Rest, Renewal and Delight

James and I spent a tranquil weekend in this little building at The Hartman Center in Milroy, PA where we attended a Peaceful Weekend Retreat.  The retreat was designed to follow nature's lead into stillness, quiet and inner reflection.  There were fourteen participants.

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Much of the weekend was spent in this common room in meditation, yoga stretches and gentle Qi Gong movements.  The yoga just about did James in.  He tried one session then opted to walk in the woods which is more his style of 'yoga' anyway.  I surprised myself by being able to sit relatively still for the meditations. 

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We spent considerable time gazing silently out the window at this restful winter perspective, connecting with trees, snow, shadows and the few critters that would briefly show themselves.

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There were contemplative art activities which we did as a group and there was free time for me to play in my art journal.  There was one activity that I found insightful.  We walked around a table covered with photographs of winter.  We were to choose the picture that we felt drawn to.  I chose a snowman with spruce "hair" and bits of tree in it's "hand".  I've been examining my playful nature and whether it gets in the way of teaching.  From this photo, I got the message that it's okay for the plants and I to be playful in the classroom on our journey of teaching about essential oils.

(CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE)

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Each evening from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. we were in Noble Silence.  No speaking, no gesturing, no eye contact with the other participants.   James teased me that I would probably burst after one hour.  I did okay until Sunday morning when I began chatting with James at the breakfast table.   He just looked at me, amused.  I suddenly remembered and clasped my hands over my mouth.  My intentions were noble, if not my actions :-)   Within a short time, Jen, Joleen, James and I began to get squirrely at which point we disintegrated into the Noble Silence Rebels.

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We ate all vegetarian, gluten-free, organic and very delicious

meals in this restful dining room

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It was good to be away from cell phones, computers, TV and other outside influences that bombard us daily, removing us from ourselves.