Quantum Leaps, Sept 2013 – Part I

This fall, I headed off for my first ever yoga & meditation retreat. During the summer, my dear friend Libby had spoken very highly of her own annual excursions to such a place (in California), and I decided that after 10 years of dedicating myself to taking care of the health issues of my children… I totally deserved it. I started researching possibilities – places relatively close by, something not too expensive, offered during a time that would fit into the family schedule. I narrowed it down to three options and then snooped the interwebs for information about the teachers. When I found out that one of the retreats was being offered by a teacher who offered classes at the yoga studio I already go to, well, that was it! I sent a deposit off to Quantum Leaps Lodge the very next day and marked the dates on the calendar.

Soon enough, it was time to depart. I packed up the car, went over the “what to do” list with my husband, kissed and hugged my boys goodbye, threw my Spectacular 70s mix onto the stereo, and started to drive…

I got in after dark, checked in with Annette at the office, cozied into my rustic room… and totally crashed!

I had decided to arrive a day before the retreat actually began – to give myself a little extra time to unwind, relax, and savour the solo time – so the next morning I woke up at leisure and poked around the main property: rustic buildings, gorgeous gardens, and free ranging chickens, oh my! Plus, the air was so… fresh. It. Was. Perfect. <3

I enjoyed my first hot tub (where I was mesmerized by dozens of chickadees flitting in and out of the trees, as I overlooked the river) and a luxurious massage from Annette (none pictured, as I left my phone in my room). Then I went back to my cabin for a shower, some reading, a healthy lunch (including very fresh eggs), and a glorious little nap. Then it was time for more exploring…

The property is settled in the Blaeberry Valley, near Golden, BC. I had a lovely afternoon walking along the Blaeberry River and mud flats, got to see a handful of eagles migrating south for the winter, and found the medicine wheel and labyrinth!

That evening, I shared dinner (vegetarian and delicious, like all the meals) with some other guests on the porch of the lodge, as the sun went down and people started arriving for the weekend. We had a quick “meet and greet” in the Rumi room, and I retired to my room to journal and get some rest before an early wake up the next day.

On the way to yoga bright and early the next morning, I came across a couple of mule deer foraging by the cabin. One of them meandered off into the woods, but I had a wee staring contest with the other (she totally won). It was rather magical. 😉

Then it was time for the first yoga session with Tracey. It had been a while since I had had a “real” class, so it was interesting as my body tried to remember what to do… but it sure felt great afterwards. (I loved the diversity of women… and yoga mats…)

Then it was time for breakfast in the main lodge. As you can see, the was a wealth of women, healthy offerings, and tea!!! My kinda place.

I checked in at home, then went for a walk after breakfast and was once again enchanted by all of the natural beauty!

I decided to visit the labyrinth solo instead of going on the “group outing” later in the day. It was a wonderful place to think… and not think, if you get what I mean. And I wasn’t quite ready to socialize just yet, this being my first serious “alone time” in a very, very, very long time. Going in: let go of that which no longer serves you. At center: receive with gratitude. Going out: set intentions for what you want…

A little light lunch, then back to my room for some more processing, journaling, and rest.

I think I’ll break here, lest this post get really long… Next up: Part II (more iPhone snaps) and III (taken with my “big girl camera”).