Mind, Body Soul-stice Collaborative Retreat

Although "Sol" was missing most of the day and replaced by thunder and lighting there was no shortage of good friends, food and activities.

Thank you everyone who came out to kick off this event. I hope to have more events and Eagle Nest Studio will continue to evolve. I'm very interested in any feedback from those that attended.

Great helping hands to fill out food table.

Walking Meditation was enjoyed by a few early on but then rained out. In theory this is a great time to walk but need rain gear or a change of clothes.

Share circle and introductions. This is was accompanied by loud rumbling thunder. (Side note: later when I got my numerology report it said: "You are like a lightning rod, attracting powerful ideas, intuitions, and even psychic information like unpredictable bolts." Hum!)

Gentle Yoga class for tender backs (Mine!) which included Sun and Moon Salutations.

Demo of instantly increasing strength.

Discussion on energy concentration (forgot the specific name).

Tips on core training using unstable surface.

Chakra balance series.

Break for food and split into groups for Reiki healing and Numerology.

The day wrapped up with water color painting of a vase of sun flowers to represent our missing sun.

Thank you to my talented friends, teachers and healers.

Walking Meditation

This is a powerful tool that can be done anywhere. Traditionally a Labyrinth is used in which you wind your way to the center and then reverse your way back out.

I use a nature trail which consists of a loop which I reverse about half way. It's very intuitive but here are some phases I use.

1. Just start walking and tune into your body using a body scan. I start with my feet and work my way up to my head just observing my body. Transition the focus to the rhythm of your walk and finally to the breath.

2. Observe your thoughts and mentally set them aside on the trail. I use the motion of the walk to leave any negative thoughts behind.

3. Be present (in the NOW) and balance your external and internal attention. Observe (using all your senses) the physical location as well as your emotional state. I use affirmations at this point to direct my emotions and thoughts.

4. Welcome the thoughts that come up. I support with affirmations. End when you feel done.

I don't time myself but I consistently take 30 minutes. Your mileage may vary.

A good phrase your can repeat during the walk is:

“Yoga is a deep well into which we can tap drawing forth whatever we need to bring ourselves into wholeness and balance.”