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Issue 14 Linda K. Liebold www.CoachToSuccess.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Retreating to Hear the Voice Inside You
What do you think of when you hear the word “retreat”? I think of getting away from my office, surrounding myself with nature, and achieving a sense of peace. When we retreat, we remove ourselves from the busy-ness of our daily lives. We focus on ourselves and in so doing, we gain personal knowledge that helps us make positive changes in our lives.
A “retreat” can consist of one person, two people or a group of people. It can be done by yourself or with a retreat facilitator. It can last a few minutes or a few days. It can be personal-oriented or business-oriented. This article will focus on personal retreats. The goal of a personal retreat can be as simple as finding a few moments of quiet time to be reflective or as complex as defining one’s life purpose.
Inviting Change into Your Life
I recently read an article on retreating by Karin Sokel, friend, colleague and life coach and would like to share an excerpt with you. (krsInflow@aol.com, www.inflowcoaching.com)
“To go on a retreat is to invite change. Any retreat, any conscious time you immerse yourself in self-care with an open heart, creates change. It can shift stuck relationships, it can restore and heal, it can show you a new perspective. When you’re in a rut, a retreat can shake things up and begin the process of change. The change can be a faint notion, a clear step or a giant leap in a direction that feels right and good.
“So, how do you invite these life altering changes into your life? Retreat—whatever that form might be. Each time you act from your deep self, each time you remember to be still and listen, each time you take a step toward something you want to change or forgive yourself for making a mistake, pause and take it in. Notice the ripples of change in your life following a retreat. The more you retreat, the ripples become stronger. Retreating is strength training for the soul…
“Know that when you retreat, you are retreating for everyone in your life. Time away, connecting soulfully to who you are and what you value, is not only a gift to yourself, but to others as well. You will find that, away from the busy-ness of the world, creative thinking emerges. Ideas on how to enrich your own life as well as the lives of others will occur spontaneously, along with the energy to implement them. Retreating is one of the most empowering actions you can take for yourself and for the planet.”
In her article, Karin recommends a book by Jennifer Louden entitled: The Woman’s Retreat Book. Ms. Louden talks about “ripples” that occur in a retreat. As Karin said in her article, “The more you retreat, the ripples become stronger.”
“Specific ripples to watch for:
- Feeling more centered, less affected by the criticism of others…and minor irritations.
- Being more open and flexible.
- Feeling less at the mercy of your inner critic, pusher or judge…
- Experiencing less guilt and shame and fewer shoulds and hurry-up-you-are-not-doing-enough-fast-enough thoughts.
- Feeling lighter. Seeing subtle shift in your daily attitude – a little more hopeful, up, or easygoing.
- Becoming able to say no when you need to without excessive guilt or excuses.
- Finding yourself able to carve out time for what you enjoy and for more retreats.
- Experiencing more energy and/or direction in your work or parenting.
- Feeling at one with others and with nature.
- Getting less caught up in crisis, either by maintaining perspective, by refusing to engage, or through better preparation.”
The Impact of Retreating
Several years ago, I participated in my first facilitated three-day spiritual retreat. My goal was to discover my life’s purpose and to determine a new career direction. The retreat worked. In fact, it had far more impact on me than I had expected. It positively affected my career direction and my relationships with my husband, daughter, and well, the universe.
I encourage you to retreat. Take some time for yourself – away from the activity of your office or home. Retreat to a peaceful place that you enjoy. Find time each day (even if it is only 5 minutes) to quiet the world around you so you can hear the voice inside you.
For more information about retreats…
If you would like to learn more about this topic and receive information about our upcoming retreats, please email Linda@CoachToSuccess.com.
Recommended Resources
The Woman's Retreat Book: A Guide to Restoring, Rediscovering, and Reawakening Your True Self in a Moment, an Hour, a Day, or a Weekend (Comfort Book), by Jennifer Louden, HarperCollins Publishes, New York NY
Practicing Your Path: A Book of Retreats for an Intentional Life by Holly W. Whitcomb, Innisfree Press Inc., Philadelphia, PA
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, by Eckhart Tolle, New World Library, Novato, CA
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Would you like to learn more about this topic and others like it? l will be happy to talk with you about creating custom on-site workshops and tele-classes for you and your group. Contact me at Linda@CoachToSuccess.com
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About the Author
Linda Liebold, M. A., is a business, career and life coach. As founder of Coach To Success, Linda motivates and empowers individuals and groups to be the best that they can be personally and professionally. Linda has 25 years of experience as a coach, consultant, manager, trainer, speaker, and facilitator. Since 1984, she has headed Liebold & Associates, Inc., a strategic planning, marketing and communications consulting company. She has worked with hundreds of individuals in over 60 organizations nationwide. She is affiliated with Coach U, Coachville and the International Coach Federation. She is certified in administering the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), and other personality, management, team, and individual assessments. For more information click here.
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