Each retreat I have been on has it's own vibe. It can be determined by the title of the retreat, the women who attend, the place where it is held; these are all just some of the variables that make a retreat what it is.
The Yoga and Nature Hike Retreat was held up in Clarryville, NY - less then two hours away from home. And yet it seems a million miles away in terms of getting away. The house is glorious, the fireplaces stoked (thanks, Candace), the food delicious (thanks Sherrie), the yoga blissful (thanks Cara). The atmosphere set to exactly the right temperature thanks to our hosts - Cara and Candace.
Buddha. "Forgiveness Leads to Love." Music. Tulips. Comfy. Warmth. Beauty. Gift Exchange. Hugs - tight, tight hugs. Kisses. Tears. Laughter. A feeling of grace. You're there with me, aren't you?!
The Yoga and Nature Hike Retreat was held up in Clarryville, NY - less then two hours away from home. And yet it seems a million miles away in terms of getting away. The house is glorious, the fireplaces stoked (thanks, Candace), the food delicious (thanks Sherrie), the yoga blissful (thanks Cara). The atmosphere set to exactly the right temperature thanks to our hosts - Cara and Candace.
Buddha. "Forgiveness Leads to Love." Music. Tulips. Comfy. Warmth. Beauty. Gift Exchange. Hugs - tight, tight hugs. Kisses. Tears. Laughter. A feeling of grace. You're there with me, aren't you?!
Our theme was forgiveness. Not an easy subject on any given day. It is something that needs to be tackled internally. I was inordinately grateful I had spent a long time on this subject in the past year; it made the weekend almost easy for me. (In the end, one of the things I forgave was carbohydrates ... I love them so ... I eat too many ... they are so delicious ... damn them, I forgave them!)
We took a hike on Saturday up to a place called "The Tower." It. Was. Hard. I didn't wear my hiking sneakers, I wore my regular sneakers. It was steep, it was leafy, it was wet - my knee was giving me the finger the entire time up. I am forever grateful to Renee and Candace for being my bookends when all I could do was weep. Which I did at one point and thought, "Fuck this - I can't do this anymore." THAT was when my women flanked me and said, "We got you sissy - no worries." The gladiator women who made it to the top in what felt like hours before me were happy for us when we got to the top.
Kerry, Denise, Marion, Renee (sitting), Me, Cara, Amy, Fran, Donna, Ilana, Candace, Debbie
The facilities at the top. I used them!
There was quiet time. There was reading time. There was sitting by the fire time. There were massages. There was Pictionary.
I read each guests cards. My work was a gift to the women attending from Cara and Candace. Isn't that a beautiful gift?! You KNOW each and every woman's cards were exactly right for her at that time.
After everyone but the three of us had left, we did a quick reading for the event. It was absolutely spot on perfect. The final angel card I pulled was "forgiveness." Of course it was.
I read each guests cards. My work was a gift to the women attending from Cara and Candace. Isn't that a beautiful gift?! You KNOW each and every woman's cards were exactly right for her at that time.
After everyone but the three of us had left, we did a quick reading for the event. It was absolutely spot on perfect. The final angel card I pulled was "forgiveness." Of course it was.
As always, what happens at the retreat STAYS at the retreat. However, there are ALWAYS a few sentences that I know I can share without giving away who said it. These are the moments that help define the laughter and the tears that are shared.
A few of my favorite statements from the weekend:
Until next time, Namaste.
xo
A few of my favorite statements from the weekend:
- You can fart in there, you just can't speak.
- Our hikes are always slightly treacherous.
- Those pajama bottoms are circa 1985 frat house. Can I have them?
- Thank you.
Until next time, Namaste.
xo
Forgive
Experience the power of forgiveness. Say I forgive you, and mean it. Forgive everyone who has ever wronged you. Forgive him for breaking your heart. Forgive her for telling everyone your deepest secret. Forgive them both. Stop holding grudges, and forgive. Forgive yourself for being human, for not knowing all the answers all the time. Once and for all, for the sake of your own sanity, forgive. Let the sweet and simple rain of forgiveness wash over you.
Ask for forgiveness, offer forgiveness.
Somewhere, find the inner depth to
forgive the man who raped, to forgive
the woman who killed, to forgive the
friend who betrayed a loving trust. For
life, for peace forever; for you, for them,
forgive.
PS - I cannot thank Tracey Clark enough for sharing the joys of everyday photography with me and of course, for the Instagram lesson. Sending LOVE, love, love to you for your generosity of spirit! xo
