Send to KindleMindfulness is a massage for the mind and the heart.
I went on retreat this past weekend to Yogaville, just over an hour from home to pull myself together for this week’s book launch on Friday, September 30th, at 5:30 PM at the New Dominion Bookshop on Charlottesville’s Down Town Mall.
The past couple of weeks have been stressful. The last minute work of getting a book ready to go out into the world has been intense. Plus dealing with Bill’s highly successful shoulder surgery three weeks ago tomorrow, wore me out. I simply needed to get away and rest. Once there, I was able to get some extra sleep, and enjoyed being with eight other souls looking for peace. Our teacher, Susan Stone was great, helping me find my way back to being nonreactive. I came away feeling two tons lighter and ready to let go of my mind’s constant disruptive rumblings.
I’ll be writing more about mindfulness and how necessary it is, in the coming weeks both here and in my newsletter, which will be a few days late this time around. I usually publish it on the first of each month but with my book launch on Friday, which is the last day of September, I’m going to give myself a few extra days to put it together. This past weekend reminded me that I am not a one-man-band and need to allow myself to take my time and enjoy the process.
Joan, I’m happy to hear you returned from your retreat refreshed and renewed. You remind us all of the importance of making a conscious effort to take care of ourselves. My favorite line : “I am not one-man band” Amen!
Oh, Kathy, it is so important to take breaks. I feel like a new person!
Kudos for taking time for self-care. May the book launch this Friday succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
P.S. My Yogaville has become Pilates-ville!
Thanks you, Marian. It’s very exciting.
Good for you, Joan. I’ll be thinking of you this weekend. Eager to hear your reports. May the peace and lightness continue!
Thank you, Shirley. I will let you know how it went. So far the peace and lightness are still with me. As long as I don’t get on the work treadmill I’ll be fine.
Good for you Joan. I just published my latest memoir today and it’s been one heck of a past few weeks. Nobody knows what self published authors go through except other writers. I know that desire to get away. I have to wait another 2 weeks for my little retreat. 🙂
Oh yes, Debby, this book work is hard work and I tend to get on a treadmill with it and forget about the rest of my life. I’ve gotten off now and plan on staying off at least for the time being! I just keep forgetting that mindfulness and asking myself what I want is sooooo important.
Good luck with your memoir. I look forward to reading it.
What a beautiful cover for your book, Joan!
Good to hear you have taken time out. Give Bill our best wishes on his shoulder!
Thanks, Sue, I’m glad you like it. Please email me your new mailing address. Since you are one of my beta readers, you get your own free copy!!
Joan — Kudos to YOU for taking the time to recharge your personal battery.
Thanks, Laurie. I was on empty!!