"Retreat: a place and time for you to get reacquainted with
you; the ebb in ebb and flow;
a solitary sanctuary for renewal; a safe haven; a
snug den, a refuge."
~Corrie Woods
Today I am grateful for times of retreat and renewal of Spirit. Having spent this weekend at a beautiful retreat center in northern California, my soul and spirit are filled to overflowing. This was a dream work retreat, where people gather in small groups to explore the magical, mystical, and illuminating world of their dreams to unearth the treasures they contain. More to follow on appreciation for dreams another day!
One of the wonderful things about going on retreat is that there are always surprises. There were many surprises this trip. For one thing, what a surprise it was to find pink dogwood trees in bloom! This is a New England beauty, not found on the West Coast normally. The photo above is one of many I was inspired to take of the beautiful flowers this weekend. What was it the Buddha said..."If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." When we take the time to look, to really look, we feel the miraculous nature of our universe and are in awe.
Walking along the Hobbit Trail to the river yesterday, I stopped in the middle of the woods and just stood there to take in the beauty—the vibrant green trees, moss covered logs, bright red and yellow flowers carpeting the forest floor, birds singing in the trees above me, the gentle sound of a stream rippling over some rocks. I thought, this is why we we go on retreat; we come to the woods to receive, to listen, to just be, to reconnect with nature, and with our own inner world with all its rich complexity. The beauty of nature mirrors our own inner beauty, and the beauty of those we meet at these gatherings.
We become more alert to the beauty around us, and our hearts are somehow more open to the inner beauty of the people we meet there as well. What if we could see the miracle of a single person clearly, whether on retreat, or in our homes, or in our work place?! Ah, that is my desire as I return to the 'real world' tomorrow, to maintain the open heart, the appreciation, the wonder and awe that is easy to feel when on retreat.
May your spirit be refreshed and renewed this day. Wishing you abundant blessings,
Joanne
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