Meditation Retreat

[genko_b]

For the next week or so I won't be able to get online much because starting Saturday I'll be in an intensive meditation retreat for a week, something I do 4 - 6 times a year. Sitting on a cushion on the floor for hours is not everyone's cup of tea, I know, but there are many other ways to get a similar effect of stress reduction and perspective on things. I also do Tai Chi, which is slow moving meditations from the martial arts, and they help with the balance as well. None of this is a substitute for the medications we take or a cure for Sjogren's but it does help me to manage better.

If you haven't had a chance yet, feel free to look at the pictures from my recent trip to Greece, which are on Flickr at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/genko_b/

It was sunny and hot - I had my hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and cane with me everywhere - but absolutely worth it to be able to see this part of the world. I hope you enjoy it vicariously too. We won't be able to do a trip like that again for a while, so enjoy it with me (definitely the Greek Islands need to be part of the Sjogren's cruise).

Genko

[Pooh]

Genko,
Enjoy your retreat and relax.  It sounds heavenly and peaceful.  Take care and let us know when you return. 

Pooh 

[pudmott]

Genko im insanely jealous. i wanna come meditate too. i have a shrine at home but to do a retreat would be lush.

im going to Greece now. yu enjoy yourself see you nice & refreshed in a week or so

pud

[Scottietottie]

Hi Genko 

I hope you have a peaceful and meaningful break. Cya when you get back.

Take care - Scottie 

[SeaBreeze]

Genko, my goodness your pics are absolutely beautiful.. Are you a professional photographer ? If not, you should be..
I enjoyed the escape... Claire is adorable and that shot at the aquairium was really cool... Thanks for the escape !
Enjoy your retreat...

[genko_b]

Thank you, Seabreeze. No I'm not a professional, in fact, I just use a point and shoot film camera I've had for years and scan the pictures onto the site. My daughter Rachel (the first picture on the site) does do professional photography as a sideline though. She is the one who took the pictures of Claire, her corgi, and of our son and his fiancee at the aquarium.

The pictures are a great escape for me as well. I know I'll be looking at them when it is cold, dark, and rainy this winter!

Genko

[wen.uk]

Oh Genko what bliss, you have certainly wet my appetite for something similar.  Hope you have a fabulous time and let us know all about it when you return.

Perhap that's a little joint business venture for us all - a Sjoggi retreat mmmmm !!!!

[pudmott]

Great idea wen tho we gotta make sure there's complimentary moisture supplements in every area. MAybe we could source biotene and systane as sponsers


Pud

[genko_b]

Hi folks, I'm back from the retreat. It went very well - 18 of us sitting and working together for a week. It runs from 5 in the morning to 9 at night every day, which is pretty exhausting even for those in good health. But we all felt it was worth it. Now once again I'm wading through the posts, trying to get caught up.

Hope all is well.

Genko

[Sjenny]

Genko:

Thanks so much for sharing the beautiful pictures!  It makes me want to go Greece myself.  My grandparents on my dad's side immigrated to the US from different parts of Greece.

Sue

[SeaBreeze]

Welcome back Genko I'm glad it was a good time for you.  It sounds very empowering to elevate your conscienceness in a group like that, that kind of vibration would give me a headache    ... how wonderful for you. It sounds like you had long days into the evenings... but a 'good' tired... hope you have a smooth transition...

[Scottietottie]

Welcome back Genko. Those sound like long days indeed. I'm glad you enjoyed the experience.

Take care - Scottie 

[pudmott]

Hey genko,
Welcome back buddy. Im glad you had a good time. I'd love to hear more about it when you have a chance. It sounds great


Pud

[Pooh]

Welcome back Genko, so glad to hear it was a success.  I'm sure the tranquility and peace were very soul restoring.  The days sounded long but I bet they went swiftly. 

Wading through the posts will give you something to do for the next week, however, don't do it from dawn to dusk.   Take your time and let us know your valuable thoughts. 

Welcome back,

Pooh