Virtual Retreats - Getting to know the process

Often the desire or even the need to get away from everything is strong but for a number of reasons you feel that it is not a viable option. At times when you are feeling physically weary, emotionally shaky and your brain never seems to slow down, your inner voice is telling you to do something about it. My first invitation is " Give yourself permission to stop for even one hour."

Yes you can take time to sit and read your favourite magazine and take mind away form the reality of daily life. Many people enjoy running, walking or fishing as a means of relaxing. By beginning to take that time and space for yourself you are hopefully calming the busy mind and allowing the serotonin levels to work.

Let's take you to what a virtual retreat can offer you.

Imagine you take Sunday morning just for you. You have told everyone that you want to be left alone, children are at friends, partner on a three hour shopping spree and the house is completely yours. We, at Rest of Your Life have sent you your instructions with the bridge telephone number to call at 10am.

On the call you will meet your retreat leader and a few other participants. We set the stage; find the corner that you want to relax in, collect a notebook, book, music etc In ten minutes the intention for your retreat is set. Off you go to reflect on some questions whilst you treat yourself to a whole hour of quiet reflection.

You call in again at the top of the next hour and again you will be encouraged to take a walk in nature or be in touch with water as you continue this special time for you.
When I first tried out a virtual retreat I was amazed how effective it was. You have the support of a retreat leader who gentle encourages you to take care of you.
Can you give yourself permission?

Resting on a coaching retreat.

When I was considering a name for our new coaching retreat company, I wanted to create the concept of both peace and relaxation but also convey that on one of our tailored made coaching retreats our clients would find the space for reflection on their lives.
The play on words in "rest of your life" seemed to cover both of these aspects. It holds the wonderful feeling of stepping into a little place especially for you to do as little as possible whilst being gently coached into the thinking space required for looking at what is really going on in our lives. Rest evokes recuperation, re-energising and building up our inner resources.
The new website is live and as I sit here learning how to write a blog, it is not how I had hoped it would be.

I am not in my office composing and considering my writing. I am in an Internet cafe in a small sea-side town in Scotland. It is raining outside and all seems rather dreary, as we Scots say.

My father is dying in hospital and I am realising that he is about to have the infinite rest. (Don't stop here ------ I am not about to blog you into tears.)

" Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop" Ovid.

Instead here I sit remembering that life is so very,very precious and I can rejoice at the simple but successful life of an old Scottish gentlemen. I am sad but not full of grief for he was a man of great character and his funeral is to be a real celebration of his life. The stories of his life will be shared and his passing will be marked with soft humour and gentle applause.

Today as I was sitting beside his hospital bed, reading quietly as I held his hand, I realised that knowing that he was peaceful and not suffering was how it was to be, as he slipped into his final retreat. His dying is not a drama but the most natural process when you have lived a long life. May he enjoy his deserved rest.

Working as a Retreat Coach is the most wonderful job to have because you travel to some of the best locations in England. It allows me to re-discover areas of Britain that I have not visited since I was a child. Even better than that is always having the opportunity to work with people who have stepped up to the invitation of taking time for themselves. I love my work, enjoy walking and coaching alfresco. As a child I remember we were blessed with always enjoying a family holiday, usually in the UK. Perhaps this is why I am instinctivley drawn to stepping away from the complexities of life and love to retreat.

In this time of "doom and gloom" when listening to the news coverage only seems to pull our mood down. Autumn has come early in Britain and the days are shortening. No matter what is going on in our lives; nursing a sick relative, divorcing our long term partner or suddenly coping with a crisis, if we have not had the chance of respite, a holiday or a short break, we have no time to build up the energy of resilience to keep healthy and strong, positive and appreciative of the goodness of life. Allowing ourselves a little time during each day, each week or every few months to stop, calm our busy brains, store up some energy and get back in touch with who we are, is absolutley vital. Resting is as natural state of being.

How can you create a rest time for yourself each day?
Who can help you to do this? Who puts obstacles in your way?

Signing off,

Dorothy Larios