Summer Reflections

I am finally settled back at home and getting back into the groove of things after a fun and exciting summer. In June I led a retreat in Amorgos, Greece, got married in August and in September led my final retreat of the year in Ubud, Bali. With such an eventful season, I was left feeling a little bittersweet. I was relieved that I didn’t have the stress of planning the wedding, but sad it was over because it was such an incredible day. I was grateful for my travels in Greece and Bali but wishing I could go back.
 
Of course, this is how the mind works. We love an experience and want to hold onto it forever or we hate an experience and want to avoid it all together. These attachments, aversions, and expectations create suffering. So instead of feeling sad that all these wonderful experiences have come to an end, I decided to reflect on what I learned or valued from each experience. This allows for the opportunity to appreciate without clinging. After all, when something ends, it allows for a new beginning.
 
From my time in Greece I appreciated the European lifestyle of slowing down and enjoying conversation with good company over amazing food and wine. From my wedding day, I truly valued living in the moment and taking a look around to see and experience pure love. And from my time in Bali, I was reminded to not just practice or teach yoga but to live it in every way possible.
 
Now you try… What did you learn, value, and cherish from your summer? And how can you take those experiences forward into the fall season?