.....we fell in

Yogis,
On an exceedingly beautiful autumn weekend, four amazing women chose to ‘fall in’ with me. The bags have now been packed, cars loaded and they are down the road, yet their energy lingers. I can still hear their voices.

It always amazes me how a random group can gather and within 2 days a bond is formed. I witness it over and over as I attend training, retreats and gatherings, and was shown it clearly yet again this weekend. There is something about sharing meals, walks, feelings and chocolate that forms a glue, allowing each one of us to crack open a little more.

Together we prepared, served, ate and cleaned up five different meals…..not an easy chore, yet it felt seamless. Like an orchestra, each taking a role, the five of us moved through the kitchen with ease. This one setting the table, while another chopped and one stirring the pot. Creative ideas shared for use of leftovers and even the seeds from the butternut squash ended up roasted and in a bowl. Goddesses.

A walk off trail at the river pushed some out of comfort zones. For others, simply signing up a brave step.  We leaned on trees, found walnuts, identified plants and stood mesmerized by the rush of the river. Late in the day the fire was lit while the sun began its descent.  We each wrote what no longer serves us, to then offer to the flames. Transformed into smoke, not unlike the transformation some in the group were seeking. Wise women.

Our beverage of choice was nourishing herbal infusions and our plates wore every color imaginable. The orange of the squash, ruby red pomegranate seeds, tri color quinoa and vivid green fennel. Eating for this Vata (air) season, our breakfasts consisted of warm cooked grains paired with nuts, seeds, nutmeg and dates. The flatbread recipe I saw in a doctor’s office magazine on Wednesday became lunch and…..oh my gosh. An orgy for both the eyes and mouth. Medicine women.

I recently saw a picture of someone’s thumb and index finger holding a piece of paper in the air by its corner. The message was that the effort is in holding on. Letting go is effortless. This is where the name ‘Falling in…” was derived. Practicing surrender. That became our discussion, vision and mantra. Not easy, but then again, not hard.

The tea kettle was always warm, rituals began to become familiar and we dared to look into each other’s eyes. Each unique, yet as we soon discovered, all the same. “Falling in…..” is in the books!

Grateful,
SARAH

PS I'm sorry but does anyone else feel like this day is going to go on forever?