Your 15-Minute Home Retreat

Retreats are sacred inner journeys that have been practiced since the earliest of times. Many different cultures and religions have honored and integrated this concept in their daily lives. This journey is about turning silently inward and attaining another spiritual dimension, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self and detach from the stress or mundane concerns that take away so much energy.

You may envision a soulful retreat as traveling to a secluded paradise to reconnect with your spirit and nature. It’s certainly an appealing option, but not always practical. But you can easily take an inward journey right at home. In fact, 15 minutes are enough to:

• find inner peace
• replenish your energy
• regain a positive outlook on your life
• nurture your inner self
• release the sense of loneliness, neediness, co-dependency

How Do You Know if You Need a Retreat?

• If you can’t remember when you last indulged yourself.
• If you are depressed or take life too seriously.
• If you neglect yourself while taking care of other’s needs.
• If you feel constantly busy and rushed.
• If you feel empty and don’t know how to get more lively.
• If you “zone out” in front of the TV.
• If you wish to explore and enjoy your life more avidly.

If any of the above attitudes rings true for you, then you are overdue for a retreat. The following 15-minute ritual can literally transform your everyday life into one with more happiness, peace and fulfillment.

Five Steps to Create Your Own 15-Minute Home Retreat

1) Create Your Sacred Space.

Find a quiet, secluded space where you won’t be disturbed. Turn off the TV, radio, lights, computer, etc. Light colorful, fragrant candles to create a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Burn incense — sandalwood, amber or patchouli are good choices.

2) Anoint with an Aromatic Blend.

Prepare your aromatherapy blend by pouring the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill:

• 8 drops Sandalwood
• 7 drops Cedarwood
• 5 drops Frankincense
• 3 drops Rose

Anoint the sacrum, solar plexus, heart chakra and third eye. Pour a few drops of the blend into the palms of your hands and breathe it in deeply.

3) Pause and Breathe.

Sit comfortably on a large pillow. Close your eyes. Take deep and regular breaths. Visualize the air being absorbed by your entire being. Think positive when inhaling and let go of any negative thoughts while exhaling.

4) Be in The Moment.

Enjoy the serenity, the aromas and this time to contemplate. Just feel and stay in this silence for 15 minutes.

5) Journal Your Feelings.

The Author:

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness.

Photo. Jeremy Kyejo