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You Should Leave Now: Going on Retreat to Find Your Way Back to Yourself
If you want to live an extraordinary life, one in which your heart, mind, and spirit are in sync, you have to make space for your soul. You have to leave, in order to come back to yourself. It is time to go on retreat. Written as if by a wise and cherished friend, You Should Leave Now is a gentle, practical guide to drawing rich benefits--mental, emotional, and spiritual--from a personal retreat. Life coach, meditation teacher, and founder of She Glows Retreats, Brie Doyle helps us discover the ideal focus, setting, and approach to transformative retreating. In plain-spoken prose that is rich with ideas, solid research, gentle suggestions, and compelling stories, Doyle covers the benefits of retreating, reminding us that our well-being is about more than a daily dose of kombucha or a fitness class. She then details the logistics of going on retreat, what to expect while there, and how to make the most of what you've gained upon returning home. Doyle's extraordinary work opens the doors to rediscovering rest and rekindling your inner spark. Inner transformation awaits. You should leave now.
- GenresSelf Help
195 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2021
7 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 21, 2021
The tone of this book is yoga teacher meets cool big sister and the message is clear: You need a retreat. We're not talking about a spa day or a massage (not even the hot stone kind). We're talking about taking a break from your daily life and allowing the space, time, and silence for introspection and a chance to break out of the habits and patterns that hold us back and keep us from being in touch with our true, higher selves. This book includes tips on how to structure a solo retreat, what to look for in a group retreat, questions to ask a potential retreat leader, and sooo much more. This book would make the perfect gift for any woman (especially any mom) in your life who is experiencing pandemic burn-out (e.g. EVERYONE).
**I received an ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review.
**I received an ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 10, 2021
TO ALL MARRIED MEN: Buy this book now and give it to your spouse! It will change her life!
TO ALL WOMEN: Buy this book now and take it to heart!
This book outlines what every woman needs to do for herself: set time aside to reconnect with herself.
Women are constantly giving of themselves to everyone else - to kids, to their career, to their spouse, to their community. YOU SHOULD LEAVE NOW instructs women why it's so important to reconnect with herself through a personal retreat (could be a couple days long or a week long). You'll see the benefits you'll receive from doing a retreat and HOW to actually make the experience a life-changing transformation.
Taking the advice of this book will change your life! Trust me. I've witnessed it with my wife and have seen people around her experience similar transformations.
Don't wait any longer! You've been trapped at home in your routine serving other people's needs for too long. You should leave now! The person you come back as will be re-energized, rejuvenated, and full of life and inspiration. Do it now! Read this book and find out how to make it happen!
TO ALL WOMEN: Buy this book now and take it to heart!
This book outlines what every woman needs to do for herself: set time aside to reconnect with herself.
Women are constantly giving of themselves to everyone else - to kids, to their career, to their spouse, to their community. YOU SHOULD LEAVE NOW instructs women why it's so important to reconnect with herself through a personal retreat (could be a couple days long or a week long). You'll see the benefits you'll receive from doing a retreat and HOW to actually make the experience a life-changing transformation.
Taking the advice of this book will change your life! Trust me. I've witnessed it with my wife and have seen people around her experience similar transformations.
Don't wait any longer! You've been trapped at home in your routine serving other people's needs for too long. You should leave now! The person you come back as will be re-energized, rejuvenated, and full of life and inspiration. Do it now! Read this book and find out how to make it happen!
June 16, 2021
I read half of the book the moment it arrived from Amazon. I finished it the next day by lunch. As a fan and past attendee of Brie's retreats and client for consultative soul sessions, this book was the tool I needed to transform my mental state completely. Based on what I learned in this book, I am creating a framework for what I would like my personal retreating journey to look like. I'm excited to see how it unfolds.
This book portrays every essence of Brie's being: the enlightened mind, the loving soul, the caring heart, the grateful being. 🙏
This book portrays every essence of Brie's being: the enlightened mind, the loving soul, the caring heart, the grateful being. 🙏
July 1, 2021
Brie has written a beautiful roadmap to the wonderful practice of retreating. The entire book was a joy to experience and has gifted me the important reminder that we are the ability to create the life that we wish to experience. I will come back to this book over and over as deep wisdom, spiritual learning and a lifetime of wonderful practices to integrate. Wishing happy retreating to all who have the benefit of Brie's wisdom.
June 27, 2021
Brie Doyle is funny, insightful and so so wise!!! What a life changing message and what a fascinating book!
July 9, 2021
This book offers an incredible game-changing approach to life. Brie does a phenomenal job of using personal stories and the experiences of others to illustrate the importance of creating space for ourselves. She walks the reader through why retreating is useful and then goes on to help the reader create his/her best retreat, whether that’s solo or with a group, and describes valuable elements that retreats should have in order to reap the benefits. I found the stories of past retreat participants to be powerful and am fully convinced that retreating is essential if we want to take a step back from our busy lives, take a deep breath and gain perspective. Give this fantastic book a read and then get going!
June 27, 2021
What a beautiful read for anyone considering, pondering or preparing for a personal retreat! Brie has covered all the bases in this special book, with just the right amount of personal stories and profound wisdom, in each chapter. I feel in my soul that EVERY WOMAN needs to disconnect, rest and retreat from time to time, to reconnect to their heart, to their inner voice and to their soul. This book is the perfect companion. Simply loved it.
July 4, 2021
You should leave now, fellow readers. Just go. Find your favorite camping spot and sit beneath the stars with your dog for a night. Reflect on your current state, find solitude, connect to new surroundings, and go with just yourself. Take a hike at a local trail and pack your favorite lunch. Take a day trip to a place you loved as a child. Go to a botanical garden. Stay in a cabin in a nearby town. Buy a plane ticket across the world to a place you have always dreamed about. Book a retreat. All I can tell you is that self discovery awaits you there- wherever ‘there’ is for you. Find a way to peel away from your busy life for a few days. You CAN and SHOULD do this so you can restore yourself on retreat! If you have been searching for a way back to your authentic, beautiful self then you need to design a retreat meant just for you! I encourage every reader out there to think about practicing the art of retreating, this book can serve you as the official guide to going on retreat! Retreating and going inward, can lead you to a place of self trust, new found stability, and grand awakening. By taking time away, we can see our lives from a different angle. Retreating can be one of the most life changing practices a person can go through, a practice one can go on again and again over the years only to learn something new about themselves each time. New habits, realizations, healing, adventure, new experiences, and dreams await you. Return to a state of peace within, return to nature, and focus on caring for you with Brie Doyle as your Retreat Guide! By reading her book, “You Should Leave Now”, readers will gain a robust knowledge and a set of tools to take themselves on retreat. Retreating can look very different for each of us and this book is built to guide readers through every step of the process, this book is packed full of research and tools! Take yourself somewhere new with “You Should Leave Now". Trust that something new and wildly alive awaits you there. Brie Doyle is a healer, educator, and experienced retreat guide born and raised in Boulder Colorado.
May 26, 2022
I love this book! It's an easy and entertaining read filled with super useful information. Everyone needs to retreat, no matter your stage of life. Brie Doyle gives you all of the tools you need to make retreats a part of your life. It's very inspirational! I highly recommend this book.
July 15, 2021
If you’ve ever had the feeling that you are so caught up in your day to day roles that you’ve lost site of who you really are, this book is for you. Brie Doyle’s depth of knowledge and extensive experience in leading retreats and teaching others how to retreat on their own, is so profound that “when we return from retreats, with a steady heart and a surefootedness in our own divinity, neither crowd nor chaos can sway us. It is we who, again, are in charge of the sway.”
As a yearly retreat convert, I learned late in my life that I shouldn’t have started retreating years early. Don’t wait until you are retired like I did, to take time for a life changing and refocusing experience. The best think I ever did after finishing my business career was go on one of Brie’s fabulous, guided retreats to redefine the next stage in my life. Brie’s guidance can help anyone interested in reminding, redefining, or even reinventing themselves. Run to the bookstore and read this book. It’s never too late to take your first retreat.
As a yearly retreat convert, I learned late in my life that I shouldn’t have started retreating years early. Don’t wait until you are retired like I did, to take time for a life changing and refocusing experience. The best think I ever did after finishing my business career was go on one of Brie’s fabulous, guided retreats to redefine the next stage in my life. Brie’s guidance can help anyone interested in reminding, redefining, or even reinventing themselves. Run to the bookstore and read this book. It’s never too late to take your first retreat.
July 12, 2021
By the end of the book Brie convinced me that I needed to take a retreat immediately, which says a lot about how beautifully and precisely she shares her point of view. Chapter 12, The Elements of Retreat, was one of my favorite chapters. Brie talks about the importance of solitude and how being alone helps you find your inner strength and truth. When she pointed out that on retreat the first thing you have to take care of is your basic needs an inner bell went off. How many times as a mom have I cried because I felt that I could not and did not have time for my basic needs? How many times have I checked out of life because I am bored or uncomfortable? How many times have I felt unsure of my own strength and powerful voice? Brie’s book gave me hope that I could truly find a way back to myself. I could actually see myself on a retreat as I read Brie’s words. I never would have thought going on retreat could help me with all of the things I struggle with in my daily life but reading this book showed me it can and why it’s important.
November 29, 2021
2021 reads, #107. No matter how smart or erudite we book lovers think we are, all of us have at least one or two subjects for which we will obsessively read every title we can possibly get our hands on, just for the sake of doing so, no matter how terrible or shoddy that particular title is; in my case, for example, I've now probably read something like 150 New Agey wellness books in the last decade of my life, of which only perhaps half a dozen of them were good enough to actually recommend to others, because I keep holding out irrational hope that the next one will finally become that fabled seventh wellness book that had actually been worth my time. I think you've probably already guessed where I'm going with this, which is that Brie Doyle's You Should Leave Now is in fact not that desired seventh wellness book in existence actually worth your time, but today officially enters that rubbish bin where those other 144 worthless ones I've read currently reside. The problem here is a common one in this genre, which is that the topic she's chosen to write about (how to host your own meditation retreat) can't even begin to support 200 pages of original content, so the book instead turns out to instead have about a blog article's worth of actual interesting writing, and 190 pages of padded-out nonsense surrounding it. And that means you can get exactly as much out of this book as you can by simply Googling "how to host your own meditation retreat," and in that case do it in a single hour completely for free.
Plus, although I suppose it can be argued that I shouldn't be as upset about this as I am, I have to confess that it profoundly disturbed me that Doyle chose to start chapter 2 with a long inspirational quote from the disgraced celebrity Anne Lindbergh, who for those who don't know was one of the co-founders of the American Nazi Party in the 1930s, and who along with her husband, famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, once literally went on a couples vacation with Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun (which I assure you is a real thing that actually happened and not just some snotty story I made up). I wouldn't go so far as to allege that Doyle is trying to promote a pro-fascist agenda by quoting Lindbergh in such a large and loving way; but it certainly bothers me that Doyle didn't do even the slightest bit of background work in researching the people she chose to quote here, which can be seen as a microcosm of the book's problems overall, that this is less a coherent manuscript of interesting original content and more a slapdash collection of cribbed wellness thoughts from other, better books, paired with pleasantly empty Instagrammy quotes and enough whimsical calligraphy to fuel an entire block of hipster cupcake stores. It's starting to increasingly bother me that I continue falling for these wellness-book scams, although to be honest, I know I'll be reading the next one on the subject just as soon as it comes out; but for the rest of you who don't have this particular weakness of mine, do yourself a favor and take a wide pass on this one.
Plus, although I suppose it can be argued that I shouldn't be as upset about this as I am, I have to confess that it profoundly disturbed me that Doyle chose to start chapter 2 with a long inspirational quote from the disgraced celebrity Anne Lindbergh, who for those who don't know was one of the co-founders of the American Nazi Party in the 1930s, and who along with her husband, famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, once literally went on a couples vacation with Adolph Hitler and Eva Braun (which I assure you is a real thing that actually happened and not just some snotty story I made up). I wouldn't go so far as to allege that Doyle is trying to promote a pro-fascist agenda by quoting Lindbergh in such a large and loving way; but it certainly bothers me that Doyle didn't do even the slightest bit of background work in researching the people she chose to quote here, which can be seen as a microcosm of the book's problems overall, that this is less a coherent manuscript of interesting original content and more a slapdash collection of cribbed wellness thoughts from other, better books, paired with pleasantly empty Instagrammy quotes and enough whimsical calligraphy to fuel an entire block of hipster cupcake stores. It's starting to increasingly bother me that I continue falling for these wellness-book scams, although to be honest, I know I'll be reading the next one on the subject just as soon as it comes out; but for the rest of you who don't have this particular weakness of mine, do yourself a favor and take a wide pass on this one.
July 9, 2021
Oh what a joy it was to read this book! It is an amazingly powerful, enjoyable, informative, and all around lovely read! Brie’s tone and writing style is so accessible. It feels like you’re talking with a dear (and super cool) friend about how to improve your life! As a woman, a mother, and a professional in this world, it is SO EASY to feel like our main responsibility in life is to give to others. This book helps bring in to focus the fact that we have individual needs as well, and that, even if we choose to help others, we can’t do so authentically and effectively unless we are taking care of ourselves as well. The book includes super practical, tangible, and helpful tips about how to actually prioritize yourself and your wellbeing, and what to expect and how to interact with retreating. As someone who has never taken a retreat, I found this so helpful! If you’re even remotely considering taking a retreat, or if you’re well versed in doing so, I cannot recommend this book enough!
July 13, 2021
I read a lot of non-fiction so I am always excited about fresh takes. This book is full of information about retreating, the benefits the way to do it, and even how to come back home. If you are someone feeling like you need a refresh to connect to who you are, read this. Especially recommended this to moms. You won’t regret it.
July 18, 2021
Good book with useful guidance on personal insight and growth. Definitely more for a female reader though the last few chapters did include a couple of passages that bring in male readers.
July 13, 2021
This book so resonates with me as a mom and woman often putting others before ourselves and not recognizing that doing things for ourselves ultimately makes it easier to take care of others! I have never considered taking a retreat just for myself (let alone any kind of trip without my family or at least friends). I finally see the value in making time to get away and shut down and get back to myself. This book will inspire you to take a retreat and give you the tools to do it! Brie brings to life her stories with her struggles and her retreats with humor, and makes it an easy and fun read.
You Should Leave Now: Going on Retreat to Find Your Way Back to Yourself
You Should Leave Now: Going on Retreat to Find Your Way Back to Yourself
July 13, 2021
I'm typically skeptical when reading anything that includes the words gurus and chakras, but I trusted Brie and her words lovingly led me back to my true self. Brie speaks to readers through relatable personal stories that illustrate the challenges and joyful revelations we experience when we allow ourselves to go on retreat. After she's convinced readers how important it is to go on retreat, she walks them through the why and how of retreating at any age and on any budget. I loved the research that was woven into the book with quotes from experts in the field of wellness, spirituality, neuroscience, and philosophy. Feel like you need to be recharged but struggle to give yourself permission to do so? You should leave now.
July 13, 2021
On the first page of her debut book, Brie Doyle reminds us that “I take on everything no matter the consequences for myself. I am used to being the one whom other people depend on.” For anyone who can relate to this, it is an important reminder for how imperative it is to make time and space for ourselves. One of the best ways to do this is to go on retreat! This book builds upon the benefits of retreating, how to go about choosing a retreat, the stages you may experience while you are away and even the transition back home. Doyle is eloquent and humorous in her approach to retreating and encourages her audience to leave now and awaken the soul with a life changing retreat.
Read
July 20, 2024“We all have the opportunity in this lifetime to be clairvoyant crystals of truth for ourselves and others. But sometimes we get so mired by the swirl of duties, distractions, expectations, and mindless habit patterns that we lose our luster. Retreating is how we find our own clear light.”
What a fun read! I am guilty of burning myself out and not taking time to replenish my energy reserves or look inward because I feel selfish doing so. This book was a great reminder that sometimes we have to slow down and retreat in order to get back in touch with the most true and creative version of ourselves. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about doing that!
What a fun read! I am guilty of burning myself out and not taking time to replenish my energy reserves or look inward because I feel selfish doing so. This book was a great reminder that sometimes we have to slow down and retreat in order to get back in touch with the most true and creative version of ourselves. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about doing that!
July 14, 2021
You Should Leave Now is such an essential read for all women who want to live their most beautiful, authentic lives. I truly believe that we all need regular retreats to gain perspective, reconnect with our inner wisdom and power, and realign our lives if necessary. Brie beautifully guides us through the process. I will be referencing this book for years to come!
July 13, 2021
You should read You Should Leave Now, now! The book answers all the questions of why and how for retreating. Brie Doyle gets it! The teacher definitely appeared when the student (me) was ready. Great read! Highly recommend.
November 1, 2022
Really useful book! Persuasive arguments for prioritizing annual retreats and really great guidance on how to think about hosting a solo retreat. Great advice!
March 21, 2023
Inspiring read
I'm now convinced I need to retreat -a good primer for those wanting to reconnect with themselves and form new habits.
I'm now convinced I need to retreat -a good primer for those wanting to reconnect with themselves and form new habits.
February 27, 2024
Probably more like 2.5 stars. Good points, and good suggestions! But it's all a bit basic.
December 10, 2021
Two stars, but GoodReads keeps telling me I rated it three.
I saw this in the store and kept picking it up and putting it down and finally decided to buy it. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the book overall, and am especially appreciative of the retreat "stages."
I do wish the author would have done two vignettes for the "stages" chapter, one of a person on a group retreat, and one of someone doing a solo retreat. I know the author hosts group retreats and so that's going to be her focus, but I found the bulk of the book skewed too much toward group retreats because she ignored solo retreats.
Also, I think the book could have been strengthened if the author had let us follow her through her own retreat, chapter by chapter (the one she opens the book with).
Overall, a strong and quick read. Made me excited to do a (solo) retreat when I'm done dealing with some medical issues.
Edit: After reading a different book about going on retreat (Woman's Retreat Book: A Guide to Restoring, Rediscovering and Reawakening Your True Self: In a Moment, An Hour, Or a Weekend by Jennifer Louden), I have reassessed Doyle's work.
I think Doyle's book is heavy on "you should do this" rah-rah language. But it's thin on actual exercises that people doing their own retreat could use. I've also realized that a lot of the book feels very... humble braggy, as if one is going on retreat to escape Instagram--and then Instagram about the retreat. There's also a rather prescriptive aspect to her work (go on retreat for as long as possible, for example, which can make retreating feel unattainable).
I'm glad I read the book, and I'll recommend it to my friends who are interested in retreating, but it will be second to Louden's work.
I saw this in the store and kept picking it up and putting it down and finally decided to buy it. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the book overall, and am especially appreciative of the retreat "stages."
I do wish the author would have done two vignettes for the "stages" chapter, one of a person on a group retreat, and one of someone doing a solo retreat. I know the author hosts group retreats and so that's going to be her focus, but I found the bulk of the book skewed too much toward group retreats because she ignored solo retreats.
Also, I think the book could have been strengthened if the author had let us follow her through her own retreat, chapter by chapter (the one she opens the book with).
Overall, a strong and quick read. Made me excited to do a (solo) retreat when I'm done dealing with some medical issues.
Edit: After reading a different book about going on retreat (Woman's Retreat Book: A Guide to Restoring, Rediscovering and Reawakening Your True Self: In a Moment, An Hour, Or a Weekend by Jennifer Louden), I have reassessed Doyle's work.
I think Doyle's book is heavy on "you should do this" rah-rah language. But it's thin on actual exercises that people doing their own retreat could use. I've also realized that a lot of the book feels very... humble braggy, as if one is going on retreat to escape Instagram--and then Instagram about the retreat. There's also a rather prescriptive aspect to her work (go on retreat for as long as possible, for example, which can make retreating feel unattainable).
I'm glad I read the book, and I'll recommend it to my friends who are interested in retreating, but it will be second to Louden's work.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews