Taking Care of Oneself

     Early morning brings a sense of solitude. I love this time of the morning.  I love the quietness of this most beautiful place.  With my ginger tea in hand I take myself outside to sit by the pond.  All is still. This magical place is asleep. The trees, with their colorful leaves were still. The pond's reflection was as smooth as glass. And, yet in the distance I could hear the faint sound of cows mooing, as if they were welcoming the new day. Memories flood in from my childhood when I would spend time at my grandparents farm.
     As the sun rises the earth awakens. As the sun rises I can hear the forest awaken. 
     As the sun rises the winds begin to pick up rustling the leaves on the trees. . As the sun rises I notice the dappled sunlight in the forest.  The birds begin their conversing. I see the squirrels running from tree to tree chasing each other like a game of tag.
    As the sun rises I feel its warmth on my face. And, I close my eyes and smile.
   I was going to write, "if possible", take some time for yourself. But, then I came to the realization that it should not be "if possible," it should be "take" some time for yourself.  Last weekend I took some time for myself @ The Christine Center outside of a small town in northern Wisconsin, Williard.  Accompanying me was a dear friend for many years and a fellow yoga teacher; who also found the need to get away, to refresh the mind and the body. We were excited to spend time practicing yoga, walking in the woods,  and encircling ourselves with others who too were looking for respite. The Christine Center was built in 1980 and is run by  a group Franciscan nuns. As the brochure states, "regardless of what you believe, it is a place that can renew you, even inspire you. A haven for the weary, a beacon for the searching, and a place where the fruits of the spirit can grow."  I would highly recommend this sanctuary.