I'm Back!
For a couple of days I have been mulling over how to describe my experience at the yoga and knitting retreat. Words rush forth like fabulous, rejuvenating, enlightening, hilarious and oh so relaxing. The Omega Institute is a magical summer camp for those willing to leave ordinary life somewhere else. Our retreat group numbered about 20 -- women of all ages plus Robert, a passionate knitter who fearlessly and cheerfully made friends with all of us.
Our yoga leader, Cyndi Lee of OM Yoga (www.omyoga.com), with her fun, friendly style, fully accepted all of us where we were in yoga, but persistently encouraged us to go as far as we could. Her assistant, Sarah, tirelessly helped anyone she saw needing the slightest adjustment. Our knitting leader, Miriam Maltagliati of Knit New York (www.knitnewyork.com), along with her assistant guru Bert, led the newbies through knits and purls and inspired the rest of us to think beyond the pattern.
It was a superb week for me. I had a chance to push my body through limits and fill my days with pleasures I love, all on a wooded lakeside campus offering both solitude and good company. The retreat group bonded quickly, no matter what our life stage or knitting expertise. It was delightful to see others' projects take shape as the week progressed. We even had a field trip to a knitting shop nearby -- one of our number worked there and arranged for the shop to open one evening just for us.
On Thursday afternoon, the group did about an hour and a half of yoga, then with our knitting in hand, followed Cyndi out for a silent walking meditation to the cafe. We settled at tables to chat and knit, then suddenly a cake and candles appeared and Cyndi presented me with a handmade birthday card, inscribed by everyone with a personal message. While I was far away from my beloved family, I felt surrounded by love.
Now I've been back three days and I'm still feeling the peaceful serenity. May all of you have some of that in your lives!