You have my permission to do this. Really. No guilt whatsoever.
- Choose an activity that gives you joy and that feeds your soul. It can be anything—something you do alone or with friends, an activity that’s high intensity or more contemplative, something you do away from home or in your home.
- Schedule a full two hours for this activity—in the next 10 days. Write it on the calendar, and call it an appointment because it is; it’s an appointment with yourself. Don’t let anything get in the way of this appointment.
- Move into this appointment with a prayer, such as, “Lord, I’m placing myself here to be nurtured and inspired and lifted up. Help me let go and receive whatever you have for me.”
- Enjoy your two hours. Soak in this activity. Tell yourself how it feels to be here: “This is so nice. . . What a lovely afternoon! . . . I love this!”
- Leave this time and activity with a prayer of thanksgiving.
- Before you go to bed this night, reflect on the time you had, and ask God for whatever insights are there. Look back on the experience and identify the graces. Make some notes to yourself.
- Resolve to do this again in X number of days or weeks.
Vinita,
My first time commenting here, and wanted to express how much your writing has been helping me on my journey. I was given a copy of your Set The World on Fire retreat more than a year and half ago as a birthday gift, and was excited as the women you use for the retreat are some of my favorite saints, however, at the time, I was in the midst of accompanying my husband on his cancer journey (he passed last November), so had put it on my shelf for a future time.
But then this summer, I went on a 8 day silent retreat at Bellarmine Retreat House outside Chicago, and “discovered” your work anew. In particular, your books about spiritual writing–to which the Lord is making abundantly clear that I need to prioritize and be attentive again, and your writing has been helping me to do exactly that. Anyway, what a joy it was for me to return home and “discover” that you were the author of the Set the World on Fire retreat book, so very much looking forward to utilizing it this coming fall. 🙂
As for my two hour activity, it will be playing golf with my son tomorrow, but I will add in the intentionality which you suggest in your article.
Thank you again for your sharing and writing, and looking forward to more!
Thanks for this recipe. It looks very promising. I am going to try it.
Dear Vinita,
I’m not taking 2 hours but taking 2 DAYS next week to go off by myself. I have never done this before, but this year has been quite a journey.
In February this year, our much loved son told us he had cancer. I know I won’t need to say what a terrible shock it was to hear, or for him to relate his 8 year old daughter asking if he was going to die. His operation was followed by chemo and he “rang the bell” the day after his last medication. For 4 months I kept a stiff upper lip, but when I saw that video of him ringing the bell as end of treatment, I probably cried for 3 days. I know in my heart that wonderful people prayed long and hard for him and us and GOD carried us. I also aim to go on a 2 day retreat in September entitled “where is God in this” – I know absolutely where GOD was, with me and will let it be known.
I will finish off now, Vinita but I must tell you, I thank you so much for your book. Last August, I began to read your book Small Simple Ways, during our cancer journey with our son, every page spoke to me on such a personal level it was like you could see inside my mind and heart. I have begun it from the beginning again.
Many many thanks.
Katy
Katy, thanks so much for this. More proof that Holy Love uses all sorts of people and words and situations to care for us. Blessings on you and your family,
Vinita
I will spend my two hours drawing and coloring, making the paper sparkle to show how deeply I appreciate the gift of God‘s light.
I plan to do it on Saturday after breakfast
Thanks for the idea
the 2 hours of joy is the easy and fun (joy) part. The think-back reflection is the important part. You have just experienced an Authentic Examen – the reliving of how God is acting in your life. Look deeper – do you see him Smiling – like a delighted father/parent watching his kids. You can rinse and repeat over and over. MUCH FUN DeColores !!!!!!!
This is very much needed. Not only do we need this , but it really makes the most out of whatever it is that renews us. If I may comment, though, that this appointment is not with myself per se, but with God.
Thank you.
I am planning to spend time with my plants. I love gardening but cannot do it anymore. So I have houseplants that need attention and I will give them the love and care they deserve. My appointment with them is tomorrow.