I have got a simple checklist for retreating into my self. This is important to be rooted or grounded or be refuged in my own base. Retreating is a surrendering process. It is centripetal in nature while Yoga is centrifugal. Retreating is internalized while Yoga is externalized. In retreating, one mixes with the immanent aspect of God while in Yoga, one unites with the transcendent aspect of God.
I have coined an acronym for the steps or checklist. - ADHD.
Actually ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, which I believe I had (and perhaps still have). ADHD is when someone cannot concentrate much on a single for a long period of time. I show symptoms of the disorder but I guess I can label myself as having all the disorders under mental health. Anyway here's the acronym...
1. A - Admit that it's time to retreat (whenever drawn to the current of unnecessary tasks, interests, aspects etc. of life)
2. D - (remove all) Distractions or Don't get Distracted. (i.e. have an undisturbed or peaceful environment or atmosphere.)
3. H - Hide from others (This is solitude where there is just some mode of emergency communication)
4. D - Do nothing (if you are a lazy bum like me, you will love this. Actually, it means not doing any activity that requires focus, effort etc. Not what one will do even while loafing, like scratching the back. :))
All the above can be done before one takes the retreat (like placing a 'Do Not Disturb' board on the door outside). Infact, it is better if when one retreats, it can be set up once and not be bothered any more....like saying 'enough', stopping all current activities and driving off to a secluded spot.
There will be discomfort initially which will later turn into comfort. It's just not easy to sit and do nothing when one's world seems to be breaking apart. There may be burning sensations from stress, bad habits etc. One starts slowly being aware of little things in the present moment. Again, these little things seem trivial or uninteresting or not easily perceptible when compared to the big things in life. But the good thing is that this practise will create a void or emptiness like a fallow land in which the tree of happiness can be cultivated and grown. Also, it will decelerate any unnecessary extra momentum of a neurotic or workaholic.
I have coined an acronym for the steps or checklist. - ADHD.
Actually ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, which I believe I had (and perhaps still have). ADHD is when someone cannot concentrate much on a single for a long period of time. I show symptoms of the disorder but I guess I can label myself as having all the disorders under mental health. Anyway here's the acronym...
1. A - Admit that it's time to retreat (whenever drawn to the current of unnecessary tasks, interests, aspects etc. of life)
2. D - (remove all) Distractions or Don't get Distracted. (i.e. have an undisturbed or peaceful environment or atmosphere.)
3. H - Hide from others (This is solitude where there is just some mode of emergency communication)
4. D - Do nothing (if you are a lazy bum like me, you will love this. Actually, it means not doing any activity that requires focus, effort etc. Not what one will do even while loafing, like scratching the back. :))
All the above can be done before one takes the retreat (like placing a 'Do Not Disturb' board on the door outside). Infact, it is better if when one retreats, it can be set up once and not be bothered any more....like saying 'enough', stopping all current activities and driving off to a secluded spot.
There will be discomfort initially which will later turn into comfort. It's just not easy to sit and do nothing when one's world seems to be breaking apart. There may be burning sensations from stress, bad habits etc. One starts slowly being aware of little things in the present moment. Again, these little things seem trivial or uninteresting or not easily perceptible when compared to the big things in life. But the good thing is that this practise will create a void or emptiness like a fallow land in which the tree of happiness can be cultivated and grown. Also, it will decelerate any unnecessary extra momentum of a neurotic or workaholic.
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