I enjoyed rooting around in your earlier posts, read or missed, on the way to finding the one about The Retreat. What a lot you did with your time and how well you planned and executed it. And a list of what you took and did not took — and why (in some cases). It was fascinating to read about the podcast, which I remember listening to in a time that now seems far, far away. Where DO the years go? Happily, I have some time to myself coming up, a bit over a month away, and I am going to luxuriate in the process of how to spend, and maximise, it. Thank you for so many options to consider! xx
Thanks for rooting around. I love that you're going to luxuriate in the process. I really feel like I did that. I can't wait to hear what you decide to do and not to do! ❤️
Thank you, Rita, for taking us through this labyrinth with you, both metaphorically and literally. A lot stood out to me even though I have different beliefs on spirituality. But I could relate a lot to the process of opening to wonder/uncertainty instead of intellectualizing/labeling everything and seeking immediate answers which too often are a defense and limit our ability to open to other possibilities as they show up. I have noticed that some of the people I work with in my psychotherapy practice are not trusting of whatever good happens as too often they have been let down by others or by their hopes. So I am appreciating reading about your own process.
I find that my experience of spirituality becomes more expansive the more I start to embrace more of what you shared and I find periods of just observing without my phone takes me to interesting places I would never have expected. It reminds me a bit of Sufi understandings of what is called "zawq" which literally translates to "taste" in Arabic but here refers to prioritizing experience over intellectual knowledge/prowess.
Two among many of my favorite quotes from your newsletter:
"My loose plan was to move through my days listening to what my body needed and following sparks of curiosity wherever they led."
"Expectations, plans, shoulds. Everything was up in the air like a kite subject to whim and whimsy."
I'm glad you found this process relatable, Reema. I'm going to look up zawq! Other traditions and languages often have words for concepts we lack in English. I love learning about them.
Thanks, Emma! I hope you find a wonderful place and spend time there soon. If you do, LMK where. :-) I do want to visit Britain soon. Thanks so much for reading. I know this was a long one. I need to write shorter essays.:-)
This gave me goosebumps, Rita! Such fertile ground to explore. I loved reading about the synchronicity and serendipity you experienced in such a beautiful place. I actually just finished Julia Cameron's book, the morning pages, and asking for guidance. I do it frequently these days and am never disappointed by what arises. Thanks for this lovely piece of writing. So glad we've connected.
Thanks so much, Judith! It's lovely getting to know you. A kindred spirit! Did you finish the original The Artists Way or Living the Artists Way? The titles are so similar it's confusing.
I enjoyed rooting around in your earlier posts, read or missed, on the way to finding the one about The Retreat. What a lot you did with your time and how well you planned and executed it. And a list of what you took and did not took — and why (in some cases). It was fascinating to read about the podcast, which I remember listening to in a time that now seems far, far away. Where DO the years go? Happily, I have some time to myself coming up, a bit over a month away, and I am going to luxuriate in the process of how to spend, and maximise, it. Thank you for so many options to consider! xx
Thanks for rooting around. I love that you're going to luxuriate in the process. I really feel like I did that. I can't wait to hear what you decide to do and not to do! ❤️
Thank you, Rita, for taking us through this labyrinth with you, both metaphorically and literally. A lot stood out to me even though I have different beliefs on spirituality. But I could relate a lot to the process of opening to wonder/uncertainty instead of intellectualizing/labeling everything and seeking immediate answers which too often are a defense and limit our ability to open to other possibilities as they show up. I have noticed that some of the people I work with in my psychotherapy practice are not trusting of whatever good happens as too often they have been let down by others or by their hopes. So I am appreciating reading about your own process.
I find that my experience of spirituality becomes more expansive the more I start to embrace more of what you shared and I find periods of just observing without my phone takes me to interesting places I would never have expected. It reminds me a bit of Sufi understandings of what is called "zawq" which literally translates to "taste" in Arabic but here refers to prioritizing experience over intellectual knowledge/prowess.
Two among many of my favorite quotes from your newsletter:
"My loose plan was to move through my days listening to what my body needed and following sparks of curiosity wherever they led."
"Expectations, plans, shoulds. Everything was up in the air like a kite subject to whim and whimsy."
I'm glad you found this process relatable, Reema. I'm going to look up zawq! Other traditions and languages often have words for concepts we lack in English. I love learning about them.
Love you friend and I’m so glad we got to share the magic of the retreat together ❤️✨❤️
So am I! What an amazing experience we had. ❤️
Beautiful, Rita. You’ve inspired me to follow suit.
Thanks, Emma! I hope you find a wonderful place and spend time there soon. If you do, LMK where. :-) I do want to visit Britain soon. Thanks so much for reading. I know this was a long one. I need to write shorter essays.:-)
This gave me goosebumps, Rita! Such fertile ground to explore. I loved reading about the synchronicity and serendipity you experienced in such a beautiful place. I actually just finished Julia Cameron's book, the morning pages, and asking for guidance. I do it frequently these days and am never disappointed by what arises. Thanks for this lovely piece of writing. So glad we've connected.
Thanks so much, Judith! It's lovely getting to know you. A kindred spirit! Did you finish the original The Artists Way or Living the Artists Way? The titles are so similar it's confusing.
I actually did both!!!
I'd love to talk to you about them the next time we chat!
I'll look forward to it!
Thanks so much, Reema! I'm always interested in hearing about your expensive experiences and perspectives.