Refill the Well

It is almost the Winter solstice here in the northern hemisphere and I use this time to go within and replenish my creative well. Much of the year has been spent scrambling over the trail called life, but it is essential to pay attention to the nudges that the Universe gives you. Years ago, I would just keep charging forward with the flag waving that said I will rest when I am dead. Funny how aging puts a different spin on this motto. Keep burning your telomeres and you will find your life is a lot shorter than you hoped for. I wouldn’t listen to the whispers or the nudges my body was giving me until I became ill. I am fortunate to have a robust immune system and I don’t get ill very often, not even a cold. About a decade ago I found myself coming down with a cold or bug around December or January. I would need complete rest for about a week to recover. I noticed the pattern, but it took me a few years to connect the dots. I think I was just stubborn, not dense. At least that’s what I tell myself.

So, I built in a planned recovery. I told myself that I didn’t need to get sick to recharge. I would plan a time to go within and nurture mind, body and soul. It didn’t cost anything, and I didn’t need to go anywhere, it was actually better to stay put. Some people may take a tropical vacation in the middle of winter, but I found what I really craved was just stillness. A time to go within and listen. A time to be still and let my imagination float in the clouds. It doesn’t mean that I don’t do anything. This is where I just let everything settle. I flip through books and magazines or Pinterest and kindle to see what speaks to me.

I have shared this exercise before, but it’s worth repeating. My notebooks and sketchbooks are filled with torn out pages from magazines that are taped into place. I don’t get magazines anymore, so I go to the library and get some free ones. I sit in a cozy chair with a cup of tea, my scissors, tape and notebook. An inexpensive school notebook will work. I just sort through the pages and let my mind just meander. When I see a shape, a color, or an image that speaks to me I tear out the page. I go through a stack of magazines like this. Just pile up the images at this point, no need to sort and tape yet. When I have a pile I cut out the parts that I found interesting and tape them onto the notebook pages. Sometimes it is colors that appeal to me, and I group my snippets together. I make notes about what I find inspiring. It may be the shapes, ideas, colors or a combination of them all. Don’t analyze or critique. Just cut and paste. This may take a few days. I intersperse with walks, movies, reading and listening to music.

The idea is to let go of planning so new ideas can find their way in. I prefer to do this analog, not digitally. I find I already have too much screen time so to step away is part of the refilling of the well. I do some writing, mostly snippets of ideas on pieces of paper. As I write this, I am sorting through my idea file which is a big envelope filled with small pieces of paper. I keep little note tablets around the house, office and studio so when an idea strikes, I can jot it down. If I had to go retrieve a designated notepad where all ideas lived, I would probably forget what I was going to write down or get sidetracked on the way to find the notepad. This system works for me. You will find your own that speaks to you. I let my Refill the Well Retreat last anywhere from 4 to 7 days. This is about the same amount of time it would take me to recover from whatever illness hit me and stopped me in my tracks. I haven’t gotten sick in many years since I have started this tradition. This isn’t medical advice and things happen, but let your mind, spirit and body rest every once in a while.

Here are some guidelines to create your own Refill the Well Retreat: 

1.     Set up a time to do this and make necessary arrangements with work and family. You may not be able to take off work for the entire time but at least try for a long weekend.

2.     Have some healthy food available to prepare for yourself.

3.     Gather some magazines, get your supplies and find a comfy spot and go through and gather and paste your inspirational ideas.

4.     Keep a journal handy as well to write ideas and anything that may pop up for you. We often stay busy to keep emotions at bay and when you slow down things may arise. Have a back up plan to call a friend if needed.

5.     Stay centered, this isn’t the time to catch up on conversations or binge watch movies. This time is about letting the water seep back into the deep aquifer, to refill the well.

6.     This is a healing retreat and treat it as sacred time. Make your surroundings comfortable and pleasant.

7.     Remember to exercise and move. Being in nature is one of the best ways to refill the well.

8.     You may wish to create a ritual. Take a soothing soak surrounded by candles and calming music.

9.     On your final day write a gratitude list.

10.  Revisit your pages and follow the ideas that your imagination has gifted you.