“I would rather own a little and see the world than own the world and see a little of it.” ~ Alexander Sattler
Today I leave for a one week long silent retreat. Although I am flying from Spain to Italy, there’s no stress. The bus ride to the airport and security check in was easy, minimal people and lines. There is beauty in travelling in your city’s down season. I am not fluent in Spanish or Italian, but travelling between these countries is uncomplicated. Currently I am living in Spain, and Italy I have been to nearly fifteen times. It feels as if it is a second home, and therefore my parasympathetic nervous system is in activation.
One has to mentally prepare for a silent retreat. The planner and I Pad were left at home. In addition, to forewarning others they will not be hearing back from you anytime soon (friends, family, jobs, landlords, etc), you must also forewarn yourself. No speaking, communicating, Netflix online scrolling, google searching, social media posting, or news reading. It sounds lovely right? But you have to be prepared.
I will be at the Mandali Retreat Center, literally among the clouds, near the Alps. Because this is my fourth time at this retreat center and with teachers I have studied with for years, I can relax. My body knows it will be taken care of. From the beautiful landscape I will be surrounded by, to the vegetarian homemade food I will eat, teas available, or the pool and jacuzzi at my convenience- I know I can relax. My only job for one week is to be present. There are no meetings to be had, emails to respond to, or expectations that can be made of me. As I write this, I am truly grateful, and realize this is pure luxury.
As I sit in the airport, and sip my coffee, there’s even more comfort. Costa Coffee is a British coffee chain. It once was my favorite, when I lived there, and now it’s an infrequent treat that I see on rare occasions. It’s as if I am sipping onto warm memories.
Travelling can be stressful, as there are so many components involved, as one prepares for a trip. All must line up, from transportation, to who will dog sit or house sit, packing, lines to wait in, and everything in between. Being able to have the opportunity to feel relaxed and rested amidst the height of travel offers that gentle but firm support one needs to voyage.
It Only Takes A Smile 