A nano retreat you may be asking yourself, Not mini, yet not quite micro -- but nano. I wondered the same thing when Stina, a friend from Stockholm sent me an invitation to join their second nano retreat at the J Hotel outside of Stockholm. They say "A Nano Retreat is the urban citizens’ new get-away to check out from deadlines, stress and parties, and check in with yourself. Yoga retreats are fantastic, but sometimes we simply don't have the possibility to go away for a whole weekend, week or more." In just one day they created the feeling of being away on a yoga retreat, but without leaving Stockholm. We did a lot of yoga, ate incredible food, meditated and had a workshop about well being. The goal? For people to leave this little oasis from the city feeling relaxed, inspired & energized.
The most important aspect of this nano retreat was the fact that it was PHONELESS (hallelujah). No wifi, no cell phone, no security blanket to fall back on when surrounded by a group of new people. We had to look at one another in the eye and have a good ole' conversation with each other. After spending 2 weeks in Mongolia this past summer without any wifi or phone reception, it was easy to disconnect for an entire day, but for many it is a concept that leaves many feeling anxious, and something I think everyone should do on a monthly, if not weekly basis.
No Phones Allowed, WOOHOO!
the morning
We arrived to the J Hotel at 09:00, where Stina had an inspirational welcome talk with the plan for the day. The morning was about letting go, the afternoon was about reflecting and the afternoon was about filling up again. We walked up to our yoga oasis for the day where there was always healthy snacks, coffee, tea and drinks for us to refuel. The first 90 minutes was such an amazing flow class, it had been a while since doing yoga so it felt incredible to let go, relax & stretch it out.
Afterwards, we talked about topics holding us back from our full potential, and what were the things we wanted to let go of for the coming months, such as stress, working too much, etc. It was great to be in an open minded group where people could feel comfortable sharing their goals with one another. We were given a little journal to write out how we felt about the day, and certain ways to stay inspired while letting go.
lunch
After a long yoga session, lunch was served out in the garden along the water. It really felt like we were far out in the Swedish archipelago. A vegetarian roasted cauliflower with squash and other exciting decorative food items was served alongside a fresh summer salad.
afternoon
After lunch, we went upstairs and drew out what we spoke about in the morning on an inspiration / mood board. I wanted to spend more time with friends, do more of what I love (such as taking photos), and set more routines for myself. I felt like this was manageable, and it was great to draw it out.
PS: can we just marvel over the details of this room for a second? The crown molding, the chandelier, the color story & ceiling painting. Drooooling.
We changed into our robes and went into the scorching sauna set at 80 degrees. Then, we all trotted down to the water and took a dip into the freezing sea to cool down. I could not stop laughing at how fast the temperature of the water had changed from just a few weeks ago.
After feeling relaxed and drained, we went up to our yoga oasis for a small snack and relaxing wind down yoga session with hotel pillows, blankets and hot tea.
Stina did an incredible job wrapping up the day with reflecting on our goals, the importance of disconnecting and reconnecting with oneself. Overall I thought the nano retreat really was a powerful way to feel as though I was at a retreat, even if only for a day. It really was the perfect Sunday.
If you are around or want to learn more about the Nano Retreat concept, follow Stina on Instagram, she is always sharing great events like this (and amazing, healthy food)
The photos above were taken by the SUPER talented, Minna! Follow her on Instagram below.
evening
The evening was spent at the J Hotel, it was recommended to relax, disconnect and spend time enjoying Sunday evening, so that is exactly what I did! Robert joined and we strolled down to the marina for a delicious and fresh Poke bowl at the J restaurant, followed by watching the sunset on the huge terrace. The room was spacious, bright and really gave the feeling of being out in the archipelago though being in an urban setting.
