Homesong Rest Retreat | Welcome




Hello there and happy holidays to you! I know it isn’t officially Christmas yet, and also recognize that New Years seems distant, but I wanted to share something rather exciting that I have been dreaming up and designing for us this winter season. My hope by sharing it earlier rather than later is that you will have more time to weigh and consider. Throughout the month of January, the first new month of the year, I will be hosting a Rest Retreat here on Homesong and I invite anyone and everyone who would like to take part. For four weeks we will step outside the current of 24/7 information on social media, and instead, focus on being more intentional with our time, while devoting our energy to inner work that will help ground and center our spirits for the New Year ahead. Think of it like an mental cleanse, a rewiring of old habits that need reevaluating, and healthy opportunity to enliven your creative reserves.

Thresholds are wonderful opportunities for us to step back and observe, to take note and make change, and to edit and plan. Times of renewal, like crossing the bridge to a new year, invites us to slow down the in the depth and slowness of the season to review our lives and spell out our hopes. It never hurts to ponder how we are currently spending our time, and maybe more importantly, contemplate how we want to do so moving forward. One of my very favorite quotes is from Annie Dillard, and she writes,

 

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.”

 

While her words are simple and to the point, they’re also full of truth and grounding wisdom. If we check our phones, take pictures, or refresh our screens over fifty times a day, something that is fairly normal in our current culture (and this goes for whether or not you are sharing and posting etc.) we are spending a good chunk of our one wild and precious life on a device looking down at a screen rather than up at our day. How do you start your day? How do you finish it? Is a screen involved? Perhaps that is totally fine by you and you find yourself in a good grove right now. And if so, this Rest Retreat will certainly not be your cup of tea. We all use social media (and all forms of media for that matter) for different purposes, and to assume that everyone must feel one way concerning its’ practice and management is not only silly, it’s ignorant. Use it however you feel it will best serve your needs in whatever season of life you are in, I do not judge anyone else’s experience with it. Just want to lay that out here before going forward.

And I do not write this because I feel that social media is bad or the culprit of disconnect, I really quite enjoy it most days and get a lot of inspiration and support through community there, nevertheless; I venture down this rabbit hole with you because I personally know how addictive and distracting it can become if not tended to with care. I believe using social media without some restriction or self-awareness can spread like wildfire in the soul, burning up our time and energy, ultimately leaving us in a state of longing. You should know I do not plan on quitting social media forever, like I said above, it has been a beautiful gift in my life, but I do crave a break from it so I can reprioritize what I am doing with this hour and that one, and thereby give myself the gift of more time that I feel my overuse of it is responsible for taking away. Moments where we find ourselves scrolling and tapping when we could be making or learning or playing, among many, many other life-giving pursuits, can become abundant if we do not give ourselves boundaries and self-check now and again. With gentleness and grace, I offer you a chance to step outside the box of your current social media habits with me if you feel they need revisiting.

My goal for this retreat is a simple one: to shake up my current rhythm concerning screen habits and put a new one into place. I am going to share my experiences with you, and hope those who join me on this retreat will feel called to the same.

Some of you know that I quit Facebook and took a month of Instagram several seasons back to give myself more time to be present at home. I recognized that I was using social media far too often, and because of this, some of my relationships and priorities were suffering. It also became a crutch for me to lean on when I wanted to escape the present moment I was in or to let my mind wander. In the weeks leading up to my month long social media break, Instagram didn’t feel as inspiring and life-giving as it once had been for me. I learned the hard way, that using social media when you are down can make it really easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Using it when your intentions with it aren’t clear can make a person more self-conscious, negative, and lonely. Perhaps you know this story?

However, with time off my phone and a different rhythm in place, I was able to clear my mind and a foster a new and deeper appreciation for our days together as a stay at home mom. To simply have the apps removed from my phone gave me a kind of freedom that translated into a happier and more content Amanda. Instead of reaching for my phone when I was bored, tired, looking for inspiration: I wrote, took photos for myself, spent time cooking, read more books, went on lots of walks, had play dates, and went on adventures more with my kids. It was an empowering time for me.

Looking back, it wasn’t social media alone that was preventing me from filling our days with these kinds of things, but rather, it was an overall rut I had fallen into that was significantly perpetuated by the constant usage of it. In other words, social media was contributing to my feelings of inadequacy in areas of my life, where my measurement of self-worth was becoming dictated by comparing myself to the shared joy of others, and unfortunately, the venomous words of those who delighted in hurting me (albeit anonymously) for sharing bits of our lives online. A break was needed, and I in that time, I thrived.

While I am in an entirely different place as to why I crave this respite away from social media, it is clear to me that it can indeed provide the rest I need. I feel the tug, so here I am. Like some of you, I am in the beginning stages of starting up new creative ventures and projects, it’s all quite exciting, and it’s my great hope that this Rest Retreat will offer me more mental space and emotional clarity, along with more opportunities to be present with my family during the break. Despite my eagerness to get the ball rollin’, I do want to share some of my concerns here with you, as I feel they may resonate and help give more transparency into the many facets of why many people continue to use social media despite needing or wanting a break from it.

 

Some Concerns I Have: 

  1. Social media is my main source of community and uplift these days, and I don’t know what I’ll do without the positive support and inspiration it gives me.
  2. Social media happens to be a great tool regarding social justice, and I fear that leaving it behind is a privilege and thereby goes against the resistance I am working hard to support.
  3. I love catching up on the lives of my friends and family who I do not see regularly. I will miss them and the glimpses into their days.
  4. I enjoy the creative outlet that social media is in my life, and taking that away means my creativity and self-care may suffer.
  5. Social media is how I document my and/or my family’s life right now, and without it, I fear I will no longer feel encouragement to do so.
  6. I use social media to promote my business and engagement with it is central to my career. I feel that leaving it behind, if even for a short time, will hurt what I’ve worked so hard to build it.
  7. “enter your excuse here”

 

Combating Those Concerns with Questions and Considerations: 

  1. Who can you call on for face-to-face support this month? Consider reaching out to these people before you start this retreat to let them know how much you appreciate their presence in your life. Throughout this month you’ll want to get together with some of these people, for real-time connections will fuel your energy and help restore wholeness.
  2. What other ways can I stay informed about what is going on in the world without having to log into Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook? Consider different forms of media and how you can carve out meaningful time to catch up and support issues you care about.
  3. Who’s life are you specifically going to really miss out on seeing this month? Reach out to them and see if you could have them send you photos, get together, or perhaps you have a phone date instead. Chances are, those who you are able to connect with outside of social media will greatly appreciate your willingness to be more involved in their lives.
  4. How can you infuse other types of creativity into your life during this retreat? Consider taking photos for only yourself, writing in your journal, taking an art class, learning how to sew, or doing something new with your hands. There are so many ways we can enliven our creative spirits outside of social media, and these break just might open new doors for you.
  5. How can you redirect documenting your family’s life for the time being? Consider journaling, taking photos, and printing them instead. There are many online resources for these kinds of things, but old-fashioned scrapbooking is a nice option, too.
  6. This one may be the hardest for some of you, and if you feel that social media is an integral part of your business and income, stepping away may not be an option right now. An idea you could implement would be to create a business account, if you don’t already have one, and close your personal account for the rest retreat. If you feel that stepping away for four weeks will hurt more than help your business, perhaps another kind of media fast will be more suitable. I am going to postpone partnerships and only promote companies on my blog for the meantime, but am going to keep off my social media accounts. Yes, yes, I know blogs are social tools as well, but I do not blog on my phone and it is not something that is bandaged with boredom or mindlessness. For me, this retreat aimed at getting me off my phone and into more life-giving pursuits, this blog being one! I will continue to write and share here, but my participation on social media apps will be taking a break.
  7. “enter a meaningful response to your concern here”

 

Tools For Your Rest Retreat

  • A journal and pen for reflecting
  • A quiet place to write
  • A candle
  • Emotional support from family and/or friends

 

What will the Rest Retreat Look Like?

  • It will last four weeks, and each week we will tackle on a new letter from the word REST.
  • Week One: Restore your rhythms | This week will focus on reseting the daily practices and rituals in your life, examining the structure of your day and how you desire it to change, and learning what it means to slow down while practice saying “no” and honoring boundaries. Week one will lay the foundation for how you choose to spend the time during your retreat, and with it, will help restore the rhythms in your life.
  • Week Two: Establish your non-negotiables | This week will focus on reprioritizing the habits you currently practice, recognizing what types of things motivate you (internal vs. external), and identifying the hindrances that you feel are for holding you back in life.
  • Week Three: Simplify your surroundings | This week will focus on decluttering areas of the home and the heart. It will be a week of purging items that no longer bring you utility or joy. Editing and paring down to the essentials in spaces you live and love will wipe slates in your life clean and give you room to set new life-giving intentions.
  • Week Four: Trust your path | The final week of this retreat will focus on setting meaningful intentions for your life, embracing life-giving pursuits that make you feel more whole, and taking back time with an empowering attitude that puts you in charge of writing your story and drawing the lines of your path.
  • You can expect a Rest Retreat post every Monday morning in January where I will post writing prompts, practices, meditations, and related reading material connected to our focus. I believe in the power of accountability, and we because we will be on this journey together, this space will be a nonjudgmental space where you can share your experiences and how the retreat is either positively or negatively affecting your life.

And lastly, why Rest? Well, this is where I am going to let you fill that in. Why do you think the word Rest applies? What does the word Rest mean to you? How do you think this Rest Retreat could help you start of the New Year? Who’s with me? I am excited to begin!

xx Amanda

 

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  • Daleen - Thanks so much for taking the time to put this retreat together, Amanda! The timing of this is perfect and so very much needed in my life. I am in!ReplyCancel

  • Gabi Mckenzie - I’m in! Thanks so much for your time to share this beautiful practice. Super excited and craving REST xReplyCancel

  • Courtney Greene - Thank you for the invitation to join you on this pursuit of rest. I’m curious for sure and the reluctance and resistance I’m feeling is clearly compelling evidence that my soul needs this.ReplyCancel

  • Teresa - This is much needed. I have taken breaks in the past but they don’t last for long. I needed a gentle nudge/accountability to do this again yet with more intention. Thank you for leading the path.

    Your friend,
    TeresaReplyCancel

  • Amy - I’m all for this. I have been mindlessly scrolling instagram far too much these days. I can totally do 4 weeks. Excited!ReplyCancel

  • Tara - This has been on my mind for a while and this is just the motivation I need to unplug. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Jen Hagerman - I’ve been thinking of doing this for awhile now. I did take a break a few months back and it felt great. I have a blog too that I seem to neglect because I channel all my energy into IG. Would you suggest I blog instead? Great idea!!!ReplyCancel

    • admin - Jen, if you feel that blogging is life-giving then YES. It’s easy to overlook the things we love when we are distracted, but if you feel that your blog is nagging at you, then I wouldn’t recommend keeping it up for a month. Just share with your readers what you’ll be doing and come back in February! x AmandaReplyCancel

  • Erica - This is just the push I’ve needed – feeling so distracted by my phone these days, making me feel so defeated. I’m even excited for this break!ReplyCancel

  • Kathleen - I am totally in. I’ve been feeling an internal nudge to do this for a while and I am excited to jump in. My 40th birthday is December 30th so it will be a great way to start a new decade and a new year! I am also hoping to participate in Yoga wit Adriene’s 30 days of Yoga in January so this will be a wonderful complement to that goal.ReplyCancel

    • admin - Kathleen, I LOVE this and am going to do it too. What a wonderful accompaniment to this practice. xx AmandaReplyCancel

    • Rachael - My 40th birthday is also on December 30th! I have been feeling a less than gentle nudge that I am not really spending my days (and therefore my life) in ways that nurture. As a mama, this trickles down to my children as well; When I am happy and healthy it shows, in my home and my habits and in the way I parent. My time on social media is essentially mindless – I go way beyond the point of being “inspired” – and my goal for my 40th year of life is MINDFUL. So yes, count me in! 🙂ReplyCancel

      • Rachael M - Oops – meant to say “more than gentle nudge.” More like a kick.ReplyCancel

  • Liv - I am so in- thank you! Perfect timing of course.ReplyCancel

  • Of Ashes & Bones - Such a great reminder. I’ve been practising better control of my daily routine, and don’t let dictate my day. But sometimes, it’s just hard to switch off and not to feel overloaded with the list of things that I have to do at work. I love this REST practice.ReplyCancel

  • Roberta - I’m totally in – you reader from Brazil 😉
    Any guidelines? How do we do it?ReplyCancel

  • Laura - This is a wonderful retreat you have put together – I’m in! I hate to admit that I do very much want accountability. It is very much needed in my own life to take a break from scrolling Instagram, which I tell myself is a mindless, fun mental break, but ultimately sucks up more of my time than it should and I would like. For me, rest and a pause from social media (which is only Instagram for me) means mental rest – rest from a platform that I feel contributes to my racing mind. An image of a recipe I should make, a friend I comment to, a good idea for the house, a post idea for my business, something I would like to order or do, etc… nothing bad, but a lot of images and information in a matter of seconds. I guard my young children from technology (or a way of life) that is fast and frantic and feel strongly they will become overwhelmed and will take away from their happiness and growth and yet, I need to do the same for myself! January will be a wonderful time to rest. Thank you for your continuous reminders of self care and slowing down!ReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Thank you so much for planning this Rest Retreat! When I saw your questions on IG I couldn’t not say yes fast enough! I’ve been struggling with my phone being an utter distraction and honestly maybe even addiction even though I hate using that word. The complulsion to find something interesting and to keep me from being present at home with my kids is NOT how I want to live my life. I have benefited so much from IG for inspiration for a healthier home and for homeschooling, but in recent days (really since Christmas shopping!) I have completely lost control on the boundaries and have found myself more discontent…wanting to totally rehaul my kid’s toys and clothing. While some is good like moving towards mostly open ended toys made of natural materials or buying higher quality fabrics and eliminating junk clothes my kids never wear, this obsession and “gotta do it all at once” is not good for my soul or my budget! I have been blessed beyond measure and hope to incorporate some intentional meditation regarding all that I have to be thankful for and the goodness God has lavished upon me! Can’t wait for the accountability and to begin! Thanks again!!ReplyCancel

  • Laura Robertson - Thank you for sharing this! I find myself down the “rabbit hole” of comparison far more that I care to admit and that kind of thinking isn’t good for the mind or soul. I look forward to the retreat in January!
    Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa - This has been on my mind for a long time now. I am in.

    In regards to sharing and taking photos, I have started printing pictures and scrapbooking them with my son. What is great about this is he is really enjoying making flipping through the books. There is a double benefit, it is a meaningful way of reflecting and viewing your memories, plus it is a creative outlet for your kids too:)ReplyCancel

  • Lisa Fyfe - I had a question if you don’t mind, Did you close your Facebook account all together? or do you just not look at it anymore? Do you feel the need to have a business Facebook account or does that not effect your creative/business endeavors?ReplyCancel

  • Christy - Hi Amanda,

    Great timing for this in my life! Question, is there a way to make the graphic at the top a printable PDF? I would love to post this to remind myself of the intentions.

    Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • Ciarra - I was planning on doing this myself but was unsure how I’d fare without some accountability. I love the idea of this and the ability to do this with others who feel the need to step away as well!!ReplyCancel

  • Laura - Hello Amanda. I’m with you 100% I have needed this gentle nudge for a while now, thank you. I identify with much of what you have noted here and I am looking forward to switching off and living more in the moment. I would like to focus my free time on reading, practising my photography just for my own pleasure and baking with my little ones.

    Looking forward to this journey with you and your readers

    Laura xxxReplyCancel

  • Joni - I’m in! This aligns exactly with the thoughts I’ve been having around living a more intentional year.ReplyCancel

  • Jenny - Would love for there to be a retreat newsletter each Monday!!ReplyCancel

  • Sally Mae - Thank you!!! I’m looking forward to this!ReplyCancel

  • Heather - I’m interested in this. When will it begin? My concern is I won’t know what to do with myself. I know I need to put the phone down and all things social media and tend to my family but this addiction has gotten out of control. I need HELP!ReplyCancel

  • katybee - Your idea of a rest retreat was serendipitous. I’ve been concerned about my time online and the negative impact it’s having on my ability to live according to my values and to explore the real world around me. That concern was heightened recently after reading about the impact constant screen time has on dopamine, desensitizing us to its effects, pushing us to more mindless surfing. Time to make changes.
    I’m at a very different place in my life than you but I too am creating a home based life focussed on creative endeavors. And I found so much in your post that resonated. Winter seems the perfect time for this type of contemplation and rethinking. I’m looking forward to getting started. Thank you.ReplyCancel

    • Caitlin - Wow. I feel exactly the same. I just scrolled down and randomly read your comment and thought: “Yup.”ReplyCancel

  • Sara - I’m in! I like the idea of starting the new year with this retreat. Everything you’ve planned relates so strongly with where I am these days. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Jennah - Thank you for your vulnerability and the invitation. I am SO down to do this. I will be sharing this post with a couple of my close girlfriends and my husband as well because I know they will greatly benefit from this as well.

    SUPER DUPER excited! Cheers to a great refreshing start to the new year.

    Thank you again:)ReplyCancel

  • Kaleen - I’m very much looking forward to this. Thank you for taking the initiative and challenging us readers to be more healthy, creative, alive, and who knows what else! As I reflect on this, I think the timing is perfect. We are about to enter possibly the craziest 9 months of our lives (moving and building a home). I’m wanting to start a blog, learn to sew, read/write, organize, and so much more! Very excited to start!ReplyCancel

  • Johanna - I’m in! I need this and can’t wait to start this journey with everyone. Thank you Amanda!ReplyCancel

  • Carolyn - This sounds great and something I would normally jump right in on – love fresh starts, deep thinking and the new year. Currently expecting a baby any day so I’m thinking my days will be very different soon enough, but would like to “loosely” follow along. Do we just check in on your blog for weeks posts or is there somewhere we sign up for emails (like your book club)?ReplyCancel

  • Krystine - I am so looking forward to this. I was planning on doing a social media detox starting this week with holidays approaching. So I will start early and check back here on the first Monday of the new year. Thank you do much for this.ReplyCancel

  • Andrea - Yes! I so need this in my life right now. It is something I have been thinking about a lot lately, but have been reluctant to do. Thank you for your invitation and for putting together what sounds like a thoughtful, restful retreat. I’m already looking forward to it. The other day my two year old said, “Mommy put your phone down and come play with me.” I felt so terrible I could have cried 🙁 Anyways, I am going to close my computer now, drink some tea and watch my baby boy sleep beside me. Blessings!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly - Love this. My husband doesn’t use social media and I’m not attached to it all. So why do I even still use it? Luckily I found you and your blog and a few other favourites. I’m excited for your weekly posts and to completely detach from that world. I think it will set me up for healthy habits when/if I return.ReplyCancel

  • Sana Ali - This is so exciting. I absolutely want and will participate. I do share several concerns as well, but since my livelihood isn’t attached to my social media account I think most of my concerns are easy to manage. Thank you for this lovely post and I look forward to the retreat.ReplyCancel

  • Alexandra Papas - Thank you! This feels serendipitous, as I have been thinking lately about how much I want to limit my time
    spent on social media. Lately I have found myself leaving my phone in the car just so I can be more present during the day, especially with my son. Please sign me up, thank you!!! XoxoReplyCancel

  • Georgie - I love this idea and definitely something I am
    in need of. Thank you for putting this together! 😊ReplyCancel

  • Ashton - I love everything about this, Amanda. It resonates so deeply with me. It’s so ironic, but as I was planning out my goals for next year I was praying over my word for the year—what the Lord wants to be my focus. And instantly the word “rest” came to my mind. Then I stumbled upon what you are doing here—-just seems like a little nudge to me. 😉ReplyCancel

  • Cai - Thank you for putting thought and clarity to this idea – I’ve already been planning to take January off from personal social media, so so glad I might be able to do so ‘with’ a community of others seeking a similar refresh. As a mother/business owner in a new town with no ‘real-life’ friends at the moment, social media is a crutch for my lonely heart. But a crutch I lean on too often, and not always in a useful way. Looking forward to joining in on this!ReplyCancel

  • Rhea - I love everything about this. Rest has been my word for 2017 and I feel like I am just starting to understand what that looks like for me. January is always a time that I take to reset for the year, so when I saw you rest retreat idea it was perfect. I am so excited to start.ReplyCancel

  • Kathleen - I’ve also just had a big birthday and love this idea.ReplyCancel

  • Lori - I too am grateful for the time you have spent putting this together.. thank you for sharing.. I am in.. while I am terriable at accountability because I’m totally okay (or at least I think I’m okay) with not following through, excited to reap the results of this beautiful time..ReplyCancel

  • Naomi - Amen to everything. I started a social media fast a couple of weeks ago, and I am so excited to have support and others doing this at the very same time. What great idea, Amanda! Can’t wait for the blog posts! xxReplyCancel

  • Stefanie - Thanks so much for putting this lovely retreat out there. I’ve been feeling the need for a social media detox and am excited to have blog posts to motivate me each week.ReplyCancel

  • Barbara - Thank you so much for this timely post and for your time spent preparing this. xoxoReplyCancel

  • Christine - I’m in! Can’t wait to get started!ReplyCancel

  • Anna Gnau - I am so excited to join you and so many others in this. Thank you for all the time you put into it. Looking forward to a special time of rest.ReplyCancel

  • Vanessa - 1000% in. Thank you for this. 🙏🏼ReplyCancel

  • Pippa - So looking forward to it Amanda. Thank you so much!ReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Hi Amanda, thanks for tanking the time to share and invited us to this retreat. I’m so excitedReplyCancel

  • Eda - Oh, I am in! Didn’t even think about a social media time out myself, but it’s exactly what I need. Just realised it. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Lovelle - This is so timely! I’ve been contemplating a 3 month hiatus from social media as I found that it consumed my family life and I lose quality time that I have with my kid and husband. I would so love to join and would really appreciate that accountability and prompts for the next coming weeks. xxReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Hi Amanda, I Love this idea of stepping back and finding comfort in our offline daily lifes.
    Is there a possibility to Print that beautiful page at the beginning? I Would Love to Pin this in my bedroom or kitchen just to read it several times a day!
    Trank you so much for sharing your beautiful and kind thoughts!
    Love from Germany!ReplyCancel

  • Cait - I’m in Amanda!!!!! Scary! But exciting also!!!ReplyCancel

  • Kingsley - Hello.
    I would like to follow along on this journey. I am so tech un-savvy though that I am not sure how to subscribe to this blog, is that a thing? How do I check in on the posts? Please advise. I am not on social media but do spend too much time on my phone – mostly checking NY times and other outlets relating to current events and it does effect me so much and in such a negative way. Thank youReplyCancel

  • Laura - Im in! XReplyCancel

  • Paula - Hello dear! Thank you for planning this. Considering and being aware of the role and effect of social media in our personal life is so important! Of course it’s not all bad, but YES to other life-giving pursuits. Have you come across this article from the WSJ? It reminded me of this retreat and some of reasons why it’s important! https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-personal-tech-is-depressing-1509026300?mod=e2fbReplyCancel

  • Dania - Love this plan. How can I join?ReplyCancel

  • Laura - I am SO excited about this! Could not have come at a more perfect time as I constantly take facebook on an off my phone, crave more than social media inspiration, and am reading “Whispers of Rest” a devotional!

    You are an angel to me in this life for creating this retreat at this time! Looking forward to January <3ReplyCancel

  • cindy - I’m definitely in!!!ReplyCancel

  • Erica - I am new to your blog and community. You were recommended to me by my niece, and I am so grateful she point me in your direction. This retreat couldn’t be more perfect for me. I look forward to meeting here and getting encouragement and prompts for this journey.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Hi Amanda,
    I am a big fan of your beautiful blog and always enjoy your articles. I have to say that I’m very excited by this one and cant wait to join in the REST. Thank you to all the nard work and thought that you put into sharing your life and ideas with us. Merry Christmas!
    Sarah xxReplyCancel

  • sheila - Amanda,
    Beautifully put together. I look forward to this time with you (and everyone else)! SheilaReplyCancel

  • Katherine - This! I am excited to take part. I feel I’ve been craving something like this for a while and this will really help to shake me out of my current (unhealthy/unproductive) habits. Thanks so much for putting this together!ReplyCancel

  • Erica M - This is exactly what my life needs in this moment & new year! I’ve wanted to do this in the past but never stayed with it consistently. I’m glad to be able to join others taking a rest at the same time. I’m so excited to make new discoveries & to hear what others are learning.ReplyCancel

  • Amy - Beautiful Amanda,

    Is there a way to subscribe to your blog? I found the subscription for your book club newsletter…but is there a way to receive updates any time you post? Especially with your upcoming AMAZING rest retreat? So appreciate ALL you share and WHO you are!!! <3

    Christmas blessings,
    AmyReplyCancel

  • Deb - Let the journey begin!ReplyCancel

  • Bre - Really considering doing this. I definitely need to!ReplyCancel

  • Meghan - I’m in! Can’t wait to take an Instagram break. I spend to much mindless time on it. I want to become a more present mom so I think it’s a great step!!ReplyCancel

  • Laura - Can’t wait for this! Merry Christmas!ReplyCancel

  • Abigail Martin - Yes! Please count me in I would love to join!ReplyCancel

  • Krystal Wight Armstrong - ‘Have been looking forward to this. Just finished watching your Live IG Story about it. Since you mentioned we’d be talking about stuff here at the end of each week, I was wondering if it might be possible to add any sort of ‘subscribe to comments’ notifications feature, here on the blog, so we can know if anyone replies to our comments and be able to participate in the great conversation better.
    Thank you for doing this and considering the idea.
    Happy Christmas Weekend! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Alisha - In!
    Posting on IG has become a problem and I don’t want my girls to remember mommy with the phone in her hand. It’s going to be hard but in!!!ReplyCancel

  • Amanda - I’m in! What do we need to do to join? Can’t wait! <3ReplyCancel

  • Madeline Anderson - So excited for this!ReplyCancel

  • jen johnson - Love this! Can’t wait to participate in such a meaningful and restorative experience. Thank you Amanda!ReplyCancel

  • Rebecca Schilling - I’m in!ReplyCancel

  • Amanda - I’m in! I’ve done a few online retreats focusing on resting and restoring. Winter is a great time to do it! I’ll definitely need accountability, so thanks for doing this.ReplyCancel

  • Tessa Doan - Love this idea!ReplyCancel

  • Lizzie - Thank you for taking the time to host this retreat. I cannot wait to fast from social media. I’m going back to work in January after a year of maternity leave and so this is such great timing to reset my priorities and slow down, being more present when life will be speeding up. Thank you. I’m so eager to start!ReplyCancel

  • Jenny W - I’m in. After spending last weekend unexpectedly unplugged and then subsequently energized, I think this may help with a tricky time of year.ReplyCancel

  • Elizia - Did I subscribe correctly?

    I entered my information in the contact section. I can’t wait to follow along with you on this journey. I really feel like I need this kind of self love I am a first time mom to a 6 month old baby boy. I’m afraid of loosing that support mom groups from my Facebook. I will try to find other ways of getting support.ReplyCancel

  • Lydia b - Gosh, I’m so in. Thank you for organizing this! I’ve been wanting to take a big break for a long time but that feeling of being “left out” always wins. Having a support team will definitely be a huge benefit for me❤️ReplyCancel

  • Lindsay in Boulder - So, so grateful to you for motivating me to do this. The timing couldn’t be better and I’ve been feeling attached to Instagram lately in a way that makes me totally uncomfortable. Really looking forward to it — thank you! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Skyler - The retreat sounds amazing!! I can’t wait 💖ReplyCancel

  • Francesca - Thank you for reminding me of that Annie Dillard quote: I want to tattoo it in my brain! (Maybe writing it down on a post it note and sticking it where I can see it every day will work just fine…)

    As a visual person, I find social media a great source of inspiration. I love seeing what other creatives are making and how they are making it, and social media makes it so easy.

    On the other hand, I hate being addicted to it. It’s the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning and the last before going to bed at night. I hate that it makes me feel as if my life is less “perfect” than the life of complete strangers on the internet, and I hate that I know all this yet I fall into the trap every single time!

    I am a full time student and I have noticed that social media effects my study in two ways – it’sis a major source of distraction, and it makes me dread studying because I see everyone else having fun on Instagram while I have to spend most of my day poring over books.

    Yet cutting social media off completely scares me. I realize how ridiculous this sounds. And It scares me that I can’t remember what I used to do to kill time before having an iPhone, which was only 5 years ago. If I was unsure about joining the retreat, after reading all the comments I have no more doubts. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Hope - Just like many of the people who have commented before me, I’ve been pondering doing something like this for quite awhile now. I think it will be the perfect start to the new year! I’m in! Thank you so much for taking all the time and effort to put this together! I’m looking forward to it!ReplyCancel

  • Melissa - Yes! This will be so beneficial, thank you! Sign me upReplyCancel

  • Erica - I’m so looking forward to this! Count me in.ReplyCancel

  • Jina - Aloha Amanda,
    Thank you so much for putting together this experience. I am so excited to take part in this month of REST. I look forward to checking in here through the month.ReplyCancel

  • Kristin - I have been doing very well about fasting from IG of late and I’ve spent very little (if any!) time on Facebook, but haven’t deleted my account yet. These last few weeks I’ve felt the pull to focus on the theme SIMPLIFY this upcoming year; reset my rhythm and to simplify my life. I happened to pop onto IG today for a few minutes and happened to see this REST RETREAT and absolutely love the idea of doing this with accountability. I do not want my two year to grow up and remember how her mother always had her phone in hand and couldn’t go anywhere without it. I want her to remember our time together and how I was present—in body and mind. I am so grateful for online community, because it has been so difficult to find people to connect with in my daily life, especially as a stay at home mom. Thank you Amanda for connecting those of us, who need to rest, and giving us an outlet for support and encouragement.ReplyCancel

  • Leah Mawson - I’m in for the retreat!ReplyCancel

  • Shadai - What a loveley way to reseet for the new year.Thank you! Im all the way in!ReplyCancel

  • Nina Isabella - Yesssssssss! Just what I need right now! Taking a break from work with baby #2 and would love some help to focus on what really matters right now. How do we find out about updates from you throughout the month? Just keep checking back to your blog? xxReplyCancel

  • Emily Block - So so excited for this rest retreat. Thank you so much for creating this. I have 3 small kids (one is just 5 weeks old), and I want their memories of me to be not on my phone. This will help create healthy rhythms for me for this year. Excited!ReplyCancel

  • Mindy - Sounds wonderful! I’m in!ReplyCancel

  • Kim - Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit so freely!ReplyCancel

  • Kate - Hi Amanda, I follow you on Instagram and get great inspiration from your writing and posts. I am the mother of one and hope to have more. I strive to be as intentional as you are to enjoy the current season:) I’m excited about your rest and retreat and want to give it a try!!ReplyCancel

  • taking a break – Madi's Musings - […] back. I pledged to myself to follow Amanda’s REST retreat for the month of January (click here to read about […]ReplyCancel

  • Cheri - After reading thru a few comments, I’m going to jump on board with both the Rest Retreat and 30 days of yoga. What a perfect combination, and great start to a fresh new year. Thank you for inspiring me!ReplyCancel

  • Alexis - I’m in! This retreat sounds like a wonderful way to begin the new year. Thank you for creating this restful space.ReplyCancel

  • Eileen - I’m in and looking forward to it! Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Megan - I was already planning to take part of January off from social media apps, so I’m very excited about this rest retreat!ReplyCancel

  • Emma - I am so looking forward to this!ReplyCancel

  • Danielle - Would love to sign up for the retreat!ReplyCancel

  • Brooke - I’m so in! Thank you for doing this!!ReplyCancel

  • Rest Retreat | Preparations » Homesong - […] Log off of all social media before January 1st and review the Rest Retreat Schedule.  […]ReplyCancel

  • Bethany - Is there any way to get the Rest Retreat acrostic as a printable? I’d love to have it in front of me on my desk!ReplyCancel

  • Kelsey - I’m ALL in!ReplyCancel

  • Judy - So glad I discovered you on IG;-)
    This is just what I need to start my 2018 off right.
    Thanks for creating and sharing this wonderful resource!ReplyCancel

  • Kristin - Thank you so much for doing this retreat. I️ hope I️ haven’t joined too late. It really is just what I️ need for myself and my family.ReplyCancel

  • Adrianna - Thank you for all of your hard work putting this together! I am getting myself all ready and can’t wait to dig deep into myself.ReplyCancel

  • Lisa Tilden - I really enjoy your blog. Thank you.ReplyCancel

  • Danielle - This is just what I need to kickstart my year! Wow. I can surely relate to ALL the above. I am excited to join in & be apart of this wonderful community. Thank you for being bold & honest. I cherish it.

    http://www.2doveseyes.wordpress.comReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - Already feeling some relief by logging out of all my social media accounts and diving into the prep. Looking forward to the practices and excited to see where this month of rest takes me. Thank you for putting this together!ReplyCancel

  • Rachael Soules - Hi! I came across this quite by accident, scrolling through instagram while I was sick and trying to REST, but not feeling rested, just impatient. I am combining the retreat with a 30 day challenge at my yoga studio. Thirty consecutive days of yoga and a social media retreat sound like a wonderful January. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • {re}setting the tone – from hands to heart - […] for more, the Homesong Blog is doing a series on resetting this January.  Amanda calls it a “Rest Retreat” and her posts are focused on unplugging from social media and being challenged to live in […]ReplyCancel

  • slow and simple january » freckleblossom - […] been following along with Amanda Watters “Rest Retreat” this month. When she first mentioned the idea of starting the new year with a month away […]ReplyCancel

  • New year, new space - […] the year, as an attempt to keep some of that quiet feeling the Christmas break gave me, and then this blog post showed up just before the new year and it was the perfect timing. I have really enjoyed reading and […]ReplyCancel

  • Deanna Rubio - Sign me up!ReplyCancel

  • Rest Retreat | Day One | Happy New Year’s! » Homesong - […] years ago I wrote the Rest Retreat for Homesong. I felt the nudge deep within the narrow of my bones to make some tangible changes in […]ReplyCancel

  • Rest Retreat | Day Seven | Week One Overview & Tidying Technology » Homesong - […] brings me to a few questions I’d like us to answer today. Week One as you can see here, is about restoring rhythms and looking at how boundaries play an important role in how we measure […]ReplyCancel

  • Simple Days January Grey - […] called One Little Word.  The other with Amanda Watters of the Homesong Blog.  She is doing a Rest Retreat this January on unplugging and living […]ReplyCancel

  • Megan Michalak - Do you habe a pdf of your rest retreat writing promos, suggestions, etc…? Im goimg to do it and Id love to be able to hVe access to Ll the encouragements.ReplyCancel

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