Create Your Own Spring Break Meditation Retreat
“Empty Nester Moms Go On Wild Spring Break Rampage in Ft. Lauderdale.”
Can you imagine seeing that headline on CNN or The New York Times?
Actually, it’s probably more of a TMZ headline, right?
Imagine footage of moms in their 40s swilling collagen margies on the balcony of a Daytona motorcourt inn. Alexa devices blaring a “Maroon 5” on Spotifiy; Lulu-wear being shed (then put back), sponsor tents in the parking lot for Peloton, O Magazine and Gabbie Bernstein. The cops arrive to shut it all down; but rather than use tear gas, they simply bull-horn to the throng, “‘Bachelor’ starts in five minutes.” Yup, that breaks it up.
Talk about “The Real Empty Nester Housewives of Spring Break.”
“The Real Empty Nester Housewives of Spring Break”?
Yes, it’s kind of hard to imagine empty nester parents participating in that kind of activity.
More typically, when March and April roll around, it’s our own college students who begin planning their spring break partying.
After all, the poor, poor darlings have been working sooo hard for, what, eight weeks straight? They need a break where they can do nothing for a week, with “nothing '' often defined as drinking and partying.
Of course, this year Spring Break may not be the same as years past. With COVID still posing challenges on travel, and with many students attending classes virtually, this is not a normal Spring Break season.
But I’m here to tell you one thing: you should plan your own spring break retreat.
As an Empty Nester parent, why not consider your own spring break?
No, I’m not suggesting you hit the road for Daytona, South Padre Island or Palm Springs. Not this year, anyway.
And I’m not recommending a retreat in which you indulge in the more hedonistic side of life. Instead, why not focus on turning inward.
But there are several good reasons why having your own spring break, even if it’s just a few days, might do you a world of good. Here are a few benefits:
When your college student tells you about their Spring Break plans, you’ll be less likely to feel “left out” if you have your own adventure on the calendar.
A getaway (even if only virtual) in March or April can help bridge that long time between when they left in January and when you see them again in May or June.
Most importantly, you can use this time to do some personal exploration.
Spring Break at Home
Whether you go somewhere or stay home, here’s how to prepare for your own meditation retreat.
Preparing Your Space
Clear away clutter. Minimize distractions by putting the TV, phone and computer out of sight. This is good time to discard possessions you rarely use or store them away. Physical clutter also tends to cause mental clutter!
Set out appropriate objects. Select a few items that help put you in the mood. You may want to arrange a small vase of flowers or serve yourself DIY spa water.
Prepare to eat light. Foods that are easy to digest will let you concentrate your energy on other activities. Fill your refrigerator with yogurt and salad greens. Drink protein shakes.
Dim the lights. Soft lights will calm your mind. Light candles or use shaded table lamps.
Gather inspirational reading material. Browse online or visit your library for books that you can read during your retreat. Pick whatever is meaningful for you.
Keep track of time. When you’re new to meditating, it may help to use a device that will let you know how much time is passing without watching the clock. Put your alarm clock behind you and set it to a pleasant sound. Or sit for as long as it takes one stick of incense to burn down.
Find a cushion. You can buy a cushion designed for meditation or just use a bed pillow. Sit in a straight backed chair if you find that more comfortable.
Preparing Your Mind
Pick a good time. Make some free time on your calendar. Your best dates may be when your spouse is away for the day and you know you’ll have the place to yourself.
Slow down in advance. The weekend after a major convention could be a difficult time to switch gears. Become more deliberate and mindful in the days before your retreat so you’ll need less transition time.
Try to resolve any pressing issues. Take care of doctor visits and car repairs before you go on retreat. Put aside future plans as much as possible.
Let people know you’ll be out of touch. Write an auto reply for your email letting people know you’ll reply on whatever date your spring break retreat is over. Ask your loved ones to avoid contacting you except for emergencies.
Focus on what you want to attain. Set an intention for your retreat. You may want to strengthen your determination to pursue a new career path. Maybe you want to draw closer to your family and friends.
During Your Meditations
Breathe deeply. Breathing correctly improves your mental functions. Take full breaths from down in your abdomen. Let the air travel in and out of your nostrils.
Straighten up. Good posture also helps you stay alert and concentrate better. Straighten your back, relax your shoulders, and hold your head erect and slightly forward.
Observe your thoughts. Watch your thoughts without making judgments. Identify any concerns or goals you want to spend more time reflecting on.
After Your Retreat
Much of the value of any retreat lies in the aftermath. Develop a practical plan of action for reaching your goals. Review your progress daily to help stay on track.
Get away from it all while you stay at home. Meditation retreats occur in your mind, so create a peaceful setting and generate positive thoughts you can take along with you when you resume your daily routine.
