Hurrah, I've finally managed to log on (internet access is pretty dodge around here). So, I'm here in my little cumbrian retreat and it's been over a year since I last wrote on here but let's not mention that. And I don't think I can promise that it's not going to be another year again! But I'll do my best.
I'm cosying up in my little cottage with my electric heater and blanket on - surrounded by books, papers and notebooks. It's been a very interesting few days - am only just beginning to attune to the absolute silence here - there is the occasional baah and moo, and the cock Eric of course but aside from that for the first time ever I see what they mean about the defeaning silence.
It also means you can hear your thoughts all too loudly too. I've cheated a bit by bringing my laptop and I watched It's a Wonderful Life for the first time ever last night. I'm gradually breaking myself in so that I can go on a completely silent retreat or at least one that doesn't allow any booze or I'm sure any laptops or soppy films in.
On the whole, it's been great - there have been a few moments when I've thought what the hell am I doing here and why didn't I go on some nice self-indulgent holiday where there's loads of people and I don't have to think and I can get hideously drunk, dance to bad pop music, get sunburnt, and have a swim....but hey, I'm here and there is a reason why I went for this option rather than the above so had better pay attention to that.
I'm re-reading Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way - and I'd like to share my self-care list with you - I am hoping that I will crack on with the list when I'm back so here goes:
1. Go sweaty dancing (also known as 5 rhythms)
2. Learn to meditate - mindfulness
3. Do my morning pages
4. Learn reiki
5. Feel the soil in my hands
6. Do regular exercise
7. Collaborate
8. Be kind to myself
9. Find out more about Sufism and Gurdjieff
10. Go on weekly artist dates
11. Wild Mary Nights (this will mean something to some people but I'm hoping all will be clearer when I actually start them)
12. Give up alcohol
Not a bad list
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
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