Friday, August 14, 2009

The VERY Best Ever

My husband, Andy and I have been studying the material of David R. Hawkins, M.D., PhD. for several years. We have been to many lectures of his, and find the message he shares is "the VERY best ever" of anything we have read or heard on our spiritual journeys. At this time we are content to live a contemplative life, surrounded by nature and our four-legged's. I teach yoga with a focus on quieting the mind. From time to time I share some thoughts with other folks who are studying Hawkins materials. Our discussion usually ends up as a recontextualization of whatever the original topic or question was. We also seem to discuss things keeping in mind the different levels of consciousness. For the most part, it seems we just enjoy each other's holy company, being a witness for each other on this spiritual journey.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Awsome Labyrinth Information

Wherever you are, wherever you are going, check out this link to find a labyrinth near by. Take yourself on an instant retreat by walking a labyrinth. Embrace Solitude now - walk a labyrinth, find one at http://labyrinthlocator.com.
Look for the travelling labyrinth from the Tallahassee Labyrinth Group . Designed by Lynn Priestley and painted by Lynn Priestley, Geralyn Russell, and Kathy Weiss, it is a 5 circuit original design painted on canvas. Available for your private or public group free of charge, just cover shipping.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Always know the perfect response to every situation

Picture a young girl lying on her back on the grass, watching the clouds roll on . . . or a middle-aged woman picking weeds in her garden . . . or an older man leaning over the edge of the dock focusing on his fishing line.

What does each have in common? They are alone. Did you imagine they might be happier if in a group? They may be more content to have a friend near by? Someone with whom to frolic or garden or fish?

Perhaps not. They may be embracing solitude. Solitude is a state where we notice things we have not ever noticed before even though we are in familiar territory. In solitude we accept what we notice, as it is, deeply, richly appreciating each fringe of a cloud, the roots of a weed, or even the empty fishing line for hours at a time.

Solitude is for people from all walks of life, all ages, gender or backgrounds. To embrace solitude means we begin to really see ourselves, accept ourselves, then make choices about how we want to experience our lives.

Solitude is not about being alone or being lonely. Solitude is the prize for being fully present in each moment of our lives, embracing the situation we are in and not trying to change. One of the benefits of solitude then becomes our recognition of the perfection of life, from moment to moment. We lose that sense of perfection when we begin to compare situations, express preferences like “I wish it were another way?” or desire different outcomes, “Why did that have to happen to me?” Indeed, with every “why” there is a “why not?”

If this sounds cryptic to you, yet piques your interest, know that there are many ways to achieve solitude. If cloud watching, pulling weeds or fishing does not make sense to you, there are techniques thousands of years old like yoga, meditation and labyrinth walking. More recently personal growth techniques have evolved such as collaging and journaling. Other therapies are available to you as well as teachers and mentors willing to support you on this inner journey. That is what solitude really is – a space inside you. When you are there you are comfortable in your own skin, doing what you do because you enjoy it, fully present to your current situation. Relaxed, calm and energized.

If you want to know more about embracing solitude for yourself, join a yoga class to learn the basics of yoga and meditation techniques you can soon practice on your own. Choose a mentor such as a Life Coach to guide your initial steps, or simply immerse yourself in nature. As you grow in awareness, you will always know the perfect response to every situation.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Solitude by the Sea: A Woman's Retreat for Self Care and Spirituality

Thursday, October 15, 2009 to Sunday, October 18, 2009
More about “Solitude,” a Perfect Retreat Getaway, St. George Island, Florida

“Solitude is a stunningly gorgeous home which makes anyone staying there feel like royalty. It is like being at the Ritz.

Both of us have been on retreat at Solitude. We were just amazed when we pulled up. This house is awesome. There were no suggestions we could think of for improvement. It is fully loaded, professionally decorated. We were thrilled with the quality of the home, the furnishings and the amenities.

The views are breathtaking, the idyllic beach front setting features panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and incredible stars at night. The furnishings are superb--this home is the perfect spot for making wonderful memories.

We had a fun, relaxing and memorable stay, and you will too!”

Elizabeth and Geralyn

Activities on Site and Near-by:
o Exquisite Florida fall weather o Beach Walking o Shopping o Sightseeing
o Restaurants o Shelling o Swimming o Biking o Wildlife Viewing-dolphins
o Antiquing o Stargazing in a New Moon Sky Oct. 15-18
Retreat Description
· Pre-retreat conference calls – the retreat begins the day you register!
· Labyrinth Building and Walking · Rituals · Yoga · Meditation · Vision Boarding
· Journaling · Post-retreat calls – the gift that keeps on giving; keeping the memories alive
Costs
Early Bird Rates apply until June 30, 2009. Guarantee your "room with a view and beach-side balcony" now.

To register and for more information contact Geralyn at yogawithgeralyn@yahoo.com or call 850-878-2843.