We tend to reproach ourselves for doing nothing but letting our minds wander. You are supposed to be working, or studying, or ticking off things on your to-do list. Listening to the winds in the trees, watching butterflies, being silent, they seem to produce nothing, to serve no purpose, to offer no prestige.

When was the last time you had time to have time?

‘In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.’ – Albert Camus

Spending time for yourself looking out at a distance is, paradoxically, not to find out what’s going on outside. It is rather, to discover the contends of your own mind. It is a deeper internal exploration, a kind of labour which can be uncomfortable, even excruciating. It might take a little bit of work before it turns into a pleasant experience. But once it does it becomes maybe the most important relationship anybody ever has, the relationship you have with yourself.

You might imagine you know what you think, what you feel and what’s going on in your head. But you rarely do entirely. When you take time to explore inwardly, not only will you be forced to confront who you are, you just might learn a little bit about how to out-maneuver some of the toxicity that surrounds you.

What makes time for yourself a rejuvenation is the quality of reflection that you can generate while in it. You have the answers to your questions. But sometimes, you only recognise the importance when someone reflects and repeats what you said, or ask a whole different question. I will hold that space for you to feel secured and adventurous, at the same time.

Book yourself a retreat, join me in appreciating the clouds, tasting a cup of tea, or taking a walk in a familiar (or new) path. Let come, some of your greatest insights, when you stop trying so hard and instead respect the creative potential of slowing down.

What’s great about these retreats:

• They are bite-size: half day from 8am-12pm, or 1-5pm
• We can choose the location together
• You can enjoy them all for yourself, with your partner, or with a small group of friends
• You will engage all your senses (no, we won’t be sitting cross-legged, not all the time)
• You will, thank yourself for your productive idle time

Love the idea? When shall we begin?