Slow Time

I was reading Newsweek magazine today, and an article was talking about "Slow Reading."  Apparently June 21st (the longest day of the year) was selected as the day we should all take time to do some Slow Reading.  I was immediately reminded of the summer days I spent as a child, lying on the couch reading.  Sometimes I might read all afternoon, especially if it were hot enough, as we, or no one else we knew, had air conditioning.  I felt no sense of rush or having to get through a certain number of chapters, I was engrossed in my book, relishing every moment. 

The article took me to reflecting on my recent 5 days spent in Peebles, OH, at a Transformational Dance Retreat, held at the beautiful Hope Springs Retreat Center, and led by Roger Sams and Deborah Adele.  (Roger led a mini version of this retreat over Mother's Day here in Duluth at Yoga North Studio, the studio that Deb Adele co-owns.)  I will tell more about the dancing in another blog, but I was mindful of my longing for space to reflect and to be creative.  We were given that time and space during the retreat.  There is much time left for us to walk on the beautiful grounds, meditate, nap, study ourselves, journal, write poetry, and do art--the retreat nurtures creativity and reflection.  It was slow time.   I felt my heart and body and mind relax and expand, taking in the present moment fully.  I felt drawn to create, which satisfies my soul and connects me to that something which is greater than I--call it God, the Universe, One, or Allah. 

I made a commitment to myself to plan time for retreat several times a year.  May we all find a way to carve out quiet and space to slow down and let whatever will bubble up from our souls to do so.

Tapas or Self-Discipline

Staying in the fire

until the blessing creates

deep, abiding peace.

Written at the Transformational Dance Retreat  July, 2010

Namaste