In a couple of weeks I will be leading a retreat at Pilgrim Heights, in Mountour, IA. It is a peaceful spot in which to give yourself the gift of time. Beautiful grounds with a variety of nature trails, a lake, and a quiet energy that never fails to renew those who visit. It carries the spirit of all those who have gathered over the years for camp, family reunions, weddings and time alone to refresh their bodies and souls.
In our time together I hope to help each participant set aside for the moment the stress that often accompanies us through the day. To explore and awaken in them the rich resources that can reset their compass for richer days ahead.
In my own life I find it so easy to get caught up in whatever difficulties and drama surround me each day that frequently I lose sense of who I am, and what am able to do and be.
We will guided in this time together with sources provided by two creative works by Sue Monk Kidd. We will watch the movie "Secret Life of Bees" in which fictitious characters reveal in their relationships the struggles of growing as human beings and developing friendships which gives them the capacity to offer sanctuary and time to heal. For reflection and discussion we will read "Firstlight" the author's own journey from work as a compassionate and caring nurse to writer.
Her insights and questions will I hope provoke in us the courage to confront some of the bold and ordinary questions we face daily.
For your reflection today I invite you to spend a few moments with this quote from "Firstlight".
"There are so many wonderful gifts I can give those I love, but the one that lingers when all others are gone, the one that knits the brightest threads into life is the gift of time - the gift of one's self."
How might our lives be different if we allowed this concept to guide our life today. If you are reading this Blog I invite you to share your thoughts with us.
I was really amazed when I realized how long it had been since I lasted posted on my Blog. How could so much time possibly have passed without my noticing. During that time I certainly said to myself "today I should blog!" How easy is for "life" to take over and allow us to pass up what is important personally in order to carry out the daily routine.
Obviously when I last wrote in my blog I was at a busy frustrating place in my life - although I not aware of it! It was only when I returned to the page and read it that I realized, and wondered frankly "who is this person?"
I was jumpstarted into returning to this spot when a friend called and asked if it was OK to list my blog in a flier for an upcoming retreat that I am leading. I said yes and noted that it had been dormant for a while - I didn't realize how dormant until I came to my page and saw the date of the last post with shock,
So I caution my readers (and I hope I will have some) to give time everyday to things you love. Value the time you have each day and those things that nourish your soul and keep you connected.
The retreat I am leading is based on writings by Sue Monk Kidd from her book "Firstlight" it includes some of her early writings, which explore her journey as writer and spiritual seeker. We will also watch the movie "Secret Life of Bees" adapted from her first novel, and spend time together telling our own stories and enjoying some personal time at our Sacred Space in Montour, IA.
Taking time for ourselves is of utmost importance, it reaffirms our value, restores our souls and helps us refocus. I hope you will visit me in the coming days and share your journey with me.
Weston Priory, VT is a place in which I have taken time to restore my soul periodically since 1969. It is also a place in my mind to which I can return
at any moment and find peace. I encourage each of you to cultivate such places in your life so that in your moments of stress you can breathe, close your eyes and transport yourself to that place in which your soul is restored.
