#244 - THE POWER OF SOLITUDE: DISCOVERING CLARITY & CREATIVITY WITHIN

 

Hello & welcome back 😊

In today's hyper-connected world, finding moments of true solitude can feel like searching for rare treasure.

Yet, it's within these precious moments of quiet that we uncover the deepest insights about ourselves, our desires, and the path to creativity, productivity and genuine fulfillment.

Listen in as we delve into the transformative power of solitude and solo retreats - the practice of intentionally embracing personal space and silence to connect deeply with ourselves, reflect, dream and plan.

If you're seeking clarity, creativity, or simply a break from the noise of everyday life, tune in and let this be the nudge you need to carve out that essential space for yourself.

Because in the quiet, you might just find what you've been searching for.

As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.    

Have a wonderful weekend …and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛

Enjoy! 💛

Dream Life Founder

SHOW NOTES:

• Learn more & register here for our SOLITUDE RETREAT (HOW TO)
  🌿 Unveil the Art of Solitude: Learn how to run your own personal solo retreats – while on retreat with Kristina 🌿 
• Learn more & register here for our FIJI REINVENT YOU RETREAT. Embark on a transformative journey guided by Kristina Karlsson, Sarah Pirie-Nally, Nicole Hatherly, and Shaynna Blaze.
• Join my virtual book club GROW for May where we'll meet weekly on Zoom to discuss and squeeze the learnings from Robin Sharma's brilliant new book, The Wealth Money Can't Buy (which explores true wealth beyond financial success). Learn more here…
• Buy Robin's new book The Wealth Money Can't Buy here...
• Join my Platinum Coaching Program - where in May the focus is on the Power of Our Subconscious Minds. Learn more here.
• Read more about how to create your own solo retreat here...

RESOURCES:

• Sign up to our email list here to hear about upcoming workshops.
• Join our Habit Club. It's easy to start a new habit, but harder to make it stick!  Get the inspiration and support network you need to successfully build new habits into your life.
• Take your first step to getting clarity on what you want from life with this free bonus dreaming exercise here 101 Dreams Audio Guide 
• Buy Kristina's book, Your Dream Life Starts Here

TRANSCRIPT (edited):

Hello and welcome back to another episode. Today, we're diving into a topic that's both powerful and deeply personal: the significance of solitude in our hyper-connected era. True solitude has become a scarce gem, offering profound insight into our true selves and what we genuinely seek in life.

Solitude isn't about loneliness or isolation. It's about embracing the space to hear our thoughts, feel our emotions, and be truly present with ourselves. In these moments of uninterrupted peace, we often discover clarity, creativity, and a deeper connection to our inner being.

This became crucial for me during a period of intense activity in my life, including global business expansion and raising young children. My life was overflowing, my sleep was compromised, and I felt tired, unmotivated, and uninspired. Working on myself, I realized the necessity of solitude to think, be, and generate the energy needed to manage everything.

I began spending an extra night alone after work trips to disconnect from the world and spend time with myself. It was incredible, a tool I knew I would use for life. I still do, often retreating for a night or two to recharge. Many have asked about this practice.

So today, I'll share how you can embark on a solitude retreat too. And if you're interested in taking it further, join me for a solo retreat day on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, on May 15, 2024. I'll provide more details at the end of this episode. But how do we start our own solitude retreat?

First, set an intention. What are you seeking from this experience? Clarity on a decision, reconnecting with your passions, or a break from daily life's noise? Your intention will steer your journey. The right location is crucial. It doesn't have to be a remote mountain cabin, though that's appealing.

It just needs to be a place where you feel safe, inspired, and at peace. For me, staying at an inspiring, cozy hotel or renting an inspiring house for a few nights works best. The goal is to be in a space that feels separate from your daily routine.

For me, the environment is vital, so I love staying in inspiring houses. Once you've booked your stay, the journey begins even before you leave home. I turn it into a road trip, often finding inspiring houses outside the city, in nature. I wake up early, planning the entire day.

Being alone with your thoughts can initially feel daunting. Our minds are accustomed to constant stimulation, and in silence, they can become loud. This is normal. Acknowledge these thoughts and feelings as they arise, but don't dwell on them. Let them pass like clouds in the sky.

Here are some tips to make the most of your retreat:

1. Disconnect: Turn off your devices. The digital world can wait. This time is for reconnecting with yourself, so ensure all devices, including TVs, are off.
2. Journal: Bring a journal. Writing is a potent tool for self-reflection. Let your thoughts flow onto the page. If you join my solo retreat, I'll provide a specific retreat journal, but any journal will do. Just remember to bring a pen.
3. Nature: If possible, immerse yourself in nature. It has a calming effect and can help ground you in the present moment. I spend time walking in nature, regardless of the weather, so dress appropriately.
4. Meditate: Practice mindfulness or meditation. Even a few minutes can center your thoughts and deepen your present moment connection.
5. Creative Expression: Engage in something creative without judgment. Draw, paint, write—anything that allows free expression.
6. Nourish: Plan healthy food and drinks in advance, so you can relax and just be when you're there.

 

The benefits I've unlocked during my own solo retreats are many - leading to many of my big ideas.

In fact, a couple of days away on a solo retreat in Sweden in 2018 is what sparked the idea for what turned out to be my best-selling book, Your Dream Life Starts Here - which in turn was what led to the creation of the Dream Life movement.

Remember, the goal of a solitude retreat isn't to find all the answers. It's about giving yourself the space to ask the right questions and listen to your heart.

As mentioned, I'm hosting a solo retreat day with a small group on the Mornington Peninsula on May 15.

If you're interested, I'll link to it in the show notes. This day retreat will showcase how I conduct my solo retreats, including a gentle yoga session with Simone Callahan, meditation, journaling, nature walks, and healthy eating. It's an experience designed to rejuvenate and inspire - and to teach you how to run retreats like this for yourself.

If you're listening later, I plan to host several retreats a year worldwide. Check the retreat page and join the waitlist for future events.

As we conclude, I encourage you to carve out some solitude regularly in your life. It doesn't need to be a week-long retreat. Even a day or night of reflection can profoundly impact.

Thank you for joining me. I hope you're inspired to explore the beautiful solitude within us all.

See you next Monday.