Top 7 Benefits of Retreat for Solopreneurs

Remember when you first got the idea to be an entrepreneur and imagined the freedom it would bring you?  Yet, still find that freedom illusive?

Over two decades ago, when I chose to be the boss of me and become an entrepreneur, I celebrated my new found freedom.  I was elated to give up the "safety" of corporate stress and structure to realize the dream of owning my own business.  Little did I know how much I had to learn before I could realize the freedom for which I yearned.

The first few years were spent in survival mode.  Back then, social media was unknown and very few activities were automated.  My so-called portable computer was a lighter-weight desktop Mac and my days, and nights, were spent wearing the many hats formerly worn by the many employees that had previously supported me in corporate.  I was the assistant, secretary, bookkeeper,product development, marketing, merchandising, incentive staff and go-to girl.

This was time-consuming but achievable before I became a mom.  Then, when my daughter was born, my schedule, and my heart, were divided.  My passion for my daughter threatened to overshadow my passion for my business, and I felt drained.  It took quite a while for me to figure out how to balance the two passions.

My business pursuits have always evolved around my love for my daughter and being a mom.  Choosing to pursue my life as a professional coach was one way to integrate my two passions with less stress and more joy.  This made it easier, but was not the ticket to true freedom.

True freedom came when I discovered the power of retreat, alone or with others, on my own or with a coach, a.k.a. a guided retreat.  It was during these times that I fell back in love with my work-passion and found what I needed to be successful without stressing out.   

Now, imagine a half or full-day, a weekend or a full week on retreat reveling in these benefits:

1. Connection: Connecting with your passion, authentic voice, and nature. Taking time in silence or in conversation with self, nature or others.
2. Rest and Renewal: Quiet time to think or just be ... sleep, and renew your energy, passion, authentic Self
3. Community: Joyful time with like-hearted, like-spirited (wo)men - who share heart, mind and collective wisdom.  Sharing in silence, or if you choose, in small and large groups what we think, feel and have learned on our personal journeys.
4. Clarity and Focus: It is amazing what a little nature and stillness can bring to mind and heart.  Spending time in a more nourishing environment allows your mind to come out of overwhelm, making room for clarity and possibility.
5. Creativity: Aha moments appeared from within or from others on retreat.  And, sometimes you are gently challenged to go outside the usual and be more of YOU (for me it has included hikes up mountains and diving in unfamiliar waters)
6. Transformation (more value than a massage) - a massage feels wonderful, but a retreat renews from the inside, and the benefits are transformational, life changing and last longer. (During one retreat, a "medicine walk" helped me realize I was ready to live big)
7. FUN - This is a joyful benefit of getting out of the office and away from busy-ness. I find I am lighter and more available for fun when I'm not squeezing in a short break between calls or meetings.

I returned from my first retreat and vowed to make this part of my business plan.  Partly because I needed the down time, and partly because I needed the practice to make it last between retreats - and part of my daily practice.

Now, at least twice each year I schedule myself to be away on retreat.  One is by myself at a nearby retreat center on 110 acres of idyllic property, and the other is a guided retreat (last year it was at Horseshoe Lodge in CO) - because I cherish the time to give up being alone-at-work, and being the boss to let someone else take the lead.

But, when I cannot get away, I plan a virtual, or half-day retreat with other amazing women in my hometown.  The best gift, I have fully integrated retreat into my life and my teen daughter sometimes attends with me - as a willing and joyful participant. 

And, I have learned to bring the benefit of retreat into my daily life and business practice.  Now, when I feel overwhelmed or lonely-in-business I seek to recreate my retreat experience at home. I move more slowly, breathe more deeply, spend more time connecting with nature, my community (of friends, family and other heart-centered solopreneurs) and my creative side (I've reconnected with the art of my photography).

The value of retreat in my life and business was so transformational that I decided to add this element to my business services.  To deepen my retreat practice, I signed on with Coach Helene Van Manen and her Retreat Coach Network.  Now, I am a Certified Retreat Coach and am supported by a community of amazing retreat coaches when I need a retreat for myself, or want help planning a fabulous, creative retreat for others.

Have you discovered the value of retreat?  Or, want to know how?  If so, please share in the comments below?

 P.S. If you wish to revel in the value of retreat, I invite you to come on retreat with me (in-person or virtually). Visit my web site to find out when we are celebrating our next gathering of amazing women.  And, if you are reading this in September, 2010, click here to see if there are spaces left for our Autumn Equinox - Soulful Gathering.