Stay Local - Dream Global
Picture this-
"It is sometime in the late afternoon, maybe 3:00 or 4:00. You haven't worn your watch or scrolled through your phone for days. The turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean sweetly soothe the soul while relaxing in a hammock. You can hear the waves gently brush the sand as a calm breeze rustles the palm fronds. The humidity naturally melts stress lines from your face with a warm welcoming smile. An easy dip in the ocean draws all tension from your shoulders and you are greeted with a freshly prepared rum punch as you step back onto land. "Go Slow" is the plan for today. An overwhelming sense of harmony and balance brings peace and relaxation throughout your mind, body and soul."
I can feel it. I can taste it and oh I can so imagine myself there right now... But I am not there, at least physically.
In a time when staying home is one of the most powerful choices we can make for the health and well being of our local communities and the world, finding ways to retreat within ourselves and at home has become a new reality. Especially for those of us that love to travel.
I was supposed to be in Belize last week. But like so many other people, travel plans quickly changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My plane was scheduled to leave stateside, the day before the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize was closed.
Although St. George's Caye Resort would be a magical and totally relaxing island to self isolate, I would not be traveling to Belize this time...
My love for Belize had me counting the days for the slow paced culture, gracious people and healing beauty of this Central American country. Exploring other cultures offers a fresh perspective allowing me to bring home a different understanding of how I am living my life. It is often a "check up" on my priorities and daily habits. Specifically in Belize, I savor the break from digital devices, face paced lifestyle and unnecessary stress. Instead, days are filled with a "go slow" vibe, quiet contemplation, nourishing fresh food, playful curiosity and adventure. The most important reason I love to travel for retreat is that I often return home more relaxed, present and authentically available for myself and loved ones. Pure presence is the greatest gift we can share!
What had been a very intentionally planned vacation to relax and replenish now had me finding another way to fill a physician ordered prescription - "stress management vacation". For many, travel is a powerful stress management tool. The word retreat actually means to withdraw from our normal routine into a space that is safe for us to reflect and find refuge. Whether that be by meditation within ourselves, at home or global travel, retreat is actually a very profound act of self care. It positively affects the health and wellness of our whole being with a boosted immune system, increased brain function, emotional health and so much more!
Therefore, I am finding ways to create this experience in my home. Because honestly, that is what is happening right now for much of the world. For the greater good of humanity, we are being asked to keep ourselves and others healthy by staying home. With all of the chaos, change and grief occurring worldwide, it is even more important to create a place of refuge within ourselves and immediate surroundings.
Turn off the phone, step away from the to do list, slip away into your magical retreat space and return relaxed, refreshed and replenished. Congratulations, you restored harmony and balance!
There will be a day we can travel internationally again and return to St. George's Caye or your favorite destination. We will be living in the new normal. Until then, remember to take the time for yourself and create space for relaxation and replenishment. Being present with yourself and others is one of the greatest gifts we can share. When personal and global health requires taking care of your mind, body and spirit at home, know that you are making a difference for yourself and the many people on the front line. And then, when the loved ones in our lives working on the front line return home or can take a moment to relax, we will have the energy to make sure they too find the relaxation, replenishment and re-connection they so very much deserve.
Marni