"Don’t meditate to fix yourself,
to heal yourself,
to improve yourself,
to redeem yourself;
to improve yourself,
to redeem yourself;
rather,
do it as an act of love,
of deep warm friendship to yourself."
do it as an act of love,
of deep warm friendship to yourself."
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is not the same you that comes out the other side.
I didn't know what to expect. I just hoped I would have some good food and relax for the weekend. Didn't want to have to do any role-playing or oral presentations!
I hadn't noticed that it advertised- "gourmet vegetarian meals"- I was just so set on getting the CEU's!
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THE LABYRINTH |
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We started each day with some yoga or Qigong. We even had one day of "silence". For those of you who know me--not one of my strong suits. I enjoy the fellowship with others and feel I learn a lot from hearing other peoples stories. Once again, I may have slipped a little on the "vow of silence", so guess I wouldn't make a very good Trappist Monk or Vestal Virgin for that matter.
There is no controlling life.
Try corralling a lightning bolt, containing a tornado.
Try corralling a lightning bolt, containing a tornado.
Dam a stream and it will create a new channel.
Resist, and the tide will sweep you off your feet.
Allow, and grace will carry you to higher ground.
Allow, and grace will carry you to higher ground.
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NEW GROWTH! |
As I mentioned before, I had no idea that the highlight of this retreat was the fantastic food! Certainly gourmet and all vegetarian, organic and locally grown. While there were books and CD's on meditation, I wanted THE cookbook. However, our chef said it was "under construction"! Every meal was a culinary delight!
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MARSHA MEDITATING?!?! |
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WATCHING OWNER SURF! |
Mindfulness
meditation doesn't change life. Life remains as fragile and
unpredictable as ever. Meditation changes the heart's capacity to accept
life as it is.
I was surprised that I really did come out a different person, more aware and that I really wanted to have a time everyday to meditate and quiet the chatter in my head. It was amazing to watch many morph into kinder, softer, and less stressed persons.
The time will come when with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the others welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself,
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself,
to the stranger who has loved you all your life,
whom you have ignored for another,
who knows you by heart.
I highly recommend you check out one of these retreats!
You will find it is a rich and powerful program.