1. Cut Flowers

This needn't cost a lot.  A cut boquet from a grocery store or from a field of wildflowers can suffice.

2.  The Grass Is Always Greener

Primary grade teachers know how easy this is.  Fill a pretty container with potting soil, cover with grass seed, and water.  You can have the best lawn in the neighborhood right in your classroom or office.

3.  Sand Gardens

You have probably seen the zen gardens with white beach sand to "play" in.  Add some pretty stones, shells or a mini rake for your very own sandbox.

4.  Bird Calls

CD's of bird songs, bubbling brooks, or crashing waves are another way to bring the outside in.  There are now several apps that you can even download on an ipod, ipad or phone.

5.  Water Fountains

The sound of water is soothing and a desk fountain can help alleviate dryness of school airconditioning or heat.

6. Outdoor Trophies

Momentos from a day outside or a great vacation can remind you of the pleasures of nature.  A pretty stone, piece of driftwood, cut branches or even pine cones, can be enough to muster up memories of a different season.

1.  Trailblazing

Look for a local trail or walking path to hike out of doors.  Bring water and snacks and be sure to protect yourself from the elements with bug spray and sun block.

2.  Climb your way to the top

Weather bad or don't have time to go somewhere to get your walk in?   Bring your sneakers to school and do your walk in the building.  Stairs can add a great challenge and inside the school you are safe from the weather and whatever else may be lurking outside.

3.  City Sidewalks

If you don't live near a trail or are looking for a change of scenery, walking through a city can be just as invigorating.  The Freedom Trail in Boston, for example, offers a great adventure in history and culture, while offering great opportunities for people watching.  The city has it's own nature sightings, so keep your eyes open.  You'll be surprised where it pops up.

4.  Sandy Toes

If you are lucky enough to live near the ocean or another body of water, try a bare foot walk in the sand.  Getting are feet wet and sandy can help us to feel grounded.

5.  Getting Caught in the Rain

Go back to your childhood.  Throw on a rain coat or poncho and enjoy the peacefulness of a rainy stroll.  Puddle jumping is optional.

Step One: Find your "Why"

My first step preparing for my retreat was to clarify my purpose for the trip.  Was I relaxing, creating, or sleeping? Was I stressed, exhausted, or just stuck?

I needed this trip for some alone time to get my creative juices flowing.  It was important to me that I have time to begin creating my next project for The Whole Teacher and I needed alone time to do that.  For a long time I have wanted to get away to a cottage near the dunes on Cape Cod and write while the winter winds were blowing snow drifts.  Spring in Massachusetts had other plans, to my delight the weather was be beautiful and allowed for some outdoor excursions.

Step Two:  Set your intention

I knew I needed to relax and renew, but I also wanted to balance that with actual work writing.  I wouldn't have considered my retreat a success unless I left with some writing completed and a good solid plan for the future … something I could implement easily when I returned to my busy life.  What is your purpose?  Define it ahead so you are not disappointed if you don't get around to doing what you most wanted to do.  But leave some room for intuition.  Listen to what your soul is asking for.

Step Three:  Select your "Where"

I knew that I had been called to the Cape.  I have been looking online at inns and hotels that seem to meet my needs for location (the dunes) and safety and security of going alone.  I also wanted someplace near some trails or historic locations, even if it rained I could sit and sip coffee in my car at a beach lot while working on some drafts. I also knew that I love driving down historic Route 6A, so part of the treat for me was enjoying the trip itself.  Where would you like to go?  Does it need to be close by?  Is the ride part of your retreat?  Do you want to drive, fly, or boat?  All of this depends on your purpose and the amount of time you have for your retreat.

Step Four:  Decide on your "When" 

I actually started planning on this being a winter get away, but it took me into early Spring.  My "when" was affected by tourist season.  I knew it would cost less and be much quieter in the off season.  I also picked a quiet weekend to be away from family .. no commitments.  What is a good time for you?  How long do you need?  A day, a weekend, a couple of hours?  Even a mini retreat can do wonders if designed well.  

Step Five:  Choose your "What" and your "Won't"

I thought very hard before I left, about what I wanted to do on my retreat.  I wanted silence, nature, nourishing food, and time for creativity.  I also knew what I wanted to avoid …things that would suck up my time:  web browsing that was not specific research, television, top 40 radio, talk radio, too much contact with the outside world.  It was so empowering to set these ahead of time and so much easier to fend off distractions if I went astray.

Step Six:  Pack your "Tools"             

Keep it simple.  I knew that I had a vision of my comfort and packed comfy clothes for lounging, my big terry cloth robe, layers for outside, colored pencils, post-its, markers, and journals for creating, my lap top for posting blogs and research, poetry books, prayer beads,  and note cards for inspiration.

There were also things I knew I did not need to bring: dressy clothes, uncomfortable but fashionable shoes, too many books, etc. 

Your materials should meet your purpose.  Don't bring too much.  Sometimes less is more.

Thinking ahead and following these steps will help you to focus on what's important to you, and alleviate some of the overwhelm we feel when we put such emphasis on the occasion.  Don't forget to leave some room for impulse and adventure if it fits your purpose.   Best wishes!

There are many ways our students help us to keep our passion.  Their passion and perserveranceare often what keep us working on inspiring them to be excited about their learning.  The following website is an example of how they often do this with humor.

The answers to the questions on essays, tests, and quizes may not always be correct, but they are quite often humorous!

Check out http://www.adprima.com/humor.htm for some histerical student responses. 

I am sure many of you could add to the list. 

What’s your funniest student story or response?