A Few of Our Favorites: Retreats Supplies
We love sharing resources to help you on your contemplative journey. Here are a few links to favorite books & retreat supplies we have mentioned on our podcast.
BOOKS
John O'Donahue & David Whyte are 2 of Chris' favorite authors and you will often hear him quoting their poems. They have a way of capturing the human experience with captivating language. If you have not historically been into poetry, we recommend checking them out.
Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words
Barbara Brown Taylor is a favorite for Christina. Her words bringing clarity to the soul.
RETREAT SUPPLIES
PENS & JOURNALS
Stabilo are some of our favorite pens that our German friends introduced us to years ago.
These Precise Pens are also favorite everyday pens that we have used for years.
We are a bit of pen snobs and both like how they write.
We both like to journal as part of our spiritual practices and this is a favorite for Chris.
PAMPERING SUPPLIES
These essential oils smell great and feel like a treat. I (Christina) first started using oils at a yin yoga class when our teacher gave us a pump and invited us to rub into our hands and neck. I was hooked. I have been branching out and I love how the fragrance lingers.
I also like this one.
Or this one.
This massage lotion is a great alternative. It has a bit of a zing and the fragrance lasts throughout the day. I like tenting my hands and breathing in the aromas when doing deep breathing.
SPA RETREAT SUPPLIES
These supplies are next level extras for those interested in facilitating detox or spa type retreats.
This is used as a detox per a recommendation of my chiropractor. I use these liners & this soaking salt
The collapsable buckets make for easy storage.
Towel Warmer
This towel warmer is a big hit. Chris has used this during contemplative gatherings and as soon as he passes out warm hand towels, people instantly start to unwind. It is a favorite.
This is a smaller, more portable one.
CREATIVE RETREATS
Although we don't consider ourselves artists, years ago we started experimenting with creative supplies on retreats. There is something about being in a contemplative in these spaces with art that has opened us up in new ways. Based on personal experiences, we started leading Creative Retreats for others. As interest in this offering increased, we started collecting materials and putting them in a rolling supply case to take with us. So much easier!!
MANDALAS
I first discovered mandalas on a personal retreat. These mandala rounds work as a guide. I use decorative craft paper to build a color scheme or watercolors.
For those new to mandalas, I find it helpful to start in the center and work from there with a word or theme.
ROCKS
Rocks are another way I like to solidify what happens on retreat. Sometimes I like to walk away with a word or phrase that I write on the rock to keep at my desk as a reminder.
PRAYER BEADS
Chris began making homemade prayer beads with these nice beads and string. It is a tactical way to engage the hands in prayer.
We hope you enjoy checking out some of our favorites for your own retreats and times away. Please feel free to share some of your favorites with us as well.
Please note that this page contains affiliate links. Purchasing through our link results in a small commission for us and no extra charge for you. We share resources we have used and like as a way to save you legwork.
