Strong Foundations ~Week Eight~

As promised, we're going to continue working with the base chakra this week. After last week's meditation retreat, I hope you are all feeling grounded, nourished, and strong.

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine, and it cares for basic human needs. It is concerned with survival. This is where the energy of good food, undisturbed sleep, shelter, health, and financial security lie. If these basic needs aren't met, it is difficult to move up the rainbow, so to speak, and experience the full energy spectrum.

Let's take care of those basic essential needs.

Take a trip to the grocery store. Before you even leave your car, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the perfect nourishment for your body, for this moment, resides within that building. Believe in your soul that you are going to find exactly what your body needs.

I like to look for naturally red foods, since I love coordinating along a theme. We're working on the first chakra, and it's color is red...you get the idea. Besides, this will usually rule out things like glazed donuts and ice cream, which have their purpose, but are not the healthiest choices. For this retreat, lets treat our bodies with goodness that goes beyond sugar cravings. 

Pomegranates, strawberries, red bell peppers, raspberries, cherries, apples.

Put only foods that are red in your cart or basket, thinking all the while about your foundation. Remember how envisioning puddles of light with each step can ground you. And no one in the produce section needs to know what you're doing! :) Buy yourself some red roses too. Why not. When was the last time you treated yourself? 

Let me know what fun red foods you try. We could even share recipes!

*A simple way to enjoy berries any time of year is to buy frozen fruit. Defrost them in the microwave, or on the kitchen counter, and serve them over yogurt with a sprinkling of slivered almonds. Divine!

Try to eat something red every day, and when you are done, close your eyes, think of your strong foundation and quietly hum, "Mmmm good."

Good for you,
Kimberly

The Base of it All ~Day Six~

It was a beautiful day today. The air crisp and cool, the snow a brilliant white, the air a comfy 22 degrees. Time to walk the dog.

I had skipped my meditation this morning, so why not make up for it with a mindful walk.

With each step, I imagined the rising sun shining a spot of glowing light beneath my feet. Every time my foot impacted the earth I "saw" this pool for a brief second. My stroll became a moving mantra.

Step, step, step. Until I felt as though the earth was rolling beneath me and I was the one standing still. Only my feet were moving, and in the movement, they spun the globe. This sensation was amazing, I really urge you to try it.

I basked in the glow of my solid spinning world for nearly an hour before I was home.

Ahhhhh. Retreat. Anytime, anywhere, even on top of the world.

Smiling me,
Kimberly

The Base of it All ~Day Four~

 
This meditation has been more powerful than I expected.

If you've been following me, and reading the comments from my wonderful readers, you may have come across a comment from Anne who lives in South Africa. She had an ideal way of envisioning the glowing light of the base chakra and I hope she doesn't mind my sharing it with you.

Instead of a manmade red light shining brightly and filling the earth, she imagines the light of the rising sun.

I LOVE THIS.

I closed my eyes and the world filled up with the richest scarlet brilliance I'd ever seen. Perched a top such a swirling wonder, I imagined all of you, in different places, enjoying the same amazing feeling of being anchored to the greatest foundation there is.

The unfathomable gift of this blog is the link it gives me to all of you. I am forever grateful.

Whirly, swirly, me,
Kimberly

Week Seven ~The Base of it All~

For anyone familiar with the seven chakras of the human energy system, you know they correspond to the colors of the rainbow, and the base, or first chakra, is represented by the color red. It is located at the base of the spine.

If you have been practising Rainbow Ritual you begin by connecting with the first chakra and remembering your connection to the earth. Check out, http://retreatwithme.blogspot.com/2010/12/week-one-rainbow-ritual.html  if you're not familiar with this meditation

There have been oodles of books written about the human energy system and the seven chakras. A simple online search will give you more than enough to think about. To simplify things here, just read on for this week's retreat, and know that you can't make mistakes. You only need to honor yourself with time, and open your heart to what it can teach you. Let's begin.

Find at least fifteen minutes in your day for this. Although I strive to offer retreats that can be done anywhere, anytime, this one is best accomplished in a private quiet space where you can fully take in the nurturing effects.

If you have a red blanket or mat to sit on--perfect. Take a seat, cross your legs, or not, relax, breathe deeply, and imagine a glowing red light at the base of your spine. Breathe in through your nose, and out your mouth. Each time you exhale, visually blow your breath onto that light, as though you are stoking the embers of a fire. "See" it in your mind grow brighter and stronger.

Now imagine this red light spreading out onto the floor of your room, let it sink through to the foundations of the building you are in. Watch it fill the earth beneath you, the land around you, your street, city, state, country, continent. See it fill the globe, with you gently perched on top. Smile, and breathe, and know that you are supported in your life by the most solid force imaginable. Your foundation is strong. Stay with this for awhile.

When you are ready, open your eyes, keeping the image of the glowing globe in your mind, take the heels of your hands, starting at your hips, and rub down your legs all the way to your feet if you can. Take some time on your legs, your knees, calves, ankles. Then rub your feet and your toes. Smile as you do this. Love yourself and your body, and the strength holds against the powerful gravity of the earth. Your feet, knees, and legs are your foundation. They will benefit from being bathed in the solid force of your base chakra.

As you move through your day, remember the nourishing light of chakra #1. It is beneath you always with every step. Lean into its ability to ground you.

We will continue working with the base chakra next week. I have more to share about this work that I think you'll enjoy. Have a wonderful seven days everyone!!

Lovingly offered,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Seven~

I cannot do this retreat justice tonight by putting into words all that "finding five" has given me. All the sychronicities that have crossed my path, all the gifts I've received as little surprises throughout ordinary days.

Yesterday I focused on ABUNDANCE and was dumbstruck by the bounty my life holds.

Today I chose the word PEOPLE. Mostly I wanted to focus on the wonderful people in my life and in the world. People who love me, who give of themselves, who do their best to give their best.

What happened today, at least in part, is too personal for me to share here. What I can say, is that I was reminded of how blessed I am to have so many amazing, giving, and truly special people in my life, and I could never say "thank you" enough.

Tomorrow is a new day, a new week, and a new retreat is headed your way. We'll talk then. :)

Sweet dreams,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Six~

Yesterday I chose "I am a writer" as my phrase for the day, and I had a day filled with researching articles, job opportunities online, editing a friend's work (I like editing), and filling a calendar with future writing projects.

Result???

I loved it. And I learned a lot.

Which reminds me of why I started this retreating every week to begin with. Not only are retreats renewing, relaxing, and self-nurturing, they are also revealing. By taking even a few minutes each day, setting the intention that those moments are special, a time just for you, you can connect with deep knowledge, and open doors of understanding that illuminate your life. Good stuff.

Today I'm focusing on ABUNDANCE.

To kick things off, I am abundantly grateful for all who participate in this blog, and every bit of love that flows from one reader to another. It's true that the Internet can foster connections with people we'd otherwise never know. Technology can be a beautiful thing.

Peace and blessings,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Five~

Yesterday was BEAUTY.

Beauty in the way the wind sculpts my snowy field.
Beauty in my son's deep brown eyes.
Beauty in the not-quite-full moon peaking up over the pines.
Beauty in the faces of high schoolers making their way home after school. We are all beautiful.
Beauty in the sound of my husband's voice when his day turned around.
Beauty in the quiet of my house as night falls, children sleep, dog yawns.
Beauty in every color I see, every leaf on every tree, every breath of icy air.
This world is beyond beautiful.


This morning I closed my eyes, took three deep breaths, and let my daily word come.

"I want to be a writer today."

I'm a mother and a wife. I'm starting a new part time job on Monday as a Teacher Assistant at my local Middle School. But ever since I was eleven years old I've wanted to be a writer. Again the thought wrestles its way to the forefront with raised hand--pick me! Pick me!

So today I'm going to find proof five times, and probably do a lot of writing about it here at Retreat With Me. Which gives me more retreat ideas...writer's retreats anyone? Maybe come spring.

With pen in hand and a happy heart,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Four~

Today I look for BEAUTY.

I'm already blown away by sunlight through the clouds. How can I pick just 5? Impossible. The world is beauty.

((((smile))))

Have a beautiful day,
Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day Three~

Monkey madness. Who knew living in northern Wisconsin I could come across images of, and references to, monkeys--five times over the course of a day. Here you go:

• (Okay, maybe for this one I cheated a little bit.) I typed in Monkeys on Pandora and jammed out to The Monkees, The Beatles, Good Love, and many other mid-sixty tunes. I was thinking "monkey" the whole time. :)
• Squirrel! Radio featured the monkey today. I learned how they represent ancient wisdom, and the light and dark side of the human psyche. Who knew?
• Heard an ad for QuitPlan (a way to stop smoking) that refers to smoking as having a monkey on your back.
• Sat with my son while watching Public Television. Guess what the show was about...Baboons.
• Thought about "monkey hugs" as I kissed my teenage children good night. They used to wrap their little legs around me with arms around my neck. Wow, how I miss that.

So there you have it! See you tomorrow for another grand adventure into finding five. Always remember--what you focus on grows, so see the good stuff.

Kimberly

p.s. Here's a link to Squirrel! Radio http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talkshoe.com%2Ftalkshoe%2Fweb%2FtalkCast.jsp%3FmasterId%3D86437%26cmd%3Dtc&h=be03c
Check it out at 1:00 ET every Wednesday with Sarah and Tami. Absolute blast. You'll learn so much you never thought you could know about animal totems and the power they can have in your life.

Finding Five ~Day Two~

My word for today was  Joy!

• I found joy on my wall. I have a beautiful plaque, shaped like a whimsical angel, that boasts words of wisdom. The first phrase to read under her tilted chin is...unleash more joy.
• I found joy in my dog. Spunky little Teeka. Her quick steps beside me as we trotted through the snow just made me smile.
• There will forever be joy in my daughter spontaneously holding my hand. She's 15. :)
• I heard joy over the phone when talking to my new employer about how much she loves her job, and how welcoming she was to me. I can't wait till Monday!
• I felt joy in extending love to an old friend I hadn't heard from in a long time.

Today was a joyful and joy-filled day.


((((((big smile)))))),

Kimberly

Finding Five ~Day One~

My phrase today was "Time For Me".

Here are my five:

• Found time to paint my toenails green (my favorite color).
• Found time to cuddle under my crisp white comforter with mattress pad heater on, just because. I wasn't ready for bed yet, I just wanted to tuck under the blankets for a minute before doing the dishes.
• Waited in the parking lot of the clinic today listening to Minnesota Public Radio to hear Mayor Cory A. Booker of Newark New Jersey finish his speech honoring Martin Luther King Day. I'd never heard this man speak before, but he was soooo inspiring I couldn't turn it off.
• "Found time" by replacing the batteries in a favorite clock that's read 3:26 for months.
• And lastly, I took the time while hauling in fuel for the wood stove to count my strides. I noticed that I took more steps bringing in an arm full of Birch, than I did strolling back to the stack. Thought about this, and decided that I instinctively make sure there's a solid foundation under me when I have a heavy load. Good for me!

Oh, this is going to be a good week. Have an inspiring seven days my friends!

Kimberly

Week Six ~Find Five~

Ever heard the phrase "what you focus on grows"?

This week, we're going to watch that truth unfold. Here's how it works:

Every morning greet your day by taking three deep breaths and thinking of a word, or phrase, a feeling, an adjective, anything you'd like to see more of in your life. It can be absolutely anything. Commit it to memory, and find it, five times, before your day is done. You could come across pictures, songs, conversations, anything!

Think LOVE, WISDOM, SUNSHINE, MONKEYS, APPLES, TRIPS TO MEXICO, whatever you'd like to see more of in your life.

Why is this a retreat? Because these words and images are yours, and the adventure of finding them will be A LOT of fun! We're on a quest this week for serendipity. Every time you come across your word or phrase for the day, you can know that you've just brought more of that thing into your life. What you're focusing on is GROWING. Bravo!!

Share your stories here, and we can amaze each other.

Finding five all week long,
Kimberly

Walking Tall ~Day Seven~

Life keeps offering up surprises, mysteries, and fortunes. Daily reminders that wonder, magic, and joy are everywhere.

Are you there to catch what comes your way?

Check in tomorrow for Week Six. I've got some stories for you. :)

Sleep tight,
Kimberly

Walking Tall ~Day Five~

Have you been standing straighter this week?

I can't believe how many times I'm adjusting my posture; not realizing how often I'm slouching! I wonder if you've felt this too.

And I've been noticing the people around me. So many people walk through their day with "the weight of the world on their shoulders" head down, shoulders slumped, feet shuffling. Their body language shows me more than just poor posture, I see the spirit of the person.

I want to say, "Hold your head high and own your brilliance! Life is to be lived and embraced and we each have something special to give."

This is about self-love.

Be proud of your body and all you have lived through. Cherish your life. You are each a unique miracle in this world. How simple to claim this by owning your full height. What's that phrase? Keep your chin up? Funny, but to me it's about facing fear. It's about remaining positive in challenging moments because you trust yourself and your abilities. Standing tall. You trust your own wisdom.

Amazing what body language says to the world outside and within.

Always listening,
Kimberly

Walking Tall ~Day Two~

I had a job interview this morning and as I drove into town, nervous, excited, brainstorming answers to unknown questions, I remembered this week's retreat and sat up straighter in my car. I felt my tense insides relax from the pampering. They had room to breathe and stretch out in an imaginary hot tub. Mmmm.

Worked wonders.

I walked into the interview with head held high, and felt fantastic about the whole experience.

Wish me luck!
Kimberly

Week Five ~Walking Tall~

When you think of a "retreat", do you think hot soaks, long massages, and oodles of pampering by jetting off to far away, exotic places, and shelling out loads of cash? And if you don't have time or money for such a get-away, do you hang your head and do nothing? 

What I hope you gain from this blog is that retreat is a state of mind. It's a time and place of our choosing when we put ourselves first even if for a moment. I can't stress this enough. You don't have to go anywhere to nurture yourself and the beautiful body you came in. Hot tubs in the mountains would be wonderful, but not necessary. Try this:

Are you ready? This is going to blow your mind.

Stand up straight.

Okay, that sounds too easy, but your body will thank you. Your organs will thank you. Your back, hips, knees, neck, and shoulders will thank you. Don't assume the only way to love on your body is by lowering yourself into steamy bubbles. You can give yourself a break from the stresses of everyday life just by holding your head high and walking with confidence. Try it. Here's a website I found that has lots of great things to say about walking tall. Check it out.

http://celestinechua.com/blog/benefits-of-having-a-good-posture-and-13-tips-to-getting-one/

An added, and important benefit to good posture is the self-esteem boost you'll get. Think Cleopatra as you're heading to the copy machine at work or at home making dinner. Imagine how much fun that would be in the bedroom. Hee! Hee! (I couldn't help it.)

Have a great week everyone!
Kimberly

Boogie Down ~Day Seven~

I've been singing and dancing all week!

Ellen Degeneres has the right idea. Ever seen her show? She boogies with her audience every day, and in many ways it's the highlight worth looking forward to. I hope this week has helped you bring music into your life more often, and shown you how it alone can transport you into retreat--wherever you are.

Something to think about...


     Next time you're in the grocery store, listen for the music. There's usually background music playing; piano, violin, some call it "elevator music". The next time you hear it, think of the musicians, the composer, the sound guy who recorded it all. Each one of them is an artist in their field. They have come together to make music so our shopping time can be more pleasurable.

     Send them all a quiet blessing with a smile. Maybe be brave enough to sway a bit in the canned vegetable aisle. It'll make your weekly errands that much brighter. I promise.

The sun has gone to bed and so must I,
Kimberly

Boogie Down ~Day Three~

My friends Sarah Seidelmann and Tami McCall are certified Martha Beck Life Coaches who co-host a weekly program on Talk Shoe called Squirrel! Radio.

Every Wednesday at 1:00 ET, the show explores the meaning behind animal totems, and how to use the insight and wisdom gained to better our lives. I highly recommend checking it out. Look for site info below.

Today on Squirrel! Radio we talked about the Buffalo; my chosen "Beastie of the Year". He will have special significance for me as the days of 2011 roll by.

Here is a sliver of Buffalo wisdom:

It is the totem of abundance. 
Do not push or force, but follow the easiest path.
Focus on abundance, express gratitude, and trust Spirit.  

In keeping with our weekly retreat, I typed "Buffalo" into Pandora, and got a list of artists and songs with that word in the title. I clicked on Donna The Buffalo, and it was a good choice. Here is a sampling of lyrics from her song Family Picture:

The world is a wondrous puzzle
everyone a piece and every piece fits
every piece is alive making energy
energy pulls the pieces together...

Every piece is a part of the whole
No one piece more important than the rest
So stand up, take a number
Every piece here's got someplace to go...

It all fits together in a family picture
and every wallO's got room for that.

To learn more about Squirrel! Radio, or Sarah and Tami's work as Life Coaches, check out the websites below.

http://www.joyjunket.com/metamorphosis-coaching/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tami-McCall-Life-Coaching/141643572516194
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=86437&cmd=tc

Thanks for visiting! Keep your dancing shoes on.

Still hummin' a tune,
Kimberly

Boogie Down ~Day Two~

Okay, John Mayer's "No Such Thing" just had me jammin' in my chair.
He's good.

Dancin' through the halls of my high school
(if only in my mind),
Kimberly

Week Four ~Boogie Down~

You've heard it before...

If you want to get away from it all, forget your worries, and let loose, just turn up some tunes and boogie down.

Boogie down in your jammies, boogie down in an evening gown, boogie down in the nude!

In the spirit of all things musical, I invite you to anytime, anywhere, boogie down.

Okay, so cutting the rug in the stands at your kid's basketball game, while checking out your library books, or buying bird seed, might turn a few heads. But don't let that stop you. If, on the other hand, you'd feel more comfortable taking part in this week's retreat in your own living room, and you've got access to a computer, all the better, because here's what I suggest you do.

Log on to www.pandora.com . This is my favorite online radio site. What makes it so great? You can type in any artist or song, and it will create a station just for you featuring that artist, song, and other similar music you'll probably love.

To make this an even more nurturing retreat, pick artists or songs that fill you with joy, remind you of happy times, or lead your mind toward dreams yet to be, and certainly on the horizon. Here are some of my favorites and why:

Zee Avi--when I want to feel creative, artistic, and funky.
Dido, The Cranberries, and Enya--when I want to feel as though I live in a stylish brownstone apartment in Minneapolis or St. Paul ( I currently live on a 20 acre hobby farm in Northern Wisconsin)
Gypsy Kings--when I want to feel like I'm on vacation somewhere hot and steamy
Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole--when I want to be reminded of the beauty that's in the world. Beautiful people, beautiful places, beautiful thoughts becoming songs.
Lastly, Sting--because I LOVE Sting

So boogie down with intention this week. Choose music that's just for you and come back to it again and again whenever you need time that feeds your soul through your tapping feet.

And a one, and a two,
Kimberly

Reflect and Project ~Day Six~

As I was driving into town today to pick up my kids from sleepovers, I thought about this week's retreat and my three words for 2011:

Strong
Capable
Care-free

I decided to take a few deep breaths and let an image come to my mind that would reflect all three words.

If you try this yourself while you're driving, don't relax too much. :)

After a few moments, I saw myself jumping on a trampoline!! Arms up, legs spread, hair wild! I was strong, capable, and free.

Oh yeah,
Kimberly