La Dolce Vita Retreats

B is for:

balance  ….. as in life or yoga

barefoot …..  as in beachcombing or dancing on a grassy knoll 

beaches ….. as in pristine little coves along the Meditteranean

beauty ….. as in your essence

beginnings ….. as in new journeys ahead and  paths to discover

being  ….. as in being present…  or just being

belly laughs  ….. as in laughs so hearty they make you cry

best friends ….. as in the ones that know your every idiosyncrasy and still love you

bliss  ….. as in being at peace within yourself

blossoms  ….. as in the lush gardens surrounding you

body scrubs  ….. as in the almond or lavender ones that make your skin feel like silk

body wrap  ….. as in the ones that are infused with herbals …  warm and cocoon-like

bond ….. as in understanding …connecting on a special level

books for fun  ….. as in the ones from the stacks you’ve been meaning to get to 

breath  ….. as in listening to your own

bubble baths ….. as in 2 hour indulgences, surrounded by candles…no guilt and no schedules

 It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts.  ~K.T. Jong

We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

                                                                                                – Frederick Koenig

The question was posed, “Is Santosa an attitude we bring to our activities or is it an effect of our actions?”  Certainly a provocative question, it rivals “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

I view both aspects as a symbiotic relationship of cyclical cause and effect, like an infinite ring.   If I had to choose one aspect over the other, I would suggest that Santosa is an attitude we bring to our activities; at least, it is for me.

I propose that when we begin our day with time to reflect on those aspects of our lives for which we are grateful, to express appreciation for what we have, we begin our day with a feeling of fulfillment, an attitude of abundance and satiety which transcends to a positive mind-set and constructive thoughts.  When one is content, we perceive life trough a different “lens”, from a different “geography” where the grass is green everywhere. 

Consider that contentment is a state of being, an inner peace that resides within us, devoid of negative sentiments or covetous thoughts.  Now ponder making decisions from a viewpoint of generosity and love rather than one of avarice and envy.  Contemplate the course of your actions detached from materialism.  Chances are that, like a river which flows towards the path of least resistance, so too, your courses will flow differently.

When we are imbued with this attitude, with Santosa, it transforms not only our behavior and resultant choices, but those of others; it impacts the outcomes of our actions.  This symbiotic relationship between attitude and action has a ripple effect, expanding outward, constantly repeating its cause and effect pattern.

Santosa frees us to savor life… to cherish, rather than take for granted, the treasures with which we have been blessed.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.  

                                                                                                              –Buddha

I have learned the hard way that our greatest asset is our wellbeing and yet, often it’s receives the least of our attention and investment, if any at all. Being overstressed, overwhelmed, short on time, sleep deprived as we navigate our lives and various roles, leaves us physically depleted as well as emotionally and spiritually compromised.

Does this sound a little bit like you? Are you running on empty? Do you feel like you’ve lost touch with what is most meaningful to you? When was the last time you actually had time to write in your journal, read an entire book sitting under a tree, or just take a nap sans alarm clock? Or the last time you put the world “on pause” to replenish your resources. When was the last time you stopped long enough to rebalance your life, to synchronize your mind, body and spirit so that each part of your being is sufficiently fulfilled.

Women’s retreats are healing and learning respites. They help you to re-establish your “well spirit”, to reconnect with your child-like spirit, your creative spirit, your self-caring spirit, to restore your wellbeing. It is a time for you to feed your mind, body and soul, rescue them from “starvation”.

In today’s world, women hold a plethora of responsibilities from being mothers, wives and caregivers to entrepreneurs, career professionals, community leaders and more. Often times because we wear so many hats, we forget our true essence, our essential and authentic self. Particularly, we forget the simple things we enjoy doing and that bring joy to our spirits -for example, painting, reading, gardening, napping. Perhaps it’s walking, hiking or biking without a schedule, 3 hour lunches, sleeping late or just floating in the sea – the things we are always putting off for later.

A retreat allows you the luxury of getting back in touch with yourself. It provides a nurturing enviroment for self-renewal and replenishment, to awaken your spirit and open your mind to new ideas and possibilities. It’s a time to celebrate you, to return to nature and its healing benefits.

Your wellbeing is your most valuable asset. Invest in yourself – in your physical health, your personal growth, in balancing your life. Love yourself. Take care of you! All of you – mind, body and spirit.

‘Stile di Dolce Vita – La Dolce Vita Retreats: Journeys of enrichment for women’.