Earlier this year we hosted Gary Reneau at Getaway Piney Woods outside of Dallas for a solo escape to relax and recharge. Here’s what he had to say about his experience.
I originally saw Getaway on a YouTube video and immediately wanted to experience it. To my surprise, the Piney Woods location is only 45 minutes away. After contemplating a stay at Getaway for months, I finally booked a one night stay this last weekend. I needed the time in nature, as well as the break from social media and constant notifications.
This was my first Getaway experience. I can say that the Piney Woods location is spread out well and designed to provide just the right amount of seclusion. I encountered two people the whole time I was there, and that was when I took a walk for pictures. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Getaway is for you.
My favorite moment was when I had the thought “I don’t actually have to do anything right now.” I hopped onto the bed and stretched out on my back. I stared through the huge window and took photos with my camera looking up at the trees. I listened to a Getaway playlist on Spotify (there are actually quite a few). I just did nothing.
Disconnecting was great for me. I grabbed a book on the shelf called How to Relax. One of the chapters was about turning off push notifications on your cell phone (essentially what I did by putting my phone in the box). It’s amazing how much stress and anxiety we add to ourselves by feeling compelled to check our phones dozens of times per day. The Getaway experience has challenged me to “think inside the box”, i.e., to not live my life chained to a cell phone.
I laid on the bed. Put on a relaxing playlist. Sat outside and listened to the crickets and let an occasional cool breeze brush across my face. Got my camera out (after over a year) and went for a walk to take pictures of leaves and hilltop views and unwitting spiders. Built a fire. Sip on a cup of coffee.
Do it. Go. What are you waiting for? The allure of Getaway is getting away. Go into the woods. Put away your cell phone and any distractions. Experience nature and God’s creation. Take it in. Appreciate it. Rejuvenate. Enjoy.