avatarRachel Ramkaran (she/her)

Summary

The article "Solo Retreat" expresses a personal desire for solitude and creativity post-pandemic, with a focus on a writing and reflection getaway.

Abstract

In "Solo Retreat," the author reflects on the anticipation of a post-pandemic world, not only for social reconnection but also for personal solitude. The piece articulates a longing for a five-day solo retreat by a lake, where writing and contemplation can flourish without interruption. The author envisions a serene setting where activities like writing, swimming, and walking will be interwoven with the creation of new stories and the exploration of new ideas. This time alone is seen as an essential counterbalance to the joyous yet overwhelming prospect of re-entering society after a period of enforced closeness.

Opinions

  • The author values both communal experiences, like attending concerts and sharing meals, and personal, introspective time.
  • There is an appreciation for the restorative power of nature and solitude in fostering creativity and personal growth.
  • The anticipation of a solo retreat is portrayed as a necessary and surreal experience that will provide a euphoric sense of freedom and productivity.
  • The author acknowledges the importance of reconnecting with others but emphasizes the equal importance of taking time for oneself to process and create.
  • The article suggests that such a retreat will not only benefit the author personally but also enrich the content shared with readers.

Solo Retreat

A post-pandemic wish for myself

Licensed from White bear studio, Adobe Stock

When I think of the end of social distancing, the obvious longings come to mind — boisterously bouncing at a concert with a crowd or sharing gourmet spreads with family and friends, perhaps even tasting from each other’s plates.

I’d like for my partner and me to fly away to a breathtaking place for an overdue adventure. We could dance and feast, enjoying carefree exploration, meeting strangers who become acquaintances along the way.

But there’s another experience I’d like to unpin that’s been hanging in wait for more than a year. It’s my solo retreat for writing and reflection, five days by a lake with just my imagination and unbridled time for creating fresh stories.

A poem, a swim, a chapter, a walk; moonlit meals overlooking the water as I devise the shapes I might make with my words and fathom new worlds with lessons to teach both to myself and my readers.

Once I re-enter the social world, say my hellos and give the hugs I’ve been saving, it will be simply surreal and euphoric to, at last, whisk myself away, take a beat for my mind and make something of all its wandering.

Thanks go to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) for the prompt, quality time — for yourself. See her original poem:

Rachel Ramkaran is an author, editor, poet & flow artist. Sign up for her newsletter for regular editing and creativity tips, captivating stories, and more.

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