“There is a fundamental difference between feeling lonely and being alone. To be alone is literally to be all one—to experience the Oneness of all things.  Lonely is an emotional state that can often be transcended by reaching beyond ourselves in loving service to others.”
~Ric Beattie

Sometimes when I find myself alone, I am amazed how quiet everything can be around me. It seems like there truly is nothing to think, nowhere to go in that moment. And then the greater realization comes that the stillness is within, and that unlimited potential is always there, I just do not notice it.

For the past several years, Elizabeth and I have offered Solitude Retreats as an opportunity for anyone interested to have quiet time to consciously observe the sacred space inside. For many people, just having a few hours to embrace this experience of Self has been life changing. We are so grateful for being able to provide this portal to others.

In addition, our time together as business partners has built a lasting friendship. We have drawn on our individual strengths and forged a team to provide these occasions for others to deeply rest, get perspective on their lives and embrace their inner selves.

It is with the deepest appreciation that I wish Elizabeth, who is steeped in motherhood with her 15 month old daughter, Riley, a Happy Mother's Day. And a heartfelt thank you to all mothers for the unconditional support you give your families. 

Whether it is of a physical, mental or spiritual nature, when we are faced with trying times, all we can do is determine what is best “for now.“  Through a series of “nows,” our lives are created. As we accept this approach to life, we begin to realize there is more to living than we originally thought. Our tough situations force us to yield control. This is when the practice of Solitude, visiting our personal sacred space, can be of great benefit.

One approach which is most helpful to finding our place of "solitude" is to sit down, be, and breathe. This practice includes repeating the words, “I am” with each in breath, and “at peace” with each out breath. It is a simple technique said to be a favorite of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk. In just a few minutes your perception of any situation may change. Through conscious awareness, you too can go from chaos to calm. Once we arrive at this place of Solitude, our whole being - body, mind and spirit – begins to balance itself.

Solitude brings more awareness into our lives. We then learn to accept ourselves, improve our recognition of the situations we encounter, and admit to the limitations we have. We also understand that even though we will not always get what we want, or perform as we would like, our awareness always knows the perfect response to every situation. We begin to experience life beyond the body and the mind, and become familiar with our own spirit.  Our lives become more manageable, simpler, and calmer.

"Keep squeezing drops of the Sun

From your prayers and work and music

And from your companions' beautiful laughter."~ Hafiz

We hear that each moment holds the potential for peace, joy and love, but how can it be found during a busy day? One more phone call to answer, more spreadsheets to review, and another co-worker clamoring for information only YOU seem to have.

The weather in Tallahassee is dawning with clear blue skies, bright afternoon sunshine, with a bit of crispness in the air each morning. Hints of fall coming our way! What an exquisite day to be outside to squeeze some drops from the Sun. I wanted to share my enthusiasm for the day with a co-worker inside our windowless clinic. When I mentioned it to a woman at work,  "What a great day to be outside!" she just stared at me, as if she had not heard me. So I said it again. Then I realized she had heard, but was thinking about a response. Finally she said, " I can not do that. I have to work. I have to have my job." I realized in that moment the limitations by which she lives. The sense of responsiblity for her self and the family she supports. Her lack of even seeing the possibility of stepping outside for five minutes to collect a few drops of sunshine. Where is the laughter for her?

Each of us has a choice to make, moment to moment about what matters most. In the context of those values, we then move through the day, choosing how to take care of our bodies, minds and spirits. Learn what actions support each. If you feel vacant to yourself, are beginning to feel "used up," your energy fading , no excitement and enjoyment of the new day, remember there is a friend for you, and you are it! Learn to enhance that friendship with yourself, how to feed yourself with nourishing food, enriching thoughts, and beauty. Keep squeezing the drops of sunshine out of every moment, every day!

Receive 52 Tips and Inspirations (sign up above) to learn more about extreme self-care for body, mind and spirit.

Caring for this little being is the most important job I now have in the entire world and it revolves around her having food (every 3 hours) and sleep (3 naps a day) and play (books, songs, time outdoors). When she has her needs met, she is happy. When she doesn't, she gets mad and lets us know it!

Babies are a great reminder for us to go back to the basics of self care. We need love, food, rest, play and laughter. It's pretty simple.

What one thing can you do to go back to the basics today?

                                                       I think I'll go take a nap. - Elizabeth

Rhys has had a lot of assistance this year to complete his trip -- daily feedings, frequent diaper changes, some sleepless nights for him and his parents, and lots and lots of first time events. In fact, every day, every hour of every day, and even every minute of every hour of every day, was a first for him. 

The same is true for us, each day is a new beginning. Yet we have taken so many trips around the sun, it may begin to look the same. We may have a "By the time I am 30 list," or "For my 40th Birthday I Will List," or have a "Bucket List" to keep us motivated, looking for new and unique experiences in life, when all we need to do is begin to slow down to focus more on what is already in our lives.

The more quiet we become, we begin to "see" what we really are. It is by looking inside ourselves and beginning to rest in that still, inner space that each life experience becomes richer, we are more fulfilled in the now and less anxious about the future.

Sign up ABOVE for "52 Tips and Inspirations," our weekly emails to support you in your next trip around the sun in peace and solitude.

Preparing for a Retreat can make you feel the same way. You are so ready for this time to be and breathe, enjoy what you are, and perhaps get to know yourself more fully!

In just 3 days attendees will be traveling to Dahlonega Spa and Resort for a Solitude Retreat experience. We are all packing, preparing, and moving deeper into that sense of expectancy and anticipation. Once we arrive and locate our rooms, lay on our beds, and walk the grounds we can experience the wave of relief wash over us. We will be ready to find our own personal sacred space called "solitude," which we can return to whenever we wish, forever.   

"Every thought, action, decision or feeling creates an eddy in the interlocking, interbalancing, ever-moving energy fields of life, leaving a permanent record for all time. This realization can be intimidating when it first dawns on us, but it becomes a springboard for rapid evolution."  ~ Dr. David Hawkins, Physician, spiritual teacher, and lecturer

Has anyone noticed how fast time seems to be passing? Valentine's Day just around the corner and yet New Year's Eve was just last week? Or so it seems. Each day is full of moments which scream out -- you will never pass this way again!

A group forms and there is the sense this is the only time these people will ever be together, ever. Babies are born and grow so fast. Family members come for a visit, and soon they are gone, leaving soft memories in the heart.  

What are we to do? How can we hold on to these times, this life, slipping through our fingers? There is nothing to do, simply enjoy being a part of it all. As the eddies of our movements, thoughts and feelings swirl around us, they join the energy fields of all of those who have come before us, are beside us, and are yet to come into form.

Take one day at a time, smile and laugh as much as you can, get quiet and be at peace often, and enjoy. This is your time!

One of the common themes we hear from women who join us on a Solitude Retreat is the importance of giving yourself permission to go on retreat.

- Permission to take the time.

- Permission to spend the money.

- Permission to leave the kids, partner, work...

- Permission to love yourself.

Rest and renewal is a key component for healthy living. Retreats offer time in nature, moving your body, eating healthy food and spending time with others who uplift you and celebrate you. Too much stress contributes to disease. You deserve to live a life filled with vibrant health. You deserve time out for you.

You are worth the effort!

‎"Keep your life simple. Have faith that your spiritual connection flourishes in a life dedicated to joy, love, and peace." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

With all the go, go, go, rush, rush, rush of the season, we forget about the quiet times, the easy times, and time when everything was a bit simpler. A time when schedules were not so crowded, budgets not so stretched, and when there was time for an afternoon nap.

Let this message serve as a reminder that no matter how many things are on your list to do, or buy, or go to, the most important thing is to take care of you! Give yourself a break -- a five minute walk outside in the fresh air, a specially brewed cup of tea using your good china, or simply a few deep breaths. Right now! This is your time!

To keep the reminders arriving throughout the year, register above for the 52 Tips and Inspirations list. They seem to arrive at just the right time!

"Make a gift of your life and lift all mankind by being
kind, considerate, forgiving, and compassionate at all times,
in all places, and under all conditions, with everyone as
well as yourself. This is the greatest gift anyone can give."
— Dr. David Hawkins: Psychiatrist, physician, spiritual teacher, lecturer

A neighbor summed it up like this, “Now that Thanksgiving is over we begin  a marathon run toward Christmas.” Over the next four weeks, we will focus determinedly on decorations, gifts, and gatherings. We are moving from the gratefulness of Thanksgiving to the abundance of Christmas!

During Thanksgiving weekend, we enjoyed our family and friends, hanging out, taking walks, sharing stories from the past and our dreams for the future. Let us continue with this spirit of ease all the way through the next holidays.  Why make it a strain on our budgets, our time, and have so much personal stress just to prepare for Christmas?

Instead of seeking to get the ideal gift, or having a wonderful party, all wrapped up with a pretty bow, let us focus on the sense of community, support and sharing we just experienced at Thanksgiving. When we value these intangibles which money cannot buy, we realize we have all that we need which is the experience of true abundance.  

Find occasions to share your generosity of spirit. Give your time by offering a helping hand to the co-worker whose name you have for the gift exchange. Gather with a group to build a holiday basket for a family in need. Bake cookies or prepare a hearty meal to surprise a neighbor after their long day at work. As you play Santa Claus, these gifts will light up eyes and create an everlasting Christmas memory.

Continue to take care of your own spirit through the holiday season. Schedule “me time” for yourself each day, get enough rest, exercise, and eat moderately so you feel relaxed and calm. Your greatest gift to the world is you. Give it with joy and love in the tradition of the season.