Things have been hectic around here; getting the kids back into the school routine, all their activities, and taking some classes myself.  So I’ve been looking forward to a much-needed break.  For at least the last 5 years, my husband and I do a retreat of some sort each fall.  It’s when we decompress, when we refresh our minds.  While  physical cleansing and detox is great,  mental cleansing should not be neglected.

We usually attend some type of personal growth seminar.  We find that being open to learning new ideas helps all aspects of our lives, from our personal relationships, to physical, financial, and spiritual fronts.  It is a great “mental cleanse” for us.  It helps us clear out some of the cobwebs and toxins and provides openness for new ideas and discussions.  It is a way for us to relax, meet interesting people, and rejuvenate our minds, and we look forward to it every year.

On the way to the seminar, our first stop was Nepenthe.  The food is delicious, and views are magnificent.  We were blessed with a sunny beautiful day.  Relaxed and nourished, we set off for our short drive to the seminar.

This year we attended a seminar titled “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie.  Here’s a brief description of the class:

Byron Katie has one job: to teach people how to end their own suffering. As she guides people through her simple yet powerful process of inquiry, called The Work, they find again and again that their stressful beliefs—about the world, other people, or themselves—can no longer run their lives.

The class was an eye opener for me.  I create my stress and suffering with my thoughts and beliefs, which ultimately means I can change it too.  More on the class in a later post.  The seminar was held at Esalen in Big Sur.  If you’ve never been to Esalen, you’ve got to try this a magical place.