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

Week Sixteen ~Finger Painting!~

I've been surfing for cool videos online to go with this week's creative retreat. Here's one I think you'll enjoy:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P94SEqCa0WQ&feature=player_embedded


I've also found some possibly inauthentic examples of a 3 year old finger painting genius that I won't publish here. Viewers beware when it comes to Youtube.



Retreat Time:


Head to your local craft store and pick up some finger paints. Don't forget the special paper. Now set aside a time this week, cover a surface with a large plastic bag, get your materials ready, turn on some fun music, and paint!

Finger painting can transport us back to childhood, and give us a tangible reminder of our trip. Give it a try.
I will be posting the results of my own messy adventures here.


Gettin' squishy,
Kimberly

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

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

Pursuit of Creativity Challenge ~Day Three~

35 mile an hour winds out of the north east busily created this icescape along the western tip of Lake Superior near where I live. While there I saw people climbing over these massive piles into valleys of frozen lake.

 That's the power of creativity.

Where has your challenge taken you?

Adieu from the chilly north,
Kimberly

Week Eleven ~The Pursuit of Creativity Challenge~

I have never been much of a photographer.

Whenever I'm at memorable family events, you will not find me behind a lens. I'm too busy laughing, talking, eating, or finding time to myself to be clicking pictures.

Couple that with my beginner's knowledge of all things "computer" and I'm not one to download, or post, or attach photos either. I know visuals are a good thing, and in the spirit of grand adventure which is this life, I'm going to go for it this week.

Retreat Time:

This week, I want you to take a creative retreat every day, snap a photo of it, and share it here if you can. I will do the same.

Creativity is the pulse of life within us all. We create the "us" the world sees from the moment we get out of bed. We choose to wear our hair a certain way, don a favorite outfit, pick a cup for our coffee. These things may happen naturally, but if we take a moment of intended creativity, our brains will buzz with thanks. We'll be outside the proverbial box.

Some ideas...

• Water color paints are so much fun to play with because they blend and mix together and make new colors and shapes on their own. If you have some in your cupboard, pull them out and paint. When your creation dries, cut a piece out of it to slip into your wallet or purse. Remind yourself all week of that creative moment.
• Sing on your way to work. Go for it! Really set your voice free. Imagine your on stage in front of millions wearing a fabulous costume and bringing down the house. Take full deep belly breaths to support your belting. You'll feel great.
• Free write for ten minutes about times in your life when you felt the most creative. Tell a story. Or just repeat the phrase "seventh grade science project" if that's all you can think of. No worries. We have all had times of creativity we can relive and who knows, those memories may spark ways we can improve our lives now through long lost passions.

These are just a few ideas to consider. As I said, I will be posting an image a day to show you my own creative pursuits this week. Look for the first one tonight. Wish me luck!

Say cheese!
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 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 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