I had the opportunity in the week that just passed to take an incredible vacation. It came up in a way that was much more last minute than would typically be possible, but it wasn’t hard for my husband to twist my arm into saying a resounding YES. We both needed it and we knew it. It was our second time visiting this particular vacation destination and I knew that somewhere in this place was an earthship where one can practice yoga and/or get an Ayurvedic massage, depending on what was being offered.
This place is off the grid and the website might be considered a bit questionable. My husband keeps a healthy skepticism, always having safety and security in mind, while I tend to be a dirty hippie drawn to this type of thing, always wanting to explore. It wasn’t easy, but I talked him into a massage.
The mother of the earthship, so to speak, was warm and welcoming. My husband went first for his massage which allowed me to explore the beautiful and serene grounds and have one of the most powerful meditations that I’ve had since my 7-day silent retreat in 2017. There is something to be said about the environment around you for meditation. Even meditating every day at home has not led me to the insights gleaned in this setting.
As I approach this new decade, I’ve come to this guidance for my life…
“Do not cling to a younger version of yourself. But don’t allow yourself to get old.”
I’ve fought off adulthood for long enough and quite honestly, I am exhausted from fighting. So as I go into the 2020s, I’ve made some guidelines for living. These are not rules, as rules are too rigid. And this is most certainly not a new year’s resolution. These are simply guiding principles that will allow me to embrace middle age and beyond.
- Eat Better
- Drink Less Alcohol
- Sleep
- Move More / Sit Less
- Speak Your Truth
Digging in a bit more…
I recognize that I have no idea how to eat and to have a healthy relationship with food and I will seek the guidance of professionals in this area. I’ll watch for the emotional eating triggers. I will remember that I do actually care deeply about where my food comes from.
I don’t have to be a shit show for people to like me. I can enjoy drinking but also must remember how being hung over makes me feel. Quite honestly, being able to buy edibles legally now will help; it’s a mild chill out for when I need it without the negative effects of alcohol.
I am a night owl. I’ve always been wired that way, but I live in a day time world. This one will take some work. I’ll work to eliminate screen time before bed. I’ll read; maybe some Rumi poems. I’ll spray some lavender and perhaps buy a beautiful little nightstand to keep all of this on next to my bed, so no excuses!
By nature, I am a lazy creature. I know this. So I will seek opportunities to get outside and adjust to each season – bike, snowshoe, hike, SUP, etc. I actually live in a great place for this, but will need to avoid the vortex of couch and TV.
As I conclude and explain a bit more about number 5, I recognize I am craving simplicity. That is perhaps a bigger discussion but for now, If it doesn’t serve me, I am not going to do it. If it bothers me, I am going to say something (kindly, of course). If I need alone time, I am going to be alone. If I need together time, I will seek those people who feed by soul. I will remind myself to always be present and always be curious.
Namaste and blessings for the decade that lies ahead…
