Planning Your Own Creative Retreat
You don't need to spend a fortune to experience a creative boost
No matter what type of retreat you are looking for, you can easily plan and execute a solo retreat or with like minded friends. It just takes a little planning to give that boost to your creativity.
I’ve done a variety of self planned retreats. From beach reatreats where I’ve spent time writing or doing art or just simply a rejuvenation from the stress life throws my way, to full day retreats on the train, to forest retreats where I’ve spent hours walking in nature. Each of them serves the same purpose, to retreat from the everyday and focus within.
No matter what your project, task, or focus is be sure to pack light. Only take what you need for that one focus. Too many other things can be distracting or you spend valuable time searching through your bag(s). Plan ahead and stick to the plan.
How to plan your own creative retreat:
Decide what you want to focus on, keep it simple and something that you already to. This isn’t the time to embark on a new project or idea, save that for another time.
Decide if this will be solo or with a group of friends. If with friends, reach out to those that you would like to spend the time with and that are focused on the same activity.
Choose your own date or coordinate with the others. Sometimes it is easier to pick the date that works for you first and then extend the invitation, if friends can make it great, if not that is okay too. This is your retreat. Again, keep it simple and not difficult by trying to coordinate calendars.
Your budget. How much can you spend on this retreat? Maybe it is nothing more than the price of a bus ticket or maybe it is $500. Choose a budget that fits for you at this moment. If you are including others it can be more cost effective for renting a house or cabin. Don’t put off the retreat for lack of funds, you can plan a retreat for nothing if nothing is what you have.
Your location will depend on this budget, the focus, date, and number of days and people. Choose a location that fits with all of these things. Here are some ideas, from zero budget to extravagant.
Retreat Ideas:
A local park, or co-working space. Parks are free and many co-working spaces will give you a free day pass to try them out. Cost = $0
A hike in nature. Choose a trail as long as you’re comfortable with and take your project with you. Find a spot in nature to sit and focus. Cost = $0
Be a tourist in your own town or city. With comfortable shoes and a backpack you can walk around town, stopping as the inspiration hits. Be a wanderer for the day and see things with fresh eyes. There will be plenty of benches, cozy coffee shops, and parks to bring out the creativity. Cost = $0
A bus or train ticket to a park, another city, or a small town nearby. You can easily have a full day retreat for just a few dollars. Cost = $0-$25
From Portland, I can hop on Amtrak and travel round trip to Seattle, a 3 hour trip each way, with time spent in Seattle it is easily one day for about $50.
Rent a local hotel room, this can be as inexpensive or extravagant as you want. You can even stay over one night or two. Cost varies.
A sensory deprivation float and lunch out. Most large cities have float tanks and a 90 minute float can do amazing things for your creativity. Follow it up with lunch at one of your favorite spots, find a booth in the back and work on your project or task. Cost for a float is usually around $60.
A day spa or an overnight stay. Deep relaxation interspersed with focus on your project or tasks. Cost varies but a day pass can be as little as $100 or a full spa day can be $300-$500
Ideas for Pairs or Groups:
These ideas can be really cost effective and fun by planning meals ahead, everyone contributes to costs, and allow time for one or more group activities to enjoy your time together. But be sure you also have time to work on your own project or tasks.
A mountain cabin. Easily available from a rental company like AirBNB or VRBO. Spend time in quiet and nature.
An oceanside hotel, condo, or beach house. I am always inspired with an ocean view and this is one of my favorite retreat locations with friends. Taking breaks with a beach walk or a trip to the ice cream shop can be great for clearing the mind and refocusing on the project.
Post Retreat:
Your post retreat time should not be dropping back into old routines. This is a great time to start a new habit, plan your next retreat, or ease back into your day-to-day routine with a newfound calm and focus.
Tell me about your retreat ideas or what your ideal retreat might look like:
Maybe you have had some successful retreats that you’ve planned on your own, or maybe an organized retreat that you now feel you could execute without the extra cost of someone else planning it.
What are your ideas for a self planned retreat? What would you like to do but feel stuck in the planning process?
And finally . . .
What would your ideal retreat be if cost wasn’t an issue?
Leave a comment and share your experiences or thoughts.