Retreat in the Pines

This weekend I traveled to meet a friend at a retreat center for a weekend of yoga. The retreat was set off a dirt road surrounded by tall pine trees. My friend, Tara, is a beautiful woman who encourages me to seek life to the fullest. She makes me a better person. Tara and I developed our friendship over many sessions of yoga. We would travel to the nearest yoga center and discuss life, work, relationships. Our friendship clicked immediately and I knew I had found a soul friend. I could be my true self who Tara accepted and would then, in turn, give her authentic self to me. This delicate exchange of vulnerability and love created our beautiful friendship. Tara has taught me many things over the years. The most impactful lessons she has shared with me are: life is a constant transition, you have the power to change your perspective of time, and be brave. Tara and I no longer live in the same town so we have made it a tradition to book a retreat together once a year, this year was a yoga Retreat in the Pines. The yoga was grounding and much needed for my body and soul. The retreat offered a meditation walk, hammock time, massages, and a gratitude brunch. The best part of the retreat though was being with my friend. We laughed and talked and talked and laughed. It is such a gift. I walked into the retreat beat down and heavy with stress but leaving I felt light and at ease with life. I'm filled with gratitude for this friendship and the time spent with my friend Tara.

Tara wrote some life questions that we then discussed and I followed suit.

Here are my life questions:

• Will my husband and I regret having kids?
• What happens after death?
• How do I continue my passion for spiritual direction after I receive my certification?
• Where can I be more brave in my life? More authentic?
• How can I find more peace and contentment in my life?
• How can I be more present in my interactions with others?
• How can I increase the love of myself and who I was created to be? 
• What do I need to let go of? Who do I need to forgive?
• How can I love my husband more?
• How do I continue to pursue my dreams while waiting in the unknown with contentment?