What's your definition of success?
I used to think sitting still was for lazy people. My whole life was go-go-go and I liked it that way.
From the time I woke up in my running clothes so I could hit the trails before sunrise to getting to work early so I could catch up before my team showed up, I didn't stop until I fell asleep wearily only to start the day over again.
I felt like I was living my life to the fullest, using every single moment to get things done. To accomplish. To be successful. I had my eye on a big goal, one I knew I would achieve if I just kept pushing.
We are told that we're here to create success. wealth, and safety. We're here to "make it." Acquiring things, stuff, brands, labels--a certain look or status--to keep up with the Joneses. And then we're too busy to really enjoy these things because we're striving to meet the next deadline, goal, or success marker.
Years ago I was invited to a high-end retreat that would change my mind about all the going-going-going. When I arrived, I felt like I had "arrived." The retreat was hosted at someone's private mansion sitting on top of a hill next to the San Francisco Bay. A 10-bedroom castle of sorts that had a massive balcony with gorgeous gardens, a vineyard, and the most magical views. I felt like I was in heaven. This... this is the kind of success I wanted for my life.
Yet over the next few days, I'd find that it wasn't about the house or the stuff in it, but the quality of the time I spent there. The retreat was masterfully orchestrated from beginning to end around taking time to sink into the quiet.
Each morning I'd wake up at 4am (oh, timezone changes) to journal and read--even finishing a book in those three mornings. The days were set up to inspire us, fill us with gratitude and knowledge about who we are and how we show up, while also having lots of downtime for introspection and noticing how we felt.
The levels I jumped in just three days around self-awareness and compassion were out of this world. This short time would set the course of the next few years as I began to look at every aspect of my life, my work, my words, and my decisions with fresh eyes. Why? Because I finally stopped for a moment, slowed everything down, and began to see the truth of my busy life.
As I think back to that retreat, I remember every detail so vividly (down to the lavender syrup they had for my coffee), yet I can't remember many of my favorite vacations with such clarity. Why? Because our time at the retreat was so intentional and my vacations were always "pack it in!"
I didn't have a phone so there was no mindless scrolling. I was fully connected to my body and mind along with the others in attendance. I was fully present and focused on what we were doing at each moment. And I was very aware of the time I had to myself. Each savor of coffee, each bite of food, each conversation. So much noticing.
When I returned, I began to incorporate everything I had learned into my everyday life. From waking up early to journal instead of post to social media, to going for long walks on the beach instead of watching yet another Netflix special. I even changed how I hosted my own retreats.
At the very next retreat (and every one after), I found that going tech-free allowed my guests to feel more present with themselves and each other. I saw those who had never journaled before writing pages and pages of notes. I found people reading peacefully during breaks. I found others laying int he grass looking up at the sky or going deeper with a new friend.
The slowing down allowed them to integrate what they were learning instead of me trying to pack their schedule to give them the biggest bang for their buck. It was such an intentional shift and became one of the most powerful changes I could have made.
How often do we take time to just be here now? Waking to get your kids to school or rushing to a first meeting? Sitting with your kids as they play instead of scrolling social media? Spending time with your loved ones instead of eating dinner in front of the TV? Or finding that we are exhausted from the day before instead of enjoying our favorite cup of tea and a conversation with a friend?
How often do we really slow down--outside of being forced to because we're sick or caring for a loved one?
Many studies have shown that slowing down and quieting the mind can prevent anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Yet many of us live in a constant state of worry, dread, or wondering what will happen next.
What would happen to our brains if we finally took a break? Taking some uninterrupted downtime where we would just be? To let go of all we "need to do" and focus on recharging our batteries before all the holidays are here and gone and we're left exhausted. Before our schedules got packed with other people and we forget ourselves... again.
What if YOU took some time for YOU? So you could be fully present with your loved ones during this next season because you knew you had emptied your cup of all the "have to" and refilled it with magic? What if that next big idea finally showed up because you got a moment to sit and listen to yourself?
When I got the idea for Rest Fest, I was asked if it was going to be two days of napping. I mean, I get it--most people don't know what rest really is other than sleeping.
Rest comes in many forms and our agenda reflects this. From creative activities to stimulate your brain to soundbaths and meditation walks through the gorgeous property, we have a little something for everyone. Local vendors coming to provide chair massages and red light therapy along with delicious healthy lunch catered by Dolly's Table and plenty of snacks and other activities to drop into between journaling and napping. (Yes, we will have a quiet nap pod for those who really need some shut-eye.)
If my own story reflects yours at all, consider joining us for two days of rest. You can check out the full agenda here and grab tickets for you and your spouse, best friend, or coworker. There's a little something for everyone and a gorgeous space at the Tree House to make it magical.
Will I see you there? Or will you be sad you missed it?
Get some rest, beautiful souls. You deserve it.
xoxo
Melanie
PSST. Reply to this with any questions & I'll get back to you ASAP.
It's Your Turn
Show up on Monday morning (10/28) to a soundbath followed by restorative yoga (I call it nap yoga) and a day of peaceful adventure.
Finish on Tuesday evening (10/29) with a grateful heart and quiet mind after two days of creativity, journal prompts, wanders through the gorgeous property, and sitting on the river dock.
Two days of rest, relaxation and magic. Join me for Rest Fest!
|
|
|
