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Martyrdom isn't all it's cracked up to be. Filling the well
is not only a good idea, it's a necessity if you are going
to function optimally in your everyday life and continue to
meet a multitude of needs. Many busy people are running on
near empty and this sad state of affairs isn't good for anyone
in the picture. Women are particularly prone to falling into
this as a way of life, taking care of everyone but themselves.
Going on retreat is one way to attend to your badly depleted
spirit and there's a lot out there in the growing market to
choose from to find a comfortable fit for your specific needs,
budget and timeframe. There are gender specific retreat centers
and programs as well as mixed groups. Book a private retreat
or join a scheduled program. Retreat locations vary in size
from B&B type lodgings to conference facilities with dorm
rooms, to hotel class spaces.
Highly beneficial are retreats that offer opportunities to
get back in touch with what is meaningful to you. This is
done in a number of ways. Most important is to find a balance
to allow enough time for stillness so that you can reflect,
unwind and relax. Free time is essential for journal writing,
reading a book, daydreaming, napping. Time to get in touch
with what's going on in your emotional inner life is one of
the most enduring gifts you can give yourself. You can seek
out a therapeutically supportive environment with qualified
professionals if you want to explore personal issues that
need attention.
Retreats can offer opportunities to reconnect to your creative,
playful side. Creativity is one of the most neglected areas
of our adult lives and yet is vital to feeling self-fulfilled.
Without an outlet like cooking (for pleasure), gardening,
decorating, etc., this area gets little exercise in daily
life. Creative self-expression like writing, art making, music,
drumming or drama can be essential components to achieving
happiness. Souls simply shrivel up without a creative outlet.
Time out in nature is healing in and of itself. Going on
a retreat located in a beautiful natural setting away from
city noises and pollutants will go a long way to restoring
your feelings of balance and well being. Participating in
activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, meditation or
yoga help to reconnect you to your natural rhythms. Your body
is your designated vehicle in this life, and worth investing
time and energy into. Retreats can offer these leisure activities
as self-guided or in classes suitable to varying levels of
fitness and are an inspiring option to working out at the
gym.
Mothers of young children are most appreciative of having
a gorgeous meal prepared, creatively presented, and cleaned
up afterwards. They revel in taking in the loving nourishment
without interruption, and at a pace all their own. This event
is a small miracle in a woman's life and arrives punctually
for the duration of your stay at a reputable retreat center.
Spa treatments help refresh and revive your tired neglected
body. Just being in someone else's hands for a mere hour can
work wonders on burnt out caretakers and career women. Go
ahead and experience a massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology or Reiki
treatment.
Taking the time out to remember who you are, what you like
to do, how you feel and what it's like to just be, for however
long, is a wonderful way to replenish your spirit. It will
help you be more focused and genuinely available for demands
of family and work upon your return. Until the next retreat
beckons.
Article, photos and copyright by Laila Ghattas, founder of
Aziza Healing Adventures.
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