Going on retreat (or holiday) needs advance planning and preparation – declining social invitations, booking time off work, maybe arranging childcare, thinking who can feed the cat and water the plants,telling your mum you’re not around that week – and all that before you start packing your suitcase!
Although we’re not going anywhere for the urban retreat, you’re likely to get more out of it if you prepare for it to some extent. Think about whether there’s anything you could do – or say no to – that would give you a little more time that week. Could you find 30 minutes a day for an extra practice of mindfulness, meditation or reflection? Could you free up an extra evening or two to come to the Centre more than you usually do? Or a couple of lunchtimes? Who would you need to talk to about that?
If you’re a parent, you’re probably an ace logistical organiser already; put those skills to the service of your Dharma practice for the urban retreat! When my children were at school I used to build up a lot of credit in school pick ups, play dates and suppers for their friends, so it was easier to ask for return favours when I was going on retreat.
If you’re working, have you any spare leave to use by the end of the year? Do you have flexitime you could accrue now so you could work shorter hours during the retreat?
What would help your household run smoothly during the urban retreat week? Pay your bills and do your laundry as you would if you were going away, and maybe plan your meals and get the shopping in too.
It’d be a good idea to join the international online retreat so you have easy access to extra materials.
You might also like to tune in with the theme by reading the relevant chapter from ‘Wisdom Beyond Words’ by Sangharakshita – available for free download here.
And if you don’t manage any of it – don’t worry – just come along on Sat 21st November anyway - book by following this group!
See you there,
Jvalamalini
