#5: Attend a Yoga Retreat.

(This is an excerpt from my journal entry from Day 2 at the Depth and Stillness Yoga Retreat)

Finally finding silence.  Settling into it.
It's uncomfortable at first.
Like a new yoga pose.
At first you are aware- hyperaware- of the tightness,
the clamor, the discomfort.
This feels so...unnatural.
Breathe.
Exhale.
Allow yourself to be fully conscious.
For once, don't try to change anything.
Just accept the sensation, the thoughts
with kindness, compassion, non-judgement and
Gratitude.
There is a subtle shift.
The tightness dissipates and melts,
unveiling a clarity of mind.
Grounded.
In silence.

The sacred space I shared with 11 beautiful women who demonstrated their strength and vulnerability
in both their yoga practice and their journeys in life. 

Legs on the wall = a good night's sleep

Hike in the Enchanted Forest.  With a disenchanted map.

Operation BeYOUtiful in full-effect.

SImple truths even at tea time.

The Redwood trees and mountains did offer a sense of refuge for me, but I found the true refuge rested in the sense of shared community with my fellow yogis.  Within the room was a warm, raw energy of strength, grace and vitality which created a tapestry of interwoven desires to become our best true selves both on and off the mat.