June 30, 2010

Isn't it wonderful to return home after a trip? While I had a simply great retreat experience, I so enjoyed sleeping in my own bed, being reunited with my four-legged housemates, and getting back into my normal rhythms. I slept well, and I woke today feeling happy. It doesn't get much better!!

My retreat was a very good experience. I haven't been in Colorado very much, so I loved being close to the mountains. We shared cooking and kitchen cleaning tasks, and the chief cook was excellent. Our meals were healthy and absolutely delicious. The retreat itself was a combination of spiritual growth activities and visiting nearby attractions. I got a lot out of it, and I met some really great people. My expectations were exceeded by a lot. And - it was good to come home.

Home is wherever we feel safe, loved, secure, at least ideally. I'm fortunate to have that in my physical home. But we all have 'home' within us. When we turn within, we find the peaceful, loving quiet of Spirit. Many of us have experienced the chattering 'monkey mind' of a noisy mind that won't be still. We use a variety of techniques to bring our attention back, and we may feel a few moments of quiet before we discover that our chattering minds have taken over again. But, it only takes moments to begin to reap the rewards of connection time with God.

Taking the time to connect with God, whether we call it praying, meditating or simply sitting in the silence, is a wonderful habit to embrace. We begin to notice that little things go more smoothly. We find that we are calmer and more peaceful, for no apparent reason. We find that good ideas come to us more often, which then allow us to fulfill our desires. We find enjoyment in life itself and joy bubbles in us often. We feel peaceful, safe and secure. We are home. And we carry our true homes with us, wherever we go.