Totally ADD: vacation edition
While I want this blog to be an oasis that nourishes you, sometimes I come across remarkable stuff that has only a passing resemblance to relevant blog content. ADD is my excuse for the random fun you’ll find here. Enjoy!
Maybe you’ve heard enough about retreats lately, but several people have asked where I went. Sooo…
Here’s a Top 10 of my favorite places to retreat.
10. My parents in Connecticut
9. My in-laws on the Oregon Coast
8. Orcas Island, Washington
7. Sharon and Theresa’s farm in South Salem (goats!)
6. A secret cabin in Prineville, OR (I’ll never tell!)
5. Basically anything on vrbo.com
4. Anywhere on Kauai
3. My meditation corner in my office
2. Mount Angel Abbey (where I stayed this month)
1. Breitenbush Hot Springs
Total ADD non-sequitor
I just learned this week that the owners of my favorite odor-eliminating product (that I highly recommend if you have pets) had a house fire. This would be merely heartbreaking if they didn’t also run their small business out of their house. They’re turning lemons into lemonade and doing a fire sale: everything they sell is half-off.
I make no money in mentioning it, I want to spread the word to help them out. More details here if you’re interested: http://odorxitfire.homestead.com/
Okay, so back to the main topic. : )
I’m wondering this: Where are your favorite places to retreat?
Organized under Uncategorized. Labeled as Breitenbush Hot Springs, Mount Angel Abbey, Odor-Xit, retreat, Totally ADD.
278 days ago,
Jennifer Louden said:
I love how you have been writing about retreats lately! And that I got to see you on one of yours. You make me remember why I do what i do. Thanks Jen.
Jennifer Louden´s last blog ..Choose Your Life Mondays – Focusing on the Good
278 days ago,
Gina said:
Hi Jennifer,
I love going to The Omega Institute for a retreat – awesome place!
275 days ago,
Sarah Dillon said:
Hi Jennifer
The idea of a retreat has often popped into my head, but I’d never taken the time to consider it seriously until I read about your experiences here. (Maybe I kept dismissing it because I was calling it an escape and I thought that sounded too negative, like I was failing to cope, when of course it’s not that at all… retreat seems much kinder. Isn’t it funny how words matter
).
Anyway, I’m now working on drawing up my own list so thank you for the concept and for the ideas of places to go. Great food for thought!
One more thing I’m curious about – did your list evolve organically, over time? Or did you sit down with a list of criteria and deliberately look for places?
Thanks again! Back to dreaming up places to retreat to…
Sarah Dillon´s last blog ..5 Qs with Amy Williams, French and Italian to English translator
274 days ago,
jennifer said:
@Jen – We’ve got a giddy mutual admiration thing going on here. : ) I loved being at your retreat and it really filled up my playful side. Can’t wait to do it again!
@Gina – Oo! I’ve heard of it – is it in upstate New York?
@Sarah – How cool. I’m tickled to have gotten the heart juices flowing. Our brains can be quite persuasive at talking ourselves out of what we need.
My list, since you asked, has evolved over time. *And* I’ve started with criteria depending on the nature of the retreat.
Each place I go has a different energy, a different vibe, and I’ve learned over time that the differences meet specific needs. Breitenbush, for example, is great for when I need to feel “in my body” because of the hot tubs. The Abbey is better for hearing my spirit’s voice because it’s so quiet. It’s taken time for the list to evolve – but it’s really enjoyable trying things out.
You might try listening deeply to what you’re needing and I suspect you’ll find places that fill you back up in just the right ways.
274 days ago,
Gina said:
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, it’s in Rhinebeck NY.
My husband and I are planning on going next spring.
Gina
273 days ago,
Sarah Dillon said:
Great advice, thanks Jennifer. I love the idea of different places to meet different needs.
Sarah Dillon´s last blog ..Copy cats are NOT cool