Quantum Leaps, Sept 2014 – Part I

I recently returned from my second amazing retreat at Quantum Leaps Lodge near Golden, BC. I don’t know about anybody else from the weekend, but I totally “hit the ground running” the minute I walked through the door back home. 😉 It’s hard to infuse your days with continued mindfulness, healthy eating, and tranquility when needy (and sick) kids are in the picture… Still, I’ve managed to carve out a little bit of time to start editing my photos, so I thought I’d get a post up “sooner”, rather than later. Of course, anything “sooner” than 11 months after-the-fact would be an improvement over last year. =P (Note: I have tried not to duplicate shots from my previous trip to Quantum… so if there seem to be “gaps” in the photo-narrative, that’s probably why.)

I made it out of the house by noon on Friday, and thoroughly enjoyed all the golden fall colours as I headed west. I even enjoyed the bursts of sun vs. spots of rain. But it really seemed “later in the season” than last year, even though it was the exact same autumn equinox weekend!

I stopped in Canmore for a late lunch and walk about. The “Coffee Mine” has become “El Cafecito” over the years, but the food was still great (and the staff rather charming as well). I popped in a few shops, giggled at all the tourist paraphernalia, and picked up a few treats at the candy store for the boys before hitting the road once more.

The sky above main street held some wispy, dancing clouds that were rather mesmerizing… it was kind of hard to leave. 😉

Another hour-ish of driving and I had to get out and stretch again. You see, I had re-dislocated my knee only 5 days before I left, and it was not enjoying the road trip. I stopped just past Field, BC at “Finn Creek” – which was gorgeous! Cute little picnic shacks, a happily gurgling creek, and a sweet wooden bridge. Ahhhh…

On the road again. Music carrying me along through the mountains. What a picturesque drive it was!

I made it to Quantum before sundown this year (soooo much easier to find in the daylight!), and was welcomed by a shower of golden leaves. I checked in with Annette in the main office, settled into my cozy room, and made my way to the dining hall for dinner.

Have I mentioned how delicious the vegetarian meals are at Quantum?!?! Super yummy!!! (Above: quinoa casserole and two salads.) And vibrant. The word I always think of when I remember eating meals at Quantum is “vibrant”.

After dinner, I slowly made my way down to the labyrinth for a little intention-setting for the weekend. My knee was surprisingly okay on the steep hill going down, and the colours in the sky as the sun set were wonderful. I could just feel the stress melting away with the hypnotic Blaeberry River…

Back up the hill to meet everyone in the Rumi Room. We went around and introduced ourselves, and Tracey spoke about mindfulness – which began with some more chocolate savouring! I remember being taken by surprise that the morsel was minty instead of salty this year, but thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Compared to last year, I could already tell I was more open to meeting people and socializing this go ’round. It was going to be a great weekend… Then, off to bed for some much needed sleep!

Up bright and early the next morning for some amazing yoga with Tracey (and with a little musical motivation to get me moving!) Again, with care, mindfulness, and a few props, my knee cooperated quite nicely. Strangely, it was the first time I’ve ever felt an emotional release during my practice (it usually happens during savasana for me), but I guess my hips and glutes had something to say after almost a week of supporting my bum knee. 😉 Then, time for some more deliciousness for breakfast.

I was needing a little time to catch up with my gratitude photos and journaling, so I meandered back to my room to chill out for a while (instead of doing the group labyrinth walk). It was just so nice to sit quietly and uninterrupted for a long stretch of time (if you have kids, you totally get that).

Back to the dining hall for some delicious coconut and veggie soup (with tofu)  and an amazing veggie casserole! After which, I surveyed the gorgeous gardens from whence all those veggies came. Ahhhh…

Next it was time for my massage. Luckily, I got to be in the greenhouse again (with the petunias and sunshine and happy chickens outside), and that’s when things got even more interesting. Whilst on the table with Annette as my masseuse, I started “seeing” things with my eyes closed – small bursts of  light and blobs of colour at first. Being who I am, however, I started trying to make images with them – kind of  like when you think a cloud looks like a bunny. Except that the images got more and more vivid and realistic… and ended with snakes and a warrior. It was very cool, and somewhat trippy. Remind me to tell you about it one day. 😉

Afterwards, I showered off all the massage oil and hit the hot tub. I chatted with one of the other retreat ladies until she left, and then I just soaked up the sun and gorgeous views for a while…

A quick phone check in with my boys (who were off Skyline Luging – again!) and it was time to get ready for yoga. Walking back to my room I met up with this rather fearless chipmunk, just munching away on the plants by the chicken coop. How cute is s/he?!

And… I think I’ll break here, lest this post get too, too long. =)