What’s the difference between a PRD and a regular day off from work?
Vacations are awesome. I have a long weekend planned in March with my husband. But as wonderful as these special trips are, they don’t replace my monthly PRD. What makes a Personal Retreat Day different from a plain ol’ self-care day or a day off from work? Imagine three concentric circles:
- Time
- Solitude
- Intention
When combined, these three ingredients create a recipe for a delicious PRD. Let’s examine each of them:
Time
Allow yourself ample time to unwind, decompress, and transition out of your normal routine. Take your time easing into deep rest and reflection. A PRD doesn’t have to be an entire day, but the more margin you have, the more relaxed you will be, and your thoughts will flow more freely.
Solitude
Find a quiet space away from people, distractions, and hustle & bustle. This can be a spare room in your house (or even a bedroom closet), a park, or a library. Being alone in a quiet environment helps you listen to your own thoughts without distraction.
Intention
Time + Solitude is not enough; a PRD requires focused attention on a desired result. Ask yourself, “what do I need most today?” Deep rest and refreshment? Purposeful reflection on the previous month? An extended time of prayer or visualization? Long-term vision casting? The important thing is to set a specific anchor for your day: what result do you want to take away from this PRD?
Keep these three ingredients – Time, Solitude, and Intention – in mind when you’re planning your next PRD.
Are you subscribed to my newsletter? If not, take 5 seconds to do so now HERE!