Chats Retreat - Day 2
The day almost started tragically. If I tell you there are 14 stairs between my bed and the bathroom can you guess that it is a rather risky walk at 5:30 in the morning. I did fine until I missed the last step. Had I not been holding on, I would have landed face down on the wooden floor, looking like one of those bear rugs - or moose - or person as the case may be. The good news is I did my business and made it back upstairs without incident. More awake than I wanted to be at that hour, I kept running stair-falling scenarios through my head. I have a vivid imagination when left alone to think my own thoughts.
At the more civilized hour of 9:30 I awoke to Louise saying, "Oh look!" I sat straight up, thinking there may actually be a moose on the porch or something else as incredible.
"What?" I yelled over the banister.
"It's raining," she exclaimed. "I love the rain."
Thinking about it, the sight and sound of the rain was pretty incredible. I could see no sign of the mountains, just gray mist. For most of the morning, the mountaintops played peek-a-boo in and out of the cloud cover. I think I've seen too many western movies. Right now it looks as if there are smoke signals rising between the ridges.
After a good night's sleep, most of the Chats were up and working on their computers when I mosied downstairs. Well, working may be stretching it a bit. Computers were on, books open. The kitchen counters full of various breakfast foods, from Quinoa to leftover lasagna provided ample foraging opportunities. While this is a writing retreat, I've noticed that there is a lot of talk about spirituality. I think the mountains and trees and fresh air and unpaved roads must bring that out. For me being surrounded by nature is a form of spiritual revitalization.
Dictionary.com defines retreat as: The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant. Withdrawing from the world's busy-ness (yes, I know we're still technically connected) and settling into a more natural rhythm of life is what this time away is to me. It may take longer than 3 days to completely unwind, but it's a start.
The conversation turned to the advantages of "letting go" (not an uncommon theme for me). Whether its decluttering your house, your relationships, or thoughts that no longer serve you, you are making room for something new. Letting go, every action is a prayer. With that thought in mind, I opened up my daily word from Gratefulness, here's what it said. Synchronicity? Coincidence? Or the Divine giving a nod to the journey we've embarked on?
At the more civilized hour of 9:30 I awoke to Louise saying, "Oh look!" I sat straight up, thinking there may actually be a moose on the porch or something else as incredible.
"What?" I yelled over the banister.
"It's raining," she exclaimed. "I love the rain."
Thinking about it, the sight and sound of the rain was pretty incredible. I could see no sign of the mountains, just gray mist. For most of the morning, the mountaintops played peek-a-boo in and out of the cloud cover. I think I've seen too many western movies. Right now it looks as if there are smoke signals rising between the ridges.
After a good night's sleep, most of the Chats were up and working on their computers when I mosied downstairs. Well, working may be stretching it a bit. Computers were on, books open. The kitchen counters full of various breakfast foods, from Quinoa to leftover lasagna provided ample foraging opportunities. While this is a writing retreat, I've noticed that there is a lot of talk about spirituality. I think the mountains and trees and fresh air and unpaved roads must bring that out. For me being surrounded by nature is a form of spiritual revitalization.
Dictionary.com defines retreat as: The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant. Withdrawing from the world's busy-ness (yes, I know we're still technically connected) and settling into a more natural rhythm of life is what this time away is to me. It may take longer than 3 days to completely unwind, but it's a start.
The conversation turned to the advantages of "letting go" (not an uncommon theme for me). Whether its decluttering your house, your relationships, or thoughts that no longer serve you, you are making room for something new. Letting go, every action is a prayer. With that thought in mind, I opened up my daily word from Gratefulness, here's what it said. Synchronicity? Coincidence? Or the Divine giving a nod to the journey we've embarked on?
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
Joseph Campbell
When was the last time you turned away from your computer and cell phone, and relaxed into some quiet moments of gratitude? What part of your life do you want to let go of? Why not try it.
Merry ME
Comments
The first four, I literally had withdrawl symptoms from the computer/phone/no plans with friends, etc.
The last six were utter bliss, with a peace that was deeper than any I have ever know.
Glad you had a handrail and din't have a bad fall this morning!
Enjoy the retreat for its specialness. You are giving yourself a well-deserved gift:)
(hugs)
I actually copied a section of this post to hang up and/or tote around for me to cling to during this time of my life. I haven't even been able to write about the goings on of my life.....but many things have taken place so that I need to be able to LET GO! Thanks for the words..they are my motivation!