Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Women Retreat!



You will remind me that woman must be still, as the axis of a wheel in the midst of her activities; 
that she must be the pioneer in achieving this stillness, not only for her own salvation, 
but for the salvation of family life, of society, 
perhaps even of our civilization.
~Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea


When was the last time you took a day off to fill your own “well”? A “well” is your personal reservoir of physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. It is the source of your well-being, determining how you feel. How you respond to daily life depends on the condition of that well.

Actual wells found in the ground, as we know, can run dry from overuse, especially if there is not an adequate source of replenishment. As busy people today, we run the same risk. If we do not refill our wells with time away or self-care activities, we can dry up, even become ill.

Taking a personal retreat day is the perfect way to refill our wells - body, mind and spirit. Yet, because we are busy people, rejuvenating ourselves must be scheduled in, put at the top of our priority list if we wish to remain emotionally balanced and in good health. Seizing the day to retreat is a wonderful gift we can give to ourselves, and it’s fun!

Read the rest of my new article on retreat published in Healing Garden Journal. It includes information on how to build and create a custom day-away for yourself, too! Read it here.

Perhaps you are in need of a retreat? Consider crafting one for yourself, or finding one to attend, resources for which are offered in this article. 

And, if you live in Michigan, and would like to experience a mini-retreat this Saturday (Jan. 23), I'm facilitating one:

Reclaiming Our Bodies as Sacred
A Day Retreat for Women

Our subject: Do you believe that your body is sacred? Do you like it, honor it, and trust its wisdom? Most women today have a tempestuous relationship with their bodies and do not perceive them as a vessel through with Spirit flows. Instead of embracing our physical form, we dislike, distrust, even wage war on our bodies in a myriad of ways. Yet, it is only through the body that we can ever have an intimate relationship with God—through our mind, senses, heart and more. Together, we'll explore how to heal the rift between our body, mind, and spirit and recreate a loving relationship with our body.

Format: Group interaction, personal reflection time, meditation, and prayer.

Suggestion: Wear comfortable clothing, bring a journal to write in and a mat/blanket for meditation/relaxation.

Time: 9 a.m. - 4 00 p.m.

Cost: $45, includes lunch and materials.

Location: Dominican Center, 2025 E. Fulton St. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI

To register: Call (616) 454-1241 or visit www.dominicancenter.com. (There are still a few spots left. Registration is capped at 30.)

I'd love to see you there!

NO matter what format you choose, may you find time and space in your busy life for YOU, so you can re-fill your well!


(Image courtesy of jenningspoint.com) 

5 comments:

Jill said...

I'm hoping that someday I'll be able to get away to one of your retreats, Jan. For now I may just have to create a day away for myself.

Jan Lundy said...

Hi Jill,
A self-created day away sounds perfect for you. If you read the article I reference here it gives lots of tips of how to do that--especially economically! You definitely need some me time with 6 Littles. :-) I hope you'll find a way to do that for yourself this year. :-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jan - sounds wonderful .. both - with you on your day and just a day off. It is easing, but taking longer than I thought and involving me more than I thought possible. Each day leads me nearer to being able to get that time, in the meantime I do what I can and don't push myself too much.

Have a lovely day on Saturday ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

Blissdweller said...

I am having my own little retreat this weekend. Two days of doing very little except what brings me joy and peace. Wish I was closer, I would come see you. I will also miss the telephone conference because I have to work, but I can't wait to hear what goes on.
xoxo

Janice Lynne Lundy said...

Hi Annie,
I am so glad you are home having a private retreat. There is nothing better! Other than perhaps going to an all expenses paid retreat in Bali or something. (Lol)May your time be sacred and bring joy, peace, and all good things. xo