The Importance of Retreat (in Small and Simple Ways)

Last week, I shared about the feeling of emergence - both in the garden and within ourselves. This week, I want to continue that thread and speak more directly about restoration.

I’ve been reading a book recommended by Kristen Abbott during her recent mini-retreat: You Should Leave Now by Brie Doyle.

In it, Brie writes, “You must retreat to remind yourself of your own truth and inner fire.”

So often, as women, we place ourselves last while caring for everyone else. But what if we modeled something different? What if we allowed ourselves to be filled first?

What would that shift create - for our children, our relationships, and the generations that follow?

When I look back, I didn’t have the capacity for a full retreat in those early mothering years. But I did sometimes find ways - small, imperfect, but meaningful.

And that is what I want to offer you: retreat doesn’t have to mean a week or even a weekend away.

It might look like:

• A walk alone where you pause long enough to enjoy the beauty around you

• Sitting by water, letting your nervous system settle

• Hugging a tree, feeling your body supported

• Opening a sketchbook and drawing what you see

• Trading childcare with a friend so each of you can rest

Not time to get things done, but time to step out of doing altogether.

Even small moments like this can shift something. They create space for your body to soften, for your mind to quiet, and for you to return to yourself.

In a world that often encourages us to keep going, to push through, and to stay productive, choosing to pause can feel unfamiliar. But it is also deeply restorative.

What might retreat look like for you in this season?

Can you place even a small pocket of that time on your calendar?

Even a small moment can be enough to begin.

If you are feeling called to slow down, reconnect, or receive support in this season, I would be honored to work with you. You can learn more about my offerings [here].