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Sunday 29 January 2012

Retreat

We do not truly serve the world if we give to others but neglect our own truth and our own needs. It’s only when our own needs are fully met that we can generously and whole-heartedly give of ourselves. It’s not selfish to look after ourselves -- it’s essential!
(Borrowed from Ron Handrahan - photographer, father, grandfather, all round great guy...)

The idea of "retreat" is as old as civilization itself. It is to get away to a place of serenity where you can create, restore, share, and simplify your life. I firmly believe that our nervous systems are not really built for the array of stresses we put ourselves under in daily modern life. How wonderful it is to just surrender our cell phones, our responsibilities and our "schedules" for a short time so that we can return to the simplicity of our breath, of resting in a quiet corner of the room with a good book or enjoying the beauty of the sunset without needing to be or do anything else.

Ambition, drive, goal-setting and seeking continual evolution through change and growth and gathering of knowledge are all so important. But so is balancing those aspects with rest, meditation and gentle but honest inward reflection. Add to that coming together with other like minded people to share your energy and common intentions for healing and renewal and you've got yourself one powerful combination. And enough spark to ignite some wonderful changes and invoke some incredible manifestations.

Our modern world is full of striving. Each time I visit Latin America or return to the tropics, I am reminded of that. It's not until you actually step away from it that you realize just how intense our lifestyles are. "Rest" is not high on the list of priorities around these here parts. Accumulating more, doing more, being better, getting ahead - these are all themes that seem to permeate our culture. And when you're immersed in it, you hardly notice it. Many are hardly aware of what a wave of stress, exhaustion or defeat they've gotten swept out on.Almost as if this has become the "norm".

Taking time to reflect is unquestionably important. As someone who needs lots of "hj time" I have come to respect and understand this well. Modern living needs balance for many of us. This requires a bit of courage to really understand what it is you need and then to implement it. To ask for space or time isn't always easy. To honour yourself isn't always easy. But it IS essential as Mr Handrahan so eloquently pointed out above. (Thanks!)

Getting away on Retreat regularly is also something I've become accustomed to and something I hold as a really important thing that's one of my overall "wellness strategies" for my life. Join me this February 17th, 18th and 19th at the rustic and historic Lansing Lodge at the Buffalo Canoe Club in Ridgeway Ontario for a weekend of renewal and re-invigoration.

The weekend getaway will include 4 Yoga & Meditation classes, Breakfast and delicious lunch as well as an Ayurvedic-inspired Supper on Saturday night followed by a live kirtan performance by John Bauld and Ananda. Participants will also receive as part of their retreat - one aromatherapy massage treatment, one reflexology treatment, and a personalized Feng Shui consultation with Ginette Hunter (Master Feng Shui consultant) about how to best prepare for the upcoming year.

The weekend promises to be restful, inspiring and deeply nurturing in all ways. But space is limited.
Join us for the day, a class, Saturday's Kirtan performance and dinner, or the whole weekend.
Visit www.PlanetLoveCreations for more info...

May you be happy. And may your life be filled with ease....

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