​Second revelation of being on a silent retreat for seven days. Thoughts come and thoughts go. They are just that thoughts. There were over 211 others who were participating on this virtual retreat 22 countries represented and yes even though it was virtual there was a connection. Taking time to just be present is a gift, yet it is also hard. I did break my silence on Thursday because as I was doing my meditation walk a puppy appeared, scared, lost and just wanting someone to see him. I walked around my neighborhood asking if he belonged to anyone, nope, drove him around a further parameter, nope no one looking for him. I took him to my vets office South Monroe Animal Hospital they found his owner. Thank goodness he was chipped. I left and entered back into the retreat until it ended on Friday.
Would I ever do this again YES! 100% I will do another one. Why? Because I was able to dive deeper into my meditation practice. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of connecting at the deepest level. This is a journey I have been on for quite some time, but I am just diving deeper than ever before. I started with Transcendental Meditation about ten years ago thanks to Donna M. Anderson, but really didn't gain much. Then I connected with Kelly Powers my mentor and friend. He introduced me to the simplicity of stop, pause, breathe and receive. Ever since then I have been on this journey of just being present, being aware of how I am reacting and diving deeper into just being. A deep bow of appreciation to all of you, These practices have helped me while caring for mom and her passing. Grief is handled by everyone in their own unique way. I am just grateful I was able to be present during this part of the journey.
The necklace I am holding in this picture is one my mom had designed for me when my father passed 31 years ago this December 1st. It is his wedding band with her diamond. She told me then it was so I would always have them with me. I know and feel that they are.

​Some thoughts on my recent silent retreat. As I began this I must admit I was a little nervous. Go without social media? Me? Really? By the third day I realized that as I was meditating and reflecting I have never actually completely shut down. Not once, in my entire life, had I just stopped completely and been left with focusing on breathing and meditating. Yes I had done a half day and even a weekend retreat but to just be, nope not really.
A lot of "stuff" came up in those first few days and I allowed the process to unfold. I discovered my "top 20 hits" of stories I tell myself, some really negative, others just that "blah, blah, blah" voice. Others that I had thought I had gotten rid of a long time ago reared their head to say "Yep still lurking deep down in you subconscious." Those were the ones I was able to quiet the quickest.
I also remember why I have been and continue to be such an advocate for self-care. If we don't fuel our own cup to overflowing how can we as caretakers, healers, coaches, counselors continue to give to others without depleting our own supply?
One other discovery that came up for me personally, a question asked by one of my teachers "who do I go to get support from?" After that question I really had to pause. I realized that I really don't ask for help or reach out to others for assistance. I thought I had a bit when mom began to fail last year, but really after she passed on I went back to my old habits of plowing through, there was one dear friend who has continuously pushed through that veil I hold up and I am very grateful for that. Yet, I also know in my heart, that I need to continue to reach out and seek out others for conversation, support and just being present with one another. Especially in this crazy world that we live in and have been in for the past 18 months.
None of us are alone. I am here for you and I know a lot of you are there for me. Now let's stop saying those words and follow up with an action. A call, a walk, a coffee or tea outside or even a quick zoom call.
Let's stop being so busy and saying one day we will get together and instead take an action step to actually doing that.