, be sure to let them know you will be doing this. It can be a truly powerful experience!
When you do speak, make this, too, part of your retreat. Throughout your retreat, practice mindful speech. Speak with an attitude of mindfulness, kindness, awareness, tenderness, compassion.
Know that your retreat includes everything that happens. No matter what occurs, allow it to be a part of your practice, just like all things are a part of life.