Heathen Hill Retreat Center/Photos via: Andrew DeVigal

This past weekend’s RRR retreat was absolutely fabulous. Though perhaps as brilliant, it was a departure from the funny Jennifer Saunders series. Everyone enjoyed the great weather, the beautiful setting, the healthy & tasty (largely) local food, the fun company, and if I dare say, even the yoga instruction. Forces seemed to hold the weather in place just in time for the start of our retreat, on through its completion, after which, heavy rains resumed. It was a delight working with such an eclectic, interested, and overall easy-going, and quick to have fun, group of practitioners. However, I feel that this brief note from Alex, one of the many great-hearted people on the retreat, captured my wishes and goals for leading this past weekend’s RRR retreat:

Thanks for organizing, leading and nurturing such a memorable past weekend. There wasn’t a single element or moment that i could qualify as unproductive, that didn’t lead to purposeful self-reflection and the general creation of well-being. Just a brief note to express gratitude for a weekend that didn’t have to happen but that we’re all the better for because it did. Why isn’t Lippy [a.k.a., Susan, director/owner of Heathen Hill Retreat Center] cooking me meals EVERY night?! Thanks again, and I know my gratitude was shared by my carmates.

Andrew, another of the group’s great personages, shared some photos from the retreat. There is already great anticipation for next year’s Relax, Rejuvenate & Revitalize retreat.

We often find ourselves wondering why we, or others, make the decisions we do. This NY Times Op-Ed piece presents, in an easy-to-digest way, why we do many of the things we do, and why we are so short-sighted. This has implications for our dietary choices, our practice consistency, even how we respond to imminent “perceived” danger, and real threats that loom in the distance. As always, reflect on how it applies to you, not others.

He who forgives ends the quarrel.

- African proverb

Annie Leonard put together a great production that I think everyone should see; if you have 22 minutes, watch it and pass it on. It’s the story of our stuff.