On Retreat

Aug 08, 2024

My sister Stephanie lives in Boise, ID. While visiting last month, we went rafting on the Boise river – right through the city. It was a 2.5 hour trip and although Boise State University and other city buildings were along the river, the river was lined with trees the whole trip. The temperature was in the 90s and the river was flowing with ice cold water from the mountains. We had fun bouncing through the rapids, spotting birds, chatting with other floaters and being immersed in nature.

After the trip, we got on a shuttle bus to get a ride back to our car. It was at this point one of us commented that no one had phones. We left them all in the car. I noted that we just had a 4+ hour digital detox. We all benefited from it. The teenager, the 9-year-old and all the adults. 

The combination of no technology and being in nature is incredibly good for the brain. Take a stand for this in your life and facilitate it for the kids and families you serve. This is something most of us know, but technology is so pervasive that we have to be intentional about unplugging. Do you have a system in your home? Like, tech-free Sundays? Or, no screens after 7 pm? Do you eat dinner out on the deck or have reading time in the grass? 

Do you teach yoga classes outside? 

How can you facilitate a retreat in nature for yourself and the children in your life? Even if it’s just an hour or two. 

Taking a break from the intensity of life is critical for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. However, a daylong or multi-day retreat isn’t always possible. What is possible, anytime, is to rest on the go.

It’s simple. Close your eyes, recognize the physical weight of the body being supported by the surface you’re sitting on. Tune into internal body sensations. Tune into your breath. As you do, you’ll notice it starts to open up. It becomes deeper and longer. This is an indication that the nervous system is shifting from stress to rest. 

The more consistently you practice this rest on the go, the more flexible the nervous system becomes in moving between sympathetic (stress) and parasympathetic (rest) function. 

This is one of the most important tools to teach a child – nervous system regulation.