Retreat as Ritual

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I've written about the Lichtenbergian Retreat before, and I'll repeat a lot of the same thoughts here as I head off to the mountains for our first ever summer Retreat.

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Normally, of course, we go on Retreat in the fall and have done so for nearly ten years.  Except for the one time on the northern California coast, it's always been in a cabin in the north Georgia mountains.  Hot tub is a must.

Normally, also, we pull a long weekend, Thu–Sun, but this time we're up Mon–Sat. Lichtenbergians will show up and leave on their own schedule; I'll be there most of the entire week.

Quick review of the RITUAL aspects of our Retreats:

  • First night, we just snack and drink and claim our workspace.  And the hot tub.
  • Every morning, we get up, breakfast on our own, go to our space and work.
  • Lunch is very casual; not a lot of socializing — we're still in work mode.
  • Afternoon, back to work, but ending pretty early, 3:00 or so.
  • Big communal meal, cocktails, games, movies, hot tub.
  • Repeat!

For me, the Retreat serves a couple of purposes.  First, I make a lot of headway on whatever project I've taken with me. Not having to think about household issues is very, very freeing. No one is going to interrupt me — not that I'm interrupted at home that often.  It's just the fact that I could be interrupted is enough to keep half an ear open for that interruption — not a good way to lose yourself in the work.

Second, the Retreat allows me to recharge my batteries.  Yes, we travel a lot. (See here.) But while GOING and DOING is delightful in all regards I'm sure, it's not regenerative.

Third, actually getting to be around my SCENIUS is inspiring. I hope you have a group of close friends with whom you share the creative impulse.  It's pretty vital to me.

So this morning I'll pack my laptop, my WASTE BOOKS, my giant towel, an extra t-shirt and my toothbrush, and after lunch I'll head up.

My goals? To get most of Lichtenbergianism for Kids at least to the ABORTIVE ATTEMPTS stage; and to begin serious writing on the cocktails book.

Plus hot tub.