Accessible Wisdom

Recently, I was reminded of how much wisdom – about ourselves – is available to us – when we find a little quiet to hear ourselves better. I’m talking treasure troves of information covered up by fast-spinning life that creates a lot of static.  

Last week I offered a virtual version of my French Retreat. Much was different, of course. No planes. No passports. Less wine. Shorter timeframe. We were held together by Zoom – little squares connecting over 2 days – instead of breaking bread around a circular dining table. Our pace got slower. Our schedule got spacious. Multi-tasking gave way to single-tasking – contemplating 1 idea at a time – or completing 1 full considered thought – or making friends with silence. 

Amazing! The wisdom bubbled up from each participant – unique and insightful. New information – lying quietly dormant below the noisy surface – became accessible. It was like clearing the air, settling the spin. Seeing old stale ideas plainly and letting them go. Releasing noisy distractions. The air got a little lighter. Possibilities entered. And there was a palpable sense of reconnecting to personal priorities and values. 

So, how did everyone get access to all that wisdom? Because, remember, this was no exotic locale, no week-long process.   

          A little structure to help slow down – finding some stillness

          Some tools to allow for self-expression – pen, markers, movement, prompts

          And, connection to others – surely the others on the Retreat, but also the family/co-workers/friends on the sidelines watching   

          this commitment 

And what might that mean for you? Good question – so let’s talk about this Thanksgiving weekend – 

Chances are that your holiday plans are smaller this year. And that smaller scale might offer some quiet, still moments. If you can carve out an hour over this long weekend, then you can weave together the same threads that created the Retreat:  

          tell your clan that you are ‘offline’ – and ask them to honor your space

          grab a pen, some markers, some paper – or your gym shoes and a warm coat for a walk.  

          answer some of these questions:  

                    What’s my current state? How would I describe myself today? (be specific, articulate, clear)

                    What matters most to me in this time? What do I care about now in my core? 

                    How can I keep what I care about front and center?  What needs recalibrating to ensure it is? 

                    What’s my starting point?

Maybe you want to share some of what surfaces with someone in your circle. In my experience, though, it isn’t necessary. You’ve heard what you need to hear. 

Enjoy your personal retreat.