On Retreat

Retreat, according to the Wikipedia dictionary, is "the act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant; the act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position; a peaceful quiet place affording privacy, or security; a period of retirement, seclusion or solitude; a period of meditation, prayer or study. " That is just what five women did recently on 27 acres near Harper's Ferry, West Virginia at Blue Mt Retreat Center. We took a break from noise, news, and our busy lives to experience nature, gentle yoga, meditation for women and nutritious food. We welcomed in the spring season with singing, dancing, massage and time in silence; and basked in the light of the 'Super Moon' that coincided with the Equinox. Senses were reengaged so that we could return to our lives more awake, aware and intentional.

Something alchemical happens when women gather together, share our stories and let the outer trappings fall away and begin to find our natural rhythm again. We all need to turn inward now and then to tune into what really feeds us and makes us happy. These items will change from season to season and with the phases of our lives. Only when we become silent will we hear the deeper vibration and 'The Call' that is our life's true purpose. Joseph Campbell says, "You must have a room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what was in the morning paper.... a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be...." So what can you do this Spring for inner and outer housecleaning, to awaken what has been dormant over the winter (or a lifetime), to bring to the light and give birth to, to do the thing that only you have been born to do?

Many retreat centers and spas exist today offering a wide array of selections to pamper oneself and check out of the world for a while for a day, a week, or longer. Even with limited time & resources retreats can be done easily and in your own home. A daily breath practice tagged onto the beginning or end of the day is a great place to begin. Deep, slow, even  breaths calm the nervous system, brings fresh blood and oxygen to the body and creates opportunities for increased self awareness (mini pauses). Many teachers say you will feel better with just a daily mindful breath practice. Retreats can be found easily through www.retreatfinder.com or www.yogafinder.com. Locally there are numerous selections to choose from as well. A great resource for doing a retreat at home is Bliss In A Box by Susan River. This kit includes numerous offerings of yoga sequences, nutrition guidelines, meditation suggestions along with additional resources. Spring is the perfect time for inner and outer housecleaning. So what are you waiting for? Start your next retreat today!