I Can't Do Yoga: Retreat

Get ready to make a deposit in your spiritual wealth account. In this post, you’ll learn a simple technique that will get you started on your journey. As I studied Ancient Yoga, I discovered the concept of the Retreat. People would give up their daily lives and spend a specific amount of time studying, praying, and practicing. I read about a three-year retreat and pondered why someone would choose that path. For Eons, religious devotees have committed to serving and following their faith, leaving societal expectations behind them. While we respect that decision, spiritual wealth doesn’t require it. Daily practices can bring us closer to the Divine and connect us with who we are. Checking in several times a day can help us experience joy and peace during our current situation. I’ll explain how I do it and give you some examples.
My first check-in is within the first hour of waking up. I reserve that time for morning meditation and have done so since November 2019. If I have something on my schedule, I wake up earlier because I cherish those meditative moments. My meditation is different each day, but most days, I contemplate what I’m doing here—not necessarily my purpose, but how am I bringing love to the world? My second check-in is near the end of my morning farm chores. I spend a few moments taking a panoramic view of my farm, whether it’s blue skies or a rainy day. I look at the nature around me and appreciate being here. The third check-in happens before I go out for afternoon farm chores. I’ve done most of my work for the day, walked the dogs, studied, created, and started dinner. During this check-in, I usually check my energy level and think about caring for the animals on the farm. Even if I’m tired, they deserve my best. So, I consider why I am farming, and I usually find satisfaction in that decision. After dinner is cleaned up and the dogs are tired from walking and playing, I do my fourth check-in of the day. I reflect on my connections with the Divine, my friends, my farm, and the world. 
The times I choose for check-ins are transitions in my day when I take on different roles. Those moments are gems in my schedule that I look forward to. So, how could you incorporate check-ins into your life? Start by looking at your schedule and identifying the transitions. Those could be times that you choose to check-in. Simply stopping to breathe and be for a moment or two is a great way to start. If you need reminders, you could set an alarm on your phone or put a note on your mirror. You could write in a journal during those times or do an audio recording of how you are feeling or what you are contemplating. You don’t have to take a three-year retreat to be more spiritually connected. Give it a try, and let me know how it’s working for you.