The Retreat

I belong to a professional organization called D.O.V.I.A. - Directors of Volunteers in Agencies. Our annual retreat was held today at the Anderson Enrichment Center, using the theme "It's all about you." The whole day was planned to bring us information on how we can be healthier...physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our first speaker instructed us on basic yoga techniques. I missed the first part because I was still taking registrations, but I joined the group just in time to learn how to focus on the crown of my head and imagine it to be like a flower blossoming or sliding doors opening. We were then told to let our souls float out of the imaginary opening until we get to "nothingness." (For some, that doesn't take too long.) Another speaker led us in a time of meditation by the rose garden. This time we were instructed to close our eyes and focus on the breath coming out of our nostrils. This was suppose to clear our minds of all bombarding thoughts. I'm sorry, but I could only think about my nostrils for so long before I had to move on to other things. So I began reciting Bible verses in my head and thinking about how long it will be before my wisteria is as massive as the one on the arbor overhead. We've got to get a larger trellis, that's for sure! Boy was I glad when the little bell went ding, ding, ding, signaling the end of the ten minute meditation. And to think this guy does it for over an hour a day! That's a whole lot of nostril attention. He claims this technique helps him to "wake up and live" a calmer, more peaceful life. From the looks of him, I'd say a healthy dose of some intense reaction would be good...give him some color at the very least.

The day was not a total waste of time. We did have one speaker discuss women's health issues, and that was very beneficial. We got manicures, and our lunch included a chocolate fountain, which is always a good thing in my book.