I remember once hearing that most people need to take a holiday for at least 10 days to really unwind, turn off the busy brain and really enjoy a complete break. Well, this of course depends on many factors. Are you a completely obsessive compulsive e-mail junky? Do you go on holiday to rush around sightseeing. Do you view you holiday as a duty to the family or are you really seeking a space to not think about anything in particular? As I have spent the last few years taking retreat time for myself as well as organising and running regular retreats. I have found that I now seem to have a more natural capacity to turn off my brain much quicker when on a trip or holiday. Yes I have had more practice than most people and yes I have been using yoga and meditation in my life for many years, which obviously have had some very positive effects. However the capacity to distance yourself from the everyday concerns, is not always so easy to do. So what assists you to control the brain, thinking and worrying and let things go? What helps you to self-sooth? Is it music, a beautifully quiet environment or wonderful scenery? Can you turn the mobile phone off and remain out of touch? Let me know what most counts for you as a way to really chill out on holiday.
