You’re so worth it!
A retreat.
A break from routine, sans responsibility.
Unwind.
Detox.
Smoothing of the rough edges.
Reflection.
Dreaming.
Just “BE-ing.”
FOB (Flat on Back or side or stomach) translated means you place your body in the hands of healers and allow them to “help” you get the “issues out of your tissues*.”
Several years ago I learned a valuable lesson about self care during a particularly challenging time in my life.
During a doctor’s visit whilst in a puddle of tears, I shared my desperation, fatigue and overwhelm.
Kindly and gently she responded to my plea for anti-depressants by calming explaining I didn’t need anti-depressants, I needed a vacation.
She was right.
I’m so glad I lived in Brazil and not the US for that particular appointment.
Honestly, it took what felt like a leap off a very steep cliff to pull myself away from my family for no other reason than to rest, rejuvenate and BE.
But, I managed and I’ve never looked back.
Thus begun my practice of what I called my “twenty-fours.” On my “twenty-fours,” which were literally twenty-four-hour periods (gotta start somewhere), I tucked myself away at the beach or a hotel once a month and followed my muse. I read, rested, prayed, played, wrote, meditated, ate, watched movies, walked on the beach, and went to museums. Each was an adventure of it’s own.
My “twenty-fours” have evolved into at least five days away several times a year.
Did I mention, those aren’t working times away or holidays with my husband?
I go alone, sometimes with friends if the boundaries are safe and clear.
I just returned from a retreat last week.
By jumping off the cliff eight years ago, I created my personal REVOLUTION of Radical self care.
I’ll let you in on a little secret.
The benefits for me are endless.
And everyone benefits from my time away.
My kids experience a happier more centered mom.
They grow their independence and experience their personal capabilities.
My husband happily sends me away because he likes, ok LOVES, what he gets when I come home!
Ladies, when you get the “issues out of your tissues” your body relaxes and your libido increases, your outlook enhances, the little nuisances become trivial
And
You Let Go of the need to control and command and instead become a willing recipient of life.
Your love cup gets filled.
Setting aside the tyranny of the urgent, there’s time to peer underneath the surface of life.
You get to just BE.
Depending upon your age, you may or may not remember “back in the day” when neighbors spent hours on the front porch or back yard, just hanging out and enjoyed impromptu gatherings. On my block, seriously, it take us months to coordinate dates and, forget impromptus, no one is around the house.
Due to the hectic lifestyle called “modern life” I believe now more than ever, each one of us are called to a personal REVOLUTION of RADICAL SELF CARE that includes retreats.
Honestly, it’s been a revolutionary practice in my life.
I no longer push myself like I once did.
I notice, observe and listen to my body, my intuition and my spirit and they just don’t let me push.
I’m more relaxed, accepting, peaceful and authentic.
We can definitely experience these practices while at home in dedicated moments, minutes and hours. However, getting away is a completely different experience because the physical and emotional distance allows us to let go of the daily routine and sink into nothingness with greater ease.
Once the deliciousness of retreat lands on your taste buds, girl, you’ll be counting the days until the next one and wonder how you survived this long without it.
You are invited to Mii Amo a retreat I’ll be hosting next January. However, please don’t wait that long to begin your personal revolution of radical self care. If you’re interested, click here to contact me.
*I can’t take credit for the clever “issues in your tissues” phrase. We noticed it on a sign while driving into Sedona.
