Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. A retreat from everyday life, a change of environment. It really makes a difference.
This week I did just that. We rented a little cottage in the mountains near Big Bear Lake. The elevation is around 8,000 feet - the air was thin, the trees were tall and green (pine trees that smelled so good) and the sky and the lake were amazing shades of blue. It was the total opposite of my normal life in the dry, flat desert (it has it’s own beauty!) The contrast is part of the makings of a good retreat.
Most of my life I have had an affinity with the mountains, not sure why, but I know I feel it within my soul. A deep connection that brings me a sense of inner peace. This time was no exception. With the addition of the little cottage in the giant pines with the lake just steps away, I was in a state of bliss. Well, not right away, it took a while to acclimate. Time for my deeper sense to recognize I was taking time to connect with nature. It made me realize that a good retreat from life has to be at least 2 nights away, even better if it’s a week! It takes some time to unfold into it, to let go of all the real life things that are keeping the mind preoccupied. Letting go and relaxing takes a while.
After checking-in and unpacking, I went to sit by the lake, on the sandy little patch of sunny beach just a few steps away from tree shaded cottage. The air was so fresh, the sky so clear and blue and in the distance I could hear the hum of a boat out on the lake. I took a few deep breaths in, then exhaled and let my body and mind empty - like letting the air out of a balloon. I stayed there for a while, soaking in the peace and beauty -- allowing it to wash over me. What a wonderful feeling.
When planning for this trip I knew I wanted to keep it simple and pay attention to living in the present moment. I decided to bring my sketch book and watercolors - activities that I enjoy deeply and never make the time for and also bring me into focus with the “now”. Being in this wonderful natural setting inspired me and painting kept me present. This is part of a retreat that I enjoy most - freedom, relaxation and time to express myself.
Over the next two nights and three days I allowed myself the pleasures of relaxation, creative expression, walks in nature, quiet contemplation and wonderful food. Jeff and I listened to a few chapters of “The Untethered Soul” an audio book by Michael A. Singer. (It’s awesome, I highly recommend it!). And that helped bring some enlightenment to our little retreat and taught us even more about the importance of being fully present. Just the right setting for opening our minds and hearts to his beautiful words of wisdom.
What a glorious time, I feel renewed.
If you are thinking about planning a get-away, stop thinking and just DO IT! If you don’t think you have the time or money, than stop thinking that! Make the time and spend the money - it will pay for itself in the peace it gives you. If you need to get away alone - than stop making excuses and go for it! Make some reservations at a place totally different that your normal environment, pack light and take off! You won’t even understand how much you need it until you actually do it! What's stopping you!
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