Our one-day retreat during the Summer Solstice at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ was a wonderful way to be together with my sangha after such a long, stressful separation.
We found a wonderful nearly-private space under a grove of Apple Trees and reconnected to nature, to those we know and love, and to strangers passing by. We sat on the ground, picked at the grass, rolled around and rested in corpse pose. We practiced our co-listening skills by breaking into small groups and answering some thought provoking questions. We sat in one big circle for breathing practices and meditation. And then, we broke up for awhile and explored the grounds in what ever way we felt inspired to do so. Some took pictures, drew sketchs, wrote in a journal. Others used their time diffently. All was perfect.
By the end of the day it was hard to say goodbye. The connections we make with our spiritual tribes are deep, comforting, and nurturing to the human body/mind/spirit. It’s just the way it is.
I’m looking forward to facilitating more events that help us move thru these unprecedented times.
We are in a process. That process continues. Breathe.
Remember the practices for the Brahma Vihari’s “…the only emotions worth having”.
Om shanti.
As I was putting our curriculum together I was eager to find this sculpture. Over the course of the day as I wandered around I looked for it, with no success. However, after we completed our final OM and said our goodbyes, and I dizzily headed towards my car I saw it….re birth….and the others by the same artist….all in group, yet alone, too. It was a perfect day.