Time Out

**Lynn** · 11th-June-2006, 08:54 PM

Not 'time out' from dancing. Not even 'time out' from the forum (though have just done that for a month and it was worthwhile.)

I feel I would like some thinking time and space to re-evaluate things as I've been making some biggish decisions recently. I've felt the call of somewhere like Western Galway, to immerse myself in misty mountains and stare out over the wide ocean spaces that stretch my mind and stir my soul.

On a limited leave allowance (limited because so much of it is allocated to dance weekenders, which are great but don't exactly leave much thinking space) has anyone any suggestions/recommendations for finding 'space' to think? Any practical suggestions for loose structuring of such time? Is it essential to be alone or is a companion helpful? Anyone done this sort of thing and what has worked for you?

mrs_warwick · 11th-June-2006, 09:54 PM

Have you considered a retreat centre?
I once went on retreat at Ampleforth Abbey in the north of England. It was a structured retreat organised by a group, so we had timetabled lecture/discussion time but we also had a lot of free time to do our own thing (within reason). I came away very refreshed and better able to tackle my final exams at Uni.

A quick google threw up lots of links for retreat centres in Ireland, not all with a religous link. I would think the advantage of going to a retreat centre is that you will be able to find someone to talk to if you need to.

**Lynn** · 11th-June-2006, 10:03 PM

I know some people who have done this (eg a friend has been several times to Lee Abbey in Devon). Not sure how much structure I want, whether to take a list of things I want answers to, whether I need to just think or if talking will help me think, whether to just give myself a totally blank slate.

Ideally I'd like a couple of months on another continent as its been too long since I've done that sort of thing but need to be practical in terms of income and expenditure!

*Dance Demon* · 11th-June-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

N I've felt the call of somewhere like Western Galway, to immerse myself in misty mountains and stare out over the wide ocean spaces that stretch my mind and stir my soul.

What a beautiful place to go..Western galway or Connemara.......I always try to get up into the Scottish highlands at least once a year Lynn. I love to sit somewhere remote, away from the hustle & bustle of the city. When you are somewhere where it doesn't matter about money, or fashion or other peoples opinions, a place where having wads of dosh in your pockets wouldn't be of benefit, where you are at the mercy of mother nature, everything starts to fall into perspective. Hope you find some inner peace Lynn

**Lynn** · 11th-June-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dance Demon

What a beautiful place to go..Western galway or Connemara.......

Connemara is one place I love to go and there is a very special place there for me. The combination of mountains, the sea and the sheer feeling of history, that some things are almost unchanged over the generations...gives a perspective that brings peace and inspiration.

But for various reasons (that I don't want to go into on here) it might not be the best place to go this time.

*Dance Demon* · 11th-June-2006, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

But for various reasons (that I don't want to go into on here) it might not be the best place to go this time.

Antrim glens are nice too lynn..and maybe a wee bit closer

**fletch** · 11th-June-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dance Demon

Hope you find some inner peace Lynn

I think thats what most of us are looking for ?

**Lynn** · 12th-June-2006, 10:38 PM

I'll be up at the north coast in July, but little or no spare time as working in a voluntary role most of the week.

Watching Springwatch (I only watch it to see Bill Oddie really

) I was struck by a short film by one of their cameramen in search of beauty in nature - he said something like 'Nature's beauty is not just in what I see, but in what looking for it does to me.' The search for peace and beauty in nature and creation is in itself an inspiring experience.

Daisy Chain · 13th-June-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

Watching Springwatch (I only watch it to see Bill Oddie really

)

I watch it for the gorgeous Simon King

.

Daisy

(A Besotted Little Wild Flower)

**Dizzy** · 13th-June-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

I feel I would like some thinking time and space to re-evaluate things as I've been making some biggish decisions recently. I've felt the call of somewhere like Western Galway, to immerse myself in misty mountains and stare out over the wide ocean spaces that stretch my mind and stir my soul.

On a limited leave allowance (limited because so much of it is allocated to dance weekenders, which are great but don't exactly leave much thinking space) has anyone any suggestions/recommendations for finding 'space' to think? Any practical suggestions for loose structuring of such time? Is it essential to be alone or is a companion helpful? Anyone done this sort of thing and what has worked for you?

If Galway is a bit far for you then what about heading to the Antrim coast for the day - I have never been but I have heard that the coast around the Giant's Causeway is lovely........... or a bit further, maybe drive over the the Donegal coast, which is breath-taking and not as far as Galway.

If you need space though, I am sure that you can find a place to get lost around you. You could pack yourself a picnic on a saturday morning and drive to your nearest hiking hill / mountain and walk up to the top and have lunch up there or bring it to your nearest woods.

One of the great things about Ireland is the amount of space you can walk / think / get lost in.

**Lynn** · 13th-June-2006, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dizzy

If you need space though, I am sure that you can find a place to get lost around you. You could pack yourself a picnic on a saturday morning and drive to your nearest hiking hill / mountain and walk up to the top and have lunch up there or bring it to your nearest woods.

My nearest forest park is about 10 mins drive from my house - but is also where I work so doesn't feel like 'getting away'!

Location is just part of it - I can find somewhere. But wondered if anyone who has done the time out thing has found planning some structure useful? Maybe a list of things to mull over? I feel its good to have some shape and a feeling of direction in planning but at the same time life is so full of planned time and lists, that's part of what I want to get away from!

azande · 13th-June-2006, 01:05 PM

I believe the only things you need are a couple of days off, a tent, some food, a notebook and a few pens. I wouldn't have a structure, let your mind wander free and take notes in whatever form works best for you (I would suggest using Mindmaps but that's just me).

Oh, and a good book for when you just want to relax.

**ducasi** · 13th-June-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

But wondered if anyone who has done the time out thing has found planning some structure useful? Maybe a list of things to mull over? I feel its good to have some shape and a feeling of direction in planning but at the same time life is so full of planned time and lists, that's part of what I want to get away from!

I've never planned a "Time Out" kind of holiday, but the time I went walking in Spain, I came back energised and with a plan for what I wanted to do with my life for the next few years.

Part of it was about having time to think, part of it was being able to chat to the other folks on the holiday, and get fresh perspectives on things.

I don't think planning a "things to think about" list or complete solitude would have been good for me. But then my original intention was just for a relaxing holiday.

Maybe what you want to do is write out a list – then leave it at home!

**Lynn** · 13th-June-2006, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azande

I believe the only things you need are a couple of days off, a tent, some food, a notebook and a few pens.

Yeah, like my family would let me go off and stay in a tent by myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by azande

I wouldn't have a structure, let your mind wander free and take notes in whatever form works best for you (I would suggest using Mindmaps but that's just me).

Thanks, good suggestions. A journal type approach would probably work for me now I think about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducasi

I don't think planning a "things to think about" list or complete solitude would have been good for me.

Not sure it would be best for me either, that's the thing. I do get energy and inspiration from others and think well while I'm talking. I've made some fairly big decisions in the past while talking to people, bouncing ideas around.

Hmm...

Nick M · 13th-June-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

I've felt the call of somewhere like Western Galway, to immerse myself in misty mountains and stare out over the wide ocean spaces that stretch my mind and stir my soul.

watch out for

a) rain
b) midges

**Lynn** · 13th-June-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M

watch out for

a) rain
b) midges

a) Rain - yes there can be lots of it! I've seen rivers flood their banks in the morning and the sun shine all afternoon. Been there when its so misty you can hardly see the top of the buildings in Clifden and also when its snowed overnight followed by amazing crisp, clear days where you can see for miles. The whims and sudden changes in weather are all part of the character of the place.

b) never seen any midges though, and I have camped there!

**jacksondonut** · 13th-June-2006, 07:16 PM

I recall a memorable trip to the Outer Hebrides a couple of years ago... the most peaceful, serene place I have ever been to... very few cars, fewer people, the odd sheep or two and all the space in the world... a short flight over the sea, on the smallest plane, was an experience I will never forget either...

Lewis was utterly amazing, I simply adored it, the coastline unforgettable and plenty of time to think and put in my thoughts/problems into perspective.. I came home a lot calmer and hope so much to go again, one day.

Time-out is a valuable part of living for me, and getting far away from the rat-race something I have to do, as and when I can.. Unfortunately, not as often as I would like, but that makes it all the more special.

**Lynn** · 6th-July-2006, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

I feel I would like some thinking time and space to re-evaluate things as I've been making some biggish decisions recently. I've felt the call of somewhere like Western Galway, to immerse myself in misty mountains and stare out over the wide ocean spaces that stretch my mind and stir my soul.

Had a mini 'time out', just spent a couple of days on an island off the coast of Donegal (to go and listen to* and look at birds

).

Nice lanes to meander along, cliffs to gaze down from, an exhilarating boat trip with tossing waves and spray. A hostel by the water's edge. Fabulous views across to the Donegal mountains. Highly recommended if you really want to 'get away from it all' .

Came home to dozens of emails and another big decision to make.

By tomorrow.

*Listen, because some of the birds are very shy and hide in the long grass so its very rare to see them, but they are pretty loud!

MartinHarper · 7th-July-2006, 12:35 AM

As always, I opt for the easy option.I come home from work. I go into my bedroom. I turn off the light, and draw the curtain. I lie down on my bed, with my feet and head at the opposite end to normal (so I don't just fall asleep). I shut my eyes. Then I think about what I want to think about, and talk to myself about it, for up to three hours. Repeat daily until done.

That does depend on having the mental control to think about what you want to think about. If you struggle with that, I recommend taking up meditation.

**El Salsero Gringo** · 7th-July-2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinHarper

Then I ... talk to myself about it, for up to three hours.

Really? Out loud?

11th-June-2006, 08:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lynn Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Belfast Posts: 7,915 Status: Suddenly very busy! Rep Power: 6 Rep.: 2547	Time Out Not 'time out' from dancing. Not even 'time out' from the forum (though have just done that for a month and it was worthwhile.) I feel I would like some thinking time and space to re-evaluate things as I've been making some biggish decisions recently. I've felt the call of somewhere like Western Galway, to immerse myself in misty mountains and stare out over the wide ocean spaces that stretch my mind and stir my soul. On a limited leave allowance (limited because so much of it is allocated to dance weekenders, which are great but don't exactly leave much thinking space) has anyone any suggestions/recommendations for finding 'space' to think? Any practical suggestions for loose structuring of such time? Is it essential to be alone or is a companion helpful? Anyone done this sort of thing and what has worked for you?

11th-June-2006, 09:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
mrs_warwick Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 108 Status: No Status Rep Power: 2 Rep.: 91	Re: Time Out Have you considered a retreat centre? I once went on retreat at Ampleforth Abbey in the north of England. It was a structured retreat organised by a group, so we had timetabled lecture/discussion time but we also had a lot of free time to do our own thing (within reason). I came away very refreshed and better able to tackle my final exams at Uni. A quick google threw up lots of links for retreat centres in Ireland, not all with a religous link. I would think the advantage of going to a retreat centre is that you will be able to find someone to talk to if you need to.

11th-June-2006, 10:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lynn Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Belfast Posts: 7,915 Status: Suddenly very busy! Rep Power: 6 Rep.: 2547	Re: Time Out I know some people who have done this (eg a friend has been several times to Lee Abbey in Devon). Not sure how much structure I want, whether to take a list of things I want answers to, whether I need to just think or if talking will help me think, whether to just give myself a totally blank slate. Ideally I'd like a couple of months on another continent as its been too long since I've done that sort of thing but need to be practical in terms of income and expenditure!

12th-June-2006, 10:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Lynn Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Belfast Posts: 7,915 Status: Suddenly very busy! Rep Power: 6 Rep.: 2547	Re: Time Out I'll be up at the north coast in July, but little or no spare time as working in a voluntary role most of the week. Watching Springwatch (I only watch it to see Bill Oddie really ) I was struck by a short film by one of their cameramen in search of beauty in nature - he said something like 'Nature's beauty is not just in what I see, but in what looking for it does to me.' The search for peace and beauty in nature and creation is in itself an inspiring experience.

13th-June-2006, 01:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
azande Meglio del Cioccolato Demo Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 1,484 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 811	Re: Time Out I believe the only things you need are a couple of days off, a tent, some food, a notebook and a few pens. I wouldn't have a structure, let your mind wander free and take notes in whatever form works best for you (I would suggest using Mindmaps but that's just me). Oh, and a good book for when you just want to relax.

13th-June-2006, 07:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
jacksondonut Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: somewhere under the rainbow.. Posts: 1,567 Status: No Status Rep Power: 2 Rep.: 726	Re: Time Out I recall a memorable trip to the Outer Hebrides a couple of years ago... the most peaceful, serene place I have ever been to... very few cars, fewer people, the odd sheep or two and all the space in the world... a short flight over the sea, on the smallest plane, was an experience I will never forget either... Lewis was utterly amazing, I simply adored it, the coastline unforgettable and plenty of time to think and put in my thoughts/problems into perspective.. I came home a lot calmer and hope so much to go again, one day. Time-out is a valuable part of living for me, and getting far away from the rat-race something I have to do, as and when I can.. Unfortunately, not as often as I would like, but that makes it all the more special. __________________ Read ''Skinny Bitch''... It has turned me into a vegetarian.... ....back to work after 20 years... OMG!!

7th-July-2006, 12:35 AM	#19 (permalink)
MartinHarper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Worcester, UK Posts: 4,115 Status: No Status Rep Power: 5 Rep.: 1861	Re: Time Out As always, I opt for the easy option.I come home from work. I go into my bedroom. I turn off the light, and draw the curtain. I lie down on my bed, with my feet and head at the opposite end to normal (so I don't just fall asleep). I shut my eyes. Then I think about what I want to think about, and talk to myself about it, for up to three hours. Repeat daily until done. That does depend on having the mental control to think about what you want to think about. If you struggle with that, I recommend taking up meditation.

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