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? :)
He wanted a deck. I wanted a place I could go to meditate that I didn't have to move a bunch of furniture and create the world over and over. A space dedicated just to one thing. He wanted to sit on our hill and dangle his feet over a deck and contemplate life.
It's humongous. I thought it would be a tiny crawl around structure. He didn't feel like cutting the 8 foot lumber... so everything is in eights. Like the eightfold path. I can't really say anything though cause I was just as excessive. I couldn't make one set of flags... I made 4. Whatever. So we're nuts. Can't wait to see the finished project!
