DIY Retreat

Steps for a DIY Retreat at Home

Click on the tabs below for each step in the process.

SCHEDULE

PREP

BREATHE

CONNECT

NOTICE

WATER

REPEAT

SCHEDULE

1- SCHEDULE

Obviously, one of the first things to do is MAKE TIME for this relaxing treat.

DIY Retreats can be done on your own as regular self-care or with a partner/friend.

You decide the length of time - it can range from 30 minutes to several hours.

It's super important to ACTUALLY mark this time in your calendar!!!

And even better, put the event on REPEAT - at least once a month, although weekly is best IMHO!

PREP

2 - Prep

Preparing is super important to make this Relaxing & Rejuvenating!

Gather & get some basics ready such as:

Warm Oil &/or Lotion

Pillows, Blankets, Towels

Candles or Dim Lighting

Calming Music or Nature Sounds

Fingernails Trimmed

Tidy Environment

Epsom Salt or Essential Oils for Bath

SILENCE Notifications on Devices

Now it's time to Breathe, Connect, Relax and Notice!

BREATHE

3 - BREATHE

Now to begin!

You can start with either a nice, warm bath/shower or a time of silence/mindfulness practice.

Here's a few tips for Massage with a partner/friend:

Warm Hands & Oil before you start

Begin at the scalp & gradually massage to the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, hips, legs then feet.

Think in 3’s— Three SLOW strokes

🤍 Flow - Toward Heart!

Keep Contact - try to keep a hand on the recipient at all times - it helps them stay relaxed

Movements to the Music - Slow, repetitive motions

NOTICE & LISTEN to your own Intuition & Instincts

Practice Makes ... PROGRESS

NO, not "Practice Makes Perfect" - striving for the impossible just causes added stress.

If you end up stumbling the whole way, just NOTICE and LEARN for next time!

Start to notice your breath transition from shallow and tight, to conscious and calm. BREATHE...

CONNECT

4 - CONNECT

BTW - Massage should be comfortable for the Giver.

Some tips on how to massage with proper body mechanics:

Contouring - Open Palms, Fingers Curved, Follow Lines

Alternate - Fist, Palms, Forearms, Elbows

Lean from Core - Use Body Weight Properly

Proper Body Mechanics - Head up, relax your shoulders, back straight, knees bent

Laugh, Joke, ENJOY!

Connection with yourself and/or partner is Key - Enjoy this time

CONNECT...

NOTICE

6 - NOTICE

As a fabulous finale', you take a barefoot walk through the "grounding" sand labyrinth (yes SAND). Each step you take, brings deeper connection to the Earth beneath your feet. You notice your Body, Mind & Heart relax into the present moment and you feel holistically integrated. NOTICE...

WATER

7 - WATER

Finally, that brings me to a SUPER IMPORTANT follow-up for any wellness practice … Drink PLENTY of EXTRA WATER the next couple days, to help detox and re-hydrate your system! If you notice your muscles feeling a bit stiff the next day or so, DRINK MORE WATER!

REPEAT

Steps for a DIY Retreat at Home

1- SCHEDULE

1- SCHEDULE

2 - Prep

2 - Prep

3 - BREATHE

3 - BREATHE

4 - CONNECT

4 - CONNECT

6 - NOTICE

6 - NOTICE

As a fabulous finale', you take a barefoot walk through the "grounding" sand labyrinth (yes SAND). Each step you take, brings deeper connection to the Earth beneath your feet. You notice your Body, Mind & Heart relax into the present moment and you feel holistically integrated. NOTICE...

7 - WATER

7 - WATER

Finally, that brings me to a SUPER IMPORTANT follow-up for any wellness practice … Drink PLENTY of EXTRA WATER the next couple days, to help detox and re-hydrate your system! If you notice your muscles feeling a bit stiff the next day or so, DRINK MORE WATER!

8 - REPEAT

8 - REPEAT

Remember to use this practice often & make it a priority!

Dixie Ewing