I’ll write about it more in my last check-in for the syllabus project but since people have been asking about the retreat…
It was lovely.
While I certainly enjoyed the time to myself, which I mostly spent reading and walking, I think I experienced its benefits the most this past weekend (i.e. the weekend after). Having had significant time to myself for reflection and relaxation, I didn’t spend this past Saturday and Sunday caught between my to-do list and the desire to just chill. Often my weekends are a tricky balancing act of house work, play, creative pursuits, and rest. I was able to dive into some big house projects and complete them because I was still so rested and relaxed. On Sunday I felt accomplished and proud, and still so full of energy.
It’s an important lesson, friends: taking a time-out is sometimes the best way to get going.
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Lisa Fine - So glad it went well, and allowed you to have time to truly relax. Looking forward to hearing more about it.
And I love that photo of you.
Agata - So glad it went well, and allowed you to have time to truly relax. Looking forward to hearing more about it.
+1
Teresa - Though I was only technically on my retreat for one night, I tried to make that whole vacation week a time for reflection and renewal. I have felt truly refreshed ever since–I feel like it shifted the way I was thinking about myself and my relation to the wider world in ways both subtle and profound. Also, it was just wonderful to be peaceful and mindful. I just felt so present during my time away. For me, I felt like I was able to finally step back and acknowledge the difficulties of the last couple of years and at the same time fully embrace the new path that I am on. It reminded me why my meditation practice has become so important to me–sometimes we just need to sit with out thoughts and experience the moment we are living in right now instead of always trying to rush toward the next thing.
It sounds like you experienced a similarly profound shift, as well as that deep sense of balance and peace.
Magda - YOUR HAIR!