I am going on retreat.
In related news, I have (surprise!) some issues with the word.
All this pulling back.
I like the “inward reflection” part. Hard to get away from the negative “running away” part though.
I prefer to think of it as the fun kind of hiding rather than the scared kind. But either way, I’m retreating.
Retreating for a weekend.
Yoga retreat this weekend. In Austin.
Learning, not teaching.
It’s weird because every training I’ve ever gone to has had some big purpose. Professional growth, certification, meeting someone specific.
This one is just for me.
And yeah, I realize that “me” also counts as a big purpose. It’s still not the same thing.
Retreating from my writing.
I’m having carpal tunnel-ey stuff. I’m predicting trouble with the transition to voice-to-text software.
I’m tired.
Some of you, I’m sure, will be rejoicing at the thought of shorter posts.
For me, though, since writing is what I do for therapy, this is going to be kind of weird.
Retreating from my practice.
Well, softening it. More restorative yoga. But less jumping around.
More tramping. Less walking.
More focus on Shiva Nata. Less teaching and writing about it. Yes, I will still be teaching and writing — just not as much.
Retreating from people.
As most of you know, I’m on sabbatical from email, which is pretty much the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
I also took down all the “call me!” bits from my site because the truth is that I’m not crazy about having people call me.
And as you probably figured out from what I said the other day, I’m sure as hell not going to be out “networking”. Still recovering from that.
Walking the talk. Or trying to.
I talk a lot about creating systems and structures (whether in business or in any other part of your life) to help you feel safe, supported and loved.
Safe, supported and loved.
And about being able to ask for help, which is something I suck at.
Will be thinking about these things in my retreat. As I retreat. Because I need to lead by example too.
I still love you all madly.
It’s just that I’m going to need to sit in hiding (what one of my Kitchen Table guys calls my Angel Refueling Station) for a bit.
We may check-in on Friday, because, you know, it’s tradition. And we’ll be back from Austin on Tuesday.
I need to retreat until I know what I need to take back from my retreat.
Until I know what I need for my return.
Selma is still here. I’m still here. Just quieter for a while. That’s all.
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HUG. Yeah, this is hard stuff and good for you for retreating.
You’re very good at walking your talk and setting us all a fantabulous example.
Another HUG. Hope you have a lovely retreat.
Wormys last blog post..Oi! You big Sissy – Buck UP and start ignoring these feelings
Big hugs for you, for the retreat and for taking care of yourself. And a big hug for Selma too because, well… just because she’s Selma.
My image immediately was of my little girl playing hide and seek in our little house. There are only so many hinding places and the point isn’t to run away but to be found.
So you are going on a learning retreat (or a hide). Sounds nice and deliciously relaxing. I’m sure you’ll find what you are looking for.
Enjoy yourself.
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Sending you off with good wishes.
Joely Blacks last blog post..Processing out loud: The unheard thoughts that stop me working
Have a wonderful retreat Havi! Glad you are taking care of you…hugs
Don’t think of it as “retreat.” Think of it as a “tactical regrouping.”
I’m excited for you, though. Good luck!
You could think of it as stepping back to see a more complete view. A change of focus. I hope your retreat nourishes you in the ways an Angel Refueling Station would.
retreat to advance is my motto !
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Have a great time this weekend. Rest and regroup. Giving so much of yourself takes a lot out of you.
Just have Selma pick a few of her favorite posts for the next few days so she can relax too.
Sue
Sues last blog post..SnuggleSafe – For Animal Lovers Only
If you spend the whole time “in hinding” you’ll be missing out on meeting a lot of great people in Austin. Like, uh, me.
eurobubbas last blog post..English supremacists lose one in Nashville
Take your time and retreat until you feel like coming back, we’ll still be around. I hope you have a lovely time in Austin.
Hugs, Annie
Annie Blues last blog post..What Causes Eczema?
Oh dear, sweet, wonderful Havi 🙂
Go hide, go retreat. Go spend some time with you.
You just had a baby for pete’s sake! I think you’re allowed some time to rest and relax and meet with yourself after that.
We all love you. And will still love you when you get back.
Several large hugs are being telepathically sent in your direction.
I hope you find whatever you’re looking for 🙂
Sarah Marie Lacys last blog post..Sooner or later.
Good for you for taking this time for yourself! Sending hugs, healing vibes, and hot cup of tea. xox
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Have a really, really fabulous time. As Sarah Marie said, you just had a baby! Down-time is just as important as all that jumping-around up-time.
I’m emailing Marissa with some info about some really fabulous tools (keyboard and mouse) that truly saved me from carpal tunnel surgery back in the days when I was a software developer working madly away for 12-hour days, 6-day weeks.
ENJOY yourself!
Hi Darling,
So glad that you are taking care of yourself on all levels. You give so much and are so amazingly generous with your time and energy but there is only so much water in the well, even a well that is as deep and full as yours. So take whatever time you need to refresh, replenish and rejuvenate. It’s such a difficult practice for all of us to put ourselves first and to practice radical self care, and as usual, you are out at the head of the formation, showing us all what it looks like to really do that.
Your courage and transparency are always an inspiration to me.
Lots of love and sending mucho healing energy to your arms and wrists.
Chris
chris zydels last blog post..The ART OF INNER CLUTTER CLEARING: MAKING ROOM FOR WHO YOU REALLY ARE
dear havi
‘leading by example’ … deliciously scary from either the leading or the receiving end me-thinks 🙂
you be one-o-my fav heroines [whilst i engage the prospect of becoming my-own-heroine … tee-hee]
perhaps we should subtitle the kitchen table, the duck pond … eh? 🙂
huge hugs
The word “retreat” comes from Old French and literally means “to draw back,” circa 1300.
It came to also mean “place of seclusion” around 1423.
So see, it’s all good. It’s not about running away.
Etymology is a useful thing!
Oh and it can also be fun… for example, a third derivative of the word retreat is a “sense of establishment for mentally ill persons” that comes from 1797.
But I’m sure that’s not you. Nope. Not at all.
And if it is, I bet Selma can untie the straight jacket with her bill.
christys last blog post..Brains of Steel
mwah, honey. It’s the wisdom of the tides. Sometimes they’re swirling around your ankles, sometimes they retreat way out to sea. You give, you refill, you give again, you refill again.
Dang, that was pretty Soul Wombish, even for me. Sending you some big xoxoxos for lots of good renewal.
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Havi,
Just yay! for you. Perhaps there is more to see, but from where I am at, I honestly feel you walk the talk simply and beautifully for us all.
Much appreciation for taking a moment to check-in here.
Wishes for fabulous refueling time.
hugs and love
Sending you love and deep blessings of rest and renewal.
xo Hiro
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I’ve been reading your blog religiously for the past month, and I’ve gotten so much from your writing. I personally switched to using voice-to-text 6 months ago, and it worked nicely for me. I’ve reverted to typing, mainly because the environment where I am now is a bit too loud. But give it some time, it will get better. 🙂
I also wanted to thank you for everything you’ve shared with us on your blog. I’ve made some personal breakthroughs just by meditating and asking myself questions… after reading about how you do that every now & then. 😉 My latest post explains some of the things I discovered, and they really shocked me.
Lots of love, hugs, and warm wishes for your retreat!
Nathalie Lussiers last blog post..What Do Your Boss and a Figure Skater Have In Common?
YOU time. How wonderful! Enjoy!
Years ago I was having trouble with carpal tunnely stuff too, and a naturopath recommended I try omitting nightshade vegetables from my diet. I did, and found much relief. Worth a shot, perhaps.
http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/nightshades
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Writing without hands — I see potential to engage some interesting brain pathways! Wishing you all you need from your retreat, and a lovely rest for your hands, wrists and soul. Hugs.
Enjoy your retreat and refuel your batteries. Come back whenever you think it may be appropriate – we will be still here.
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so happy for you, havi. wishing you agenda-free attention and total absorption into the moment. xx and oo!
I so enjoy reading your blog, you are so funny and so human! You remind me of my college buddies.
Austin is near me, maybe I will see you…in the distance.
Retreat is like “Treat yourself AGAIN”. And as many more times as you need/want. I need a treat, too! (or is it two?)
Oh – A point about carpal tunnel – I was given this exercise: Take a thick rubber band and place it over(around) the thumb and fingers of the affected hand. Open and close your fingers – or spread the digits apart to stretch the rubberband. That helps to open the “tunnel” and give those nerves some breathing space. Then, they (the nerves) won’t be so crankey! Also…be aware that some carpal tunnel-ly sensations can originate from your shoulder.
Just a little FYI,and an encouraging word or a hug with a pat on the shoulder – whichever feels better.
By now, Havi, your weekend retreat is over. Perhaps you’ve been experimenting with voice recognition. I’ve been using MacSpeech Dictate since I broke my wrist in December. It’s mostly good, and it has the potential to be better when the operator — that would be me — actually read the manual.
I suppose it’s craven of me to feel encouraged when I read that you really suck at asking for help. I live with chronic self-reliance, and one good thing I can say about it is that it has stretched my creativity. I have learned 1001 ways to appeared to ask for help and appear to receive it, but not really.
That’s one book that doesn’t need to be written. 😉
I hope you had a terrific retreat. As for me, I’m off to take a walk and do my first Shiva Nata practice.