The Breath of Sweet Life ~Day Six~

This has been a week of pausing, and centering.

With each deep breath I am brought into the moment before me.

Peaceful and grounding is this retreat.

I get such a kick out of how private these simple actions can be. Pushing a shopping cart, waiting at a traffic light, walking my dog down a busy city sidewalk.

And I'm grounding, breathing sunshine energy into my soul, letting go of the gunk that no longer serves. How many people do I pass by every day who are also creating their own singular revolution against their pain, their high mountains, their fears?

Hmmm.

Makes me wonder.

Hope each glorious breath has given you the good stuff you all deserve.

Love,
Kimberly

Saying Thank You...~Day Four~

Thank you sun, for shining.

Thank you sky, for being blue.

Thank you birds, for singing.

Thank you friends, for being you.


Usually I try to be eloquent, polished, sophisticated.

At least in my mind.

Today I want to be childish and free.

The obvious things like sunshine and sky are often the best things in life. And this little poem, although reminiscent of an elementary school English assignment, makes the point.

Be young and open today in your wide-eyed wonder, and say "thank you" with a singing heart.

Out picking dandelions,
Kimberly

Saying Thank You...

I heard an interview once about a man who wrote a thank you note a day for a whole year. Then he wrote a book about the experience. Not surprisingly the year changed his life for the better.

I can't think of his name, or I would post a link here. If any of you know who I'm referring to, let me know.

Thank you notes, especially hand-written ones are a dying art form in my mind. Everything these days is over the Internet, or texted, or just not said.

For this retreat, let's turn writing a thank you into a calm ritual that brings extra love to the process. Here's my idea...

Retreat Time:

Take some time, put on some nice music, maybe make a good cup of coffee (or tea if that's your thing), choose a favorite pen, and worthy paper. Brainstorm a short list of people in your life for whom you are thankful. Add a few words next to each name reminding you of what they bring to your life.

Now pick one, and thank them.

Pop it in the mail.

Now here's the thing...I don't want you to stress out if you don't have their address, or you don't have a stamp, or any other reason why actually sending this note would cause you anxiety. If you can't mail it for whatever reason, take a few deep breaths, hold it to your heart, and "send" it that way. Just be sure and write it first. Putting pen to paper has an almost magical way of focusing our thoughts with sincerity. If you picture the person in your mind while smiling some love their way, they'll get it. They really will.

One more idea...post your thank yous here. Your words will enter the blogosphere, and even if your intended recipient doesn't read them, many others will.

Thank you to all of you who have read this blog, commented on its contents, and befriended me. I am touched, and lucky beyond imagining.

(((big smile)))

Love, Kimberly

I Swear This Really Is A Retreat~~Day Three

Now isn't that a beautiful thing?


My sink doesn't look this good. I'm not sure it ever did, even when it was new forty years ago. But you've got to see the beauty in this image--this shining, mirror-like, reflection with the drain looking the part of an opulent brooch deserving of a lady-in-waiting.


Maybe that's a stretch, but if you think about it, any surface in your house can be seen as something spectacular with a little imagination. Need a get-away? 


I give you the humble kitchen sink.


Dishes are done.


Time for coffee.


And pie,
Kimberly

Week Something~ I've Missed You~

I was at my cousin's wedding reception last weekend. The room was filled with people I hadn't seen in many years, and along with the blissfully happy bride, was her sister's husband Paul.

We used to see Paul, Laura, and their beautiful children once or twice a year, but it's amazing how before you know it, four have ticked by.

That's just too long.

And Paul asked me about this blog..."What happened? You haven't posted in awhile."

There are lots of reasons for this, and I suppose over time I will share them with you, but for now, Paul's kind words have gotten me typing again.

No excuses. I'm back with another retreat.

I am reframing what retreat means to me. I am moving forward with my life, not pulling back, not surrendering. I am actively choosing to pause, not out of fear, or procrastination, but for the celebrations that come in every small moment.
Slow down enough and you'll see them.

Retreat Time:

Is there something, or someone, you've always wanted to be?

An Astronaut
The President
A Singer
A Humanitarian
A Professor

A Writer

Why not let yourself "be" that person for a day. Maybe even a moment. Our imaginations are time machines, and our thoughts can take us wherever we want to go. It's not about running away from the lives we have by immersing ourselves in a dream world. It's about pulling that world desired into our present here and now.

Why not?

Explore.    Lead.    Give voice.    Help.    Learn.    Write.

So good to be back,
K.

Week Eighteen ~What's in a Word~

I've been thinking a lot lately, and I'm reconsidering the name Retreat With Me.

Originally I saw this blog as a place to offer up ideas for little mini get-aways, anytime, anywhere. Suggestions for moments that would refuel the soul, calm the mind, and warm the heart. I have had a lot of fun sharing with you my many ideas, my retreats.

There's that word again--retreat.

As life goes on, I see retreat not as a sanctuary, or a time of reflection and repose, but as a falling back in defeat. If I am forever retreating, how do I grow my life? How do I embrace the magic, the wonder, the joy, if I am drawing myself away?

Hmmmmm.

I need a new name for this blog. One that fuels me, one that glows with promise and pride. I claim my life for the thrill of living it! I will not fall back. I will not retreat. I will celebrate, embrace, and see wonder, magic and joy in all things.

What's in a word?

Rejoice.

Rejoice with Me.

Charge!!
Kimberly

Love for Japan ~Day Three~

                       
~Meditation prayer for today~                     

With closed eyes I hold Japan inside my heart.

A tiny glimmer of light inside my heart.

Deep breath.

Exhale.

Send this spark of compassion around the globe.

To Japan.

Wherever it is needed.

Maybe it will warm a child who is crying.

Or a Mother who is grieving.

Or a Father who is searching.

Maybe it will lift one spirit up.

Somehow that one person will know they are thought of, and loved, by me.

Just maybe, this one little light will make a difference.

This I can do.

Bless you Japan.           





                      
                                                       
    

Week Fifteen ~Spring...or accepting what is~

Retreat Time:

Four times a year I will retreat with the changing seasons by sitting quietly outside, soaking in the rotation of the earth and knowing that I am perched on something vast, immense, and perfect. Join me for quiet reflection out of doors. Feel the ground and just be. 

This week we welcome the first days of spring.

Many cultures see springtime as the realm of new beginnings. There is a freshness to everything come spring. Possibilities are open wide; the road is sun drenched and bathed in birdsong. We expect the air to be perfumed with new life. We expect the sun to warm our skin. We expect green, and blue, and happiness.

That is unless a blizzard warning is headed our way.

 In a few hours the winds will gust and the snow will fall and the power might go out for me,
and it is spring.

Life is like that. We often get what we don't expect.

Peace is possible when we let go of our expectations.

I challenge you this week, as you sit outside, to dwell in acceptance. Pick an area in your life where the winds howl, where you feel restless, irritable or discontent, and shift your view to one of peace, serenity, and deep contentment. Find even the smallest thing to be thankful for. For me, it may just be a warm house to retreat to! Breathe into that blessing. We all have storms that come our way, and they are rich with lessons. How can we appreciate the ease in our lives if we have no struggle with which to compare it? Welcome your blizzard with open arms for what it can teach you and I will do the same--literally.  (((smile)))


Accepting spring as I don my snowsuit,
Kimberly

Walking Toward Chakra 2 ~Day Three~

Walking with my dog today.

Fields over my shoulder.

I wanted you to come along.

 Around the bend and things got muddy. I soaked in the visuals and imagined a masterpiece. The sound of my squishy steps sounded "painty" to me. So many colors in this wet grey road. I really saw them. A thousand shades of silver and brown, chestnut and tan, even blue and rocks of charcoal and white.

Look at the puddle below!

My senses engaged as I honored the energy of chakra two.

I started with sight. There was so much to take in. Movement, sway, shimmer, and spent snow. Intricate branches laced across the sky. Pine green against scaly bark.

I heard my sloshing steps and I listened. The world around me was a symphony. Layer upon layer of sound. Wind, Chick-a-dees, distant cars, a train, a braying donkey, my rhythmic walking, the click of the leash, breath.

Smell and taste soon followed. Spring is close, wet, musky and sweet. I felt the muscles in my legs working. I felt the heat in my body and the chill on my ears. I felt my gloved fingers, and the slight tug from little Teeka.

Almost home.

I walked two miles today. I walked with heightened senses and I feel renewed. Gotta say, I'm loving chakra two! Let me know what this week's retreat is doing for you.

From the bottom of my grateful heart, thanks for joining me,

Kimberly

Dazzling, Boisterous Permission ~Day Six~

I've decided that the Free Pass should truly apply to anything.

This one gives me the green light to BE whoever I want to be. Now. Later. From today to tomorrow and beyond.

This retreat gave me the time to create, go within, and admit some things to myself about where I want my life to go.

Tomorrow I'm going to add color.

Keep dreaming, reaching, and discovering,
Kimberly

Week Twelve ~Dazzling, Boisterous Permission~

Hello friends.

I try every week to post a new retreat by Monday morning, and here it is Tuesday. My schedule was such that yesterday Retreat With Me took a back seat to a jumbled up day.

This week's retreat seems appropriate.

It's about giving yourself a free pass, a get-out-of-jail-free card, a written note from home as to why you're missing in action. For a few minutes, or hours if you can swing it, every day, let yourself off the hook. Breathe, dance, sing, stretch, remember why you're here--to share your unique, wonderful, and magically dazzling self with the world. Here's what I want you do to:

Find a blank index card, and in big letters write:       Free Pass

Then decorate the heck out of it until it makes you giggle with delight. The sight of your creation should give you a boost.

Now put it in your pocket, purse, briefcase, satchel, you get the idea, and take it out occasionally to follow its lead. Let yourself go. Give yourself permission to disengage from what pulls you down, or sends you off course, and reallign with your true self.  

Believe me, I understand having responsibilities in life can be draining, and distracting. It's human to sometimes feel discouraged and down and want to play hooky once in awhile. This blog is about taking back those moments and claiming them as your own. Today's suggestion will give you a physical reminder that you are the boss of your own happiness, every minute of every day. It's up to you.

(Note to self--take your own advice Kim)

Watch for a picture of my Free Pass, and let me know how you spend your hooky time.

Gotta go dig out my art supplies,
Kimberly

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Six~

Today I looked back on a time when I felt REALLY creative. This was it.

I was twelve years old and I wrote a story about my pet mouse. My Step mom typed it up for me, bound it in this book, and I rediscovered it this morning tucked into my overstuffed bookcase. It was the first story I ever told that made me feel like a real writer.

In memory of Twitchy,

Kimberly

Week Nine ~Hands~

Hands are the heart's landscape.-   Pope John Paul II

Think of all we do with our hands.

The miracle of movement in our fingers. How a simple touch can heal a broken heart, a wounded ego, an anxious mind.
This week, I'd like to offer you a retreat for your hard working hands.

I found this self-massage technique on ehow. This video is very simple to follow, and a good technique for hand massage.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4404422_self-massage-techniques-hands.html

To make this a retreat, take a moment for an opening ceremony.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and set the intention that the next few minutes are for you.

If you have a favorite lotion or scented oil, use it. You may even want to splurge a bit and buy a bottle just for this retreat. Aromatherapy can be highly indusive to relaxation and calm, and a scent that makes you happy is an added treat for this massage.

Below is a list of scents and their uses to get you started, but don't think of this as the last word on aroma. We are all unique, and if a fragrance speaks to you, that's the important thing.

Basil – Sage - Mint -  Spiritual uplifting, energizing and romance,
                                  relaxation, extreme calming and comfort

Cedarwood - Nervous tension, bronchitis, congestion, coughs and
                    sinusitis

Eucalyptus - Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis and throat
                    infections

Jasmine - Mood changing, fear, sensual, romance and confidence

Lavender - Flu, depression, insomnia and hypertension

Lemon - Well being, refreshing, optimistic, fearless and strengthening

Lime - Balance, cleansing, motivation and clarity

Sandalwood - Depression, tensions and stress

Ylang Ylang - Depression, impotence, insomnia, frigidity and stress
 
When you are done, fold your hands over your heart and with a deep breath, imagine a glow enveloping your fingers, thumbs, palms, and joints. Thank your body for all it does, every day.

Be good to yourself. Always.

Kimberly

Day Five ~Strong Foundations~

We're coming to the end of our time with the base chakra. Remember, I've suggested we set the intention to find something red and delicious in the grocery store to support this important energy center. Yesterday I had an experience I wanted to share which is best expressed with brevity. Enjoy.


Long day.

Shuffling numbly into the grocery store for husband requested frozen pizza.

Forgot about my own retreat.

Drifted toward the deli.
Don't know why.
No pizza there.

Was greeted with a rainbow of vitamin packed, antioxidant sporting, "fuel your body with the good stuff" juices.

"Ahhhh. Now I remember."

(smile)

I had found Red Machine.

Yumm. Yumm. Triple yumm.

All better.

Slurp, slurp,
Kimberly

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

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