The following resources have been a tremendous help to Geese over the years with his solo retreats, be it in the preparation, the process itself, or the goal setting. Many are on the topic of presence and mindfulness, which is a key component of solo retreats. If you have additional resources that you’d recommend, send them our way.
- The Personal Compass, https://grovetools-inc.com/products/the-personal-compass. This is one of Geese’s favorite workbooks that helps in both assessing what’s going on in our lives as well as a process for goal setting. We have a bunch of extra copies should you like one at the upcoming retreat.
- Stillness Speaks, by Eckhart Tolle. You can’t go wrong with any of Eckhart’s books or YouTube videos. He’s a spiritual teacher on how to live in the NOW. Go to YouTube and type in his name and watch one of his videos. He’ll blow you away.
- Everywhere You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Again, one of the best mindfulness teachers out there.
- Three Deep Breaths, by Thomas Crum. Tom is a martial arts master who teaches conflict resolution through the art of Aikido. This book is about how to get centered in life so that you can show up as your best self. He is an amazing human being.
- DIY Solo Retreats: A Handbook for Creating Your Space, Setting an Intention, and Getting the Self-Care You Deserve, by S.A. Snyder. A great resource for any solo retreat.
- Design the Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Meaningful Future, by Ayse Birsel. This is another highly recommended book for discovering your purpose. It’s exactly what The “Me” Retreat is all about.
- Walking Meditation by Nguyen Anh-Huong & Thich Nhat Hanh. Thich Nhat Hanh is the great grandfather of mindfulness, if you will. He’s one of the original masters in this field. In this book, the authors help you turn everyday walking into a meditation.
- Creating Authenticity: Meaningful Questions for Meaningful Moments, by Greg Giesen. Yep, this is one of the Geese books. The book consists of 200 thought-provoking questions to help you get in touch with your authentic self.
- The Tao of Daily Living, by John Heider. John Heider was one of Geese’s teachers in a 9-month facilitation class. He also wrote the Tao of Leadership. The Tao of Daily Living is a fun book that teaches presence through John’s art.
- The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz. This is a book that belongs on everyone’s bookshelf. Geese had the privilege of taking two workshops from don Miguel and his two sons. The family are all spiritual teachers who help people simplify life by connecting with their true selves. All the Ruiz books are a must read.
- Peace in Every Step, by Thich Nhat Hanh. Can’t get enough of this guy.
- The Book of Readings, compiled by Greg Giesen (PDF). This PDF consists of powerful and insightful quotes from incredible people throughout history. Talk about inspiring…
- The Balance Wheel (JPG) by Greg Giesen. We recommend that you open this PDF and fill in the various categories to examine how balanced your life is right now. If you come to the retreat, bring this with you. It would be fun to talk about it.
- Exploring the Power of Solo, Silence, and Solitude, edited by Clifford E. Knapp & Thomas E. Smith (PDF). This is amazing information about the benefits of programs like The Me Retreat. It’s a comprehensive look at the benefits of taking solo time.
- The “Calm” App. There’s a lot of great meditation apps out there but this is the best we’ve come across. It’s got everything. In fact, Geese uses it to guide his meditations every morning and afternoon.
- The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose, by Oprah Winfrey
