Getting ready for 1 month meditation/writing retreat

On July 8 I’m departing for a one month semi-solitary retreat in Colorado. I’m house sitting in a beautiful but remote house in the foothills of the Rockies. There is no regular phone service. I say “semi-solitary” because for 3 or 4 days during this time, some others will also stay at the house. And I might drive to Shambhala Mountain Center to hear talks from my teacher, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.

During the month, I will be super focused on writing, on seriously finishing the first draft manuscript for my new book, “The Wisdom of a Broken Heart.” I have such huge plans for this retreat: to write, first and foremost, but also to seriously, seriously devote myself to Buddhist practice. And I can’t resist the urge to also try to quit eating all bad foods, begin a strenuous exercise program, and blog every day. (I’ll be able to get online.) I just want to make every single day count. I’m so afraid I’ll eat cookies and play Solitaire on my computer all day instead.

A friend and spiritual advisor suggested setting a schedule for myself. Okay. I shall. Here it is:

7-8 Meditation
8-9 Breakfast
9-12 Writing
12-2 Lunch and Break
2-4 Writing
4-530 Meditation
530-7 Dinner and Break
7-9 Revisions, reading of dharma books

I figure if I say this on my blog, I’ll be too embarrassed not to do it. Taking shame as my motivation may not be the most spiritual thing of all time, but it will do in a pinch. The important thing will be to write. And practice. And commit to self-care as my hidden emotional life steps out of shadow and offers to box with me.