Hammock Time

I am happy to say that starting this Monday, (as mentioned in our last week’s gathering), we will be studying the wise teachings of Willa Bythe Baker from her new book, The Mindful Body, Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom. It is a very good read. I mentioned this book last week and suggested that, if  you would like, you might purchase it or borrow it from your library, follow along and try out more of her meditations from the book. This is not a requirement by any means. You are free to sit back and listen and take in what is meaningful to you and let the rest go.

And speaking of somatic mindfulness, this year I have been exploring my inner signals that, when I listen, tell me it’s time to rest, to do less, to be still, to walk slowly, to breathe deeper. Here’s a story about one of those explorations: Today, Ewen wanted to show me the three locations for our hammocks that are hung for retreats held at Komera Cottage.  I agreed that this was a good use of our precious time. We started out at the newly renovated Komera Cottage. To my delight, Komera hammock No. 1 is now hanging on the beautiful porch. He asked me if I wanted to try it out. Instead of saying no, I want to keep moving, as I often say,  I said yes. (Such a good word sometimes.)

After a short rest, we then strolled through our creekside forest. We were in search of hammock sites No. 2 and 3. I am happy to report that we found them. What a magnificent view. Wow. Again, I shifted from my initial thank you but no thank you. This is a whole new year. I am learning. I said yes. Again. And I’m glad that I did.

I won’t show you where hammock number 3 is set up. A few of you know. Those wonderful people able to come to our live retreat on Thursday afternoon in the backyard of Karuna Cottage witnessed the hanging hammocks, and just may have tried them out. It was so refreshing to meet together, masked and relaxed.

Thanks for letting me share with you my personal  lesson on somatic mindfulness. Paying attention to what my body needs. It is clear that I will be needing some more hammock time. How about you?

Come by for a self retreat, a walk in the woods, a sit outside or on one of the porches, for a retreat online,  or to pick a few oranges, lemons and tangerines. Sometimes we put fruit pickers to work pulling up a few weeds. A very mindful practice, I must say.

I hope to see your beautiful face on Monday from noon – 1 pm as we explore somatic mindfulness mindfully together.