My Updated Spirit Center Dream

In 2007, I wrote a blog detailing my dream of a spiritual center...a place folks could go to relax, that had a variety of activities and rooms to chill.  I was sending it to a friend today and in re-reading it, I saw that I had pretty much already created it... only it was my house.  So, I am going to re-do my dream and allow myself to dream bigger!

Walking up to this beautiful retreat center is deceiving... it looks small, cozy, even homey but as you open the door you realize the spaciousness.  It is bright, with lots of natural light and very colorful, filled with beautiful art pieces made by the creative souls who have passed through the same door you just did.  You are greeted warmly by hosts, given a cuppa tea and offered a delicious treat while you sink comfortably into a chair by the fire.  There is a "menu" of activities at your side and you are encouraged to take your time deciding what to do first.

Mmmm, a massage? Yoga? Reiki Healing? The list goes on... at 10:00 there's a lively discussion of Religious Styles... at noon a SoulCollage Card Building Lunch Bunch... at 3:00 a 2 hour Restorative Yoga session... at 5:00 an outdoor seminar on gardening... and that's just today.  Looking ahead, you realize that everyday is different... drumming circles, Reiki training classes, craft circles, even events for kids involving creativity and theater!

Finding it hard to decide, you are encouraged to wander around a bit, take in the energy and flavor of the place, each room with a different spirit... which will be the one that you connect to? 

The yoga studio is large, surrounded with windows that overlook trees and water.. you notice lots of pillows and zafus, places to sit comfortably and meditate, blankets and eye pillows to help you relax.  There's another large room with a big table in the center, covered with art supplies... mandalas, magazines, paints and beads.  Walking down a hall filled with doors to smaller rooms... a massage therapist, a Reiki Master, an acupuncturist, even a room for Tarot Readings.

Coming to a larger section, you see a little store where you can purchase herbal items, aromatherapy, crystals and local artists jewelry, paintings and handicrafts.  You turn to the right and there's a large room with a stage.... lit with windows that you notice have dark shades... Oh! this must be the theater!  You see a workshop going on with lots of buzzing activity, dancing, singing... A sign outside the door lists times of not only theater productions but Spiritual Cinema movies too!  You jot down the times of your favorites.

You find a winding staircase and find a 2nd floor filled with guest rooms.  You can book an overnight stay or even a whole weekend-- what a great retreat this would make.  You look out one of the windows and see a clearing with a fire pit, an outdoor cafe and a labyrinth with benches....gardens everywhere... what a beautiful spot.  There's a yoga class doing Sun Salutations outside on the deck and you decide that's it! That's where you want to be!

As you lie in relaxation pose with the breeze gently blowing through your hair, you realize this was just what you needed to restore your vitality, your sanity and your sense of well being.... Breathe deep.

Namaste'

PS.  Anyone know of a space like this for me?   :)

Clearing Email

Is there anything worse than trying to clear your inbox? Well, I mean, other than illness and death and desolation?

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Jeez, if you put it that way, it seems a bit petty to complain, you know?

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Let's talk about cabinets.

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Did you know that you can MAKE your own cabinets? Me either. Well, let me clarify-- John can make our own cabinets.

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We are on phase 5 of the renovations! Last week while Sheree & I were at the Expo, Barry & John were making cabinets. I came home to this:

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well, minus the curtain and stuff on the shelves....that's womens work. Sha right. That's "I don't want to deal with what's behind the curtain" work. Let's see if I can pretty it up and pretend it's not there...

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The next night this happens:

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Dig the cacaphony of colors... and I ain't talking about the mural....
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Can I digress for a moment here and get your opinion on my husband's pants?

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And what's that lumberjack song? From Monty Python?

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Just kidding.... talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth. Hey, what's that mean?

Anyway....

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Here, you'll see my best buddy waxing philosophic on the art of cabinet making....

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Or more likely, if you know my buddy, he's saying,

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"That's some bull*%$#$ right there"

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C'mon...you know it's true!

That's a beautiful thing right there.....

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And the cabinet doors aren't bad either... ba dum dum

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I have to admit.

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I really love these guys.

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So macho and cute....

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And the cabinets sort of rock, huh?

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Me and T are pretty daggone lucky.

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Here's that latest attempt to hide what I don't wanna deal with:

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Oh, how lovely it all looks...course, I'm running out of time. The "boys" are building the base cabinet for the left side tomorrow while we do the Intro workshop.....

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Can't wait to see it! And see what happens to all the stuff behind the curtain. YIKES.

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See, now wasn't that more entertaining than complaining about clearing email? Ugh. Back to work....

Meditation Night

A while back, I wrote a blog detailing my vision of my intended Spiritual Center. I described in detail what I wanted it to look like and what would be happening there. I had a moment Monday night where I realized I was living my vision. Meditation Night is a special indulgence of mine. I have wanted to form a meditation group for a long time. Trouble is/was, it is an extremely unpopular idea. Meditating is hard. Most people try it and think they can't do it or that they are not doing it right and they give up. We think that if we can't make our minds go blank that we are not meditating. I wrote on my website:

"How many times have you heard how important, even life changing, learning to meditate can be? But every time you try that crazy ole' monkey mind takes over and you find yourself skipping happily after it? Be kind to yourself. It's a process. One that take practice. That's why Buddhist Monks take years and years to reach a level where there have been actual documented brain wave changes that occur when they meditate. They didn't get there from a 5 minute relaxation after a yoga class. Or a 2 minute (if that) silent confession time in church.

They practiced. Together. Being guided, being silent, chanting....together. Practice. It cannot make us perfect, but it can bring us peace. Let's gather, once a month, and devote a couple hours to learning this ancient gift. I think you may be surprised at how quickly that monkey will move on down the road. Even if it's just for a moment."

Much to my delight, I had some takers. And it was WONDERFUL!!! We discussed why we wanted to meditate....and why we don't do it....what we were afraid of....and what we have experienced. We chanted, we learned to focus on a flame, I led them through a chakra meditation and we were silent. Afterwards, we drank tea and we bonded. On a deep level. I barely knew each of them and they had never met but there is power in group meditation. The most meaningful thing to me? One of the ladies shared a deep part of her soul and the lady closest to her looked her deep in the eyes and affirmed her and blessed her. We felt safe. We each had a different experience and learned that there is NO right way to meditate. We will practice. And we will continue to gather. Together.

It was amazing. Can't wait for the next 2 events this weekend. Card Building is always just a rockin' good time and I have high hopes for the Spirit Center Open Door. It's like a party with meaning....

Can I say again? My cup runneth over.....