Gearing up for the Fall

So the fall weather hasn't really caught up down here in Texas, but as I wait for cooler temperatures, I am anticipating upcoming frivolity, resting and connecting at our church's annual women's retreat.

I am looking forward to:

1. Solo road tripping: So technically this isn't a very long drive from the inner loop, but I like loading up podcasts and songs on my radio and driving down I-10. Here are a couple of my favorite podcasts: tranquility du jour and working class foodies.

2. Yoga: I'll get to share my yoga practice with others. I'm excited that we'll be carving out time to go into downward dog, practice grounding exercises and work on our breathing. It should be fun to do yoga in the morning instead of having the rushed pace of getting ready for work this weekend.

3. Connecting with Like-Minded Women: I am always amazed by the women that I meet at this retreat. A few of the retreaters are ladies I still hang out with on a regular basis. A lot of them have done some really inspiring things (trained for the MS 150, gone on the grad school, creatively inclined) and are very humble, grounded people. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people. I heard once that you should always be aware of the new people you meet in your life. It is often a sign of inspiration and fresh new perspectives that God wants to give you in your life.

4. Nature: With weather permitting, it will be nice to have a change of scenery. It is nice to get out of the city and actually see the night sky. I also enjoy just sitting and resting outside on the grass with a good book or catching up with an old friend. I also look forward to lacing up my sneakers and running down a country road. Very, very energizing - and sure as heck, beats running on a treadmill.

5. Delicious Food: Unlike a lot of cafeterias, the food at this retreat center is always so delicious. Retreats should have wholesome, good-tasting foods. It's a must while you work on feeding your soul and body.

6. Most importantly retreating = resting: I like how retreats get you out of your usual zone of work, home, and social life. Changing environments and mixing up the people you normally hang out with are crucial steps when you are ready to do some thinking. You may find a new idea or you may get the nap you were begging for this whole week. You can relax without worrying about the chores that have to get done or the social outing you want to cram into your weekend. Stepping out of our environment helps us get a deeper connection to God and our true authentic selves.