After leaving New York, I spent 3-1/2 weeks in Chicago. It was delightful to have lots of play time with my two grandsons. They are such a joy and keep me young and age me all at the same time.
During that time I attended my 50th High School reunion, which far exceeded my expectations. It took place in Birmingham, MI and was a weekend filled with fun activities. The milestone year helped bring out some who had never attended a reunion before. It really was a magical weekend and we were all having fun dancing to old music and laughing over old stories from high school.
To continue my journey I hopped on a plane to San Francisco and continued on to northern California to visit family and friends.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Two weeks after Omega
I left Omega 2 weeks ago on a train to NYC, which was a nice slow departure plus the view along the Hudson River is quite beautiful and still helped me feel connected to Omega. My visit with Kim was way too short and then I was on the train again headed for Chicago. Train travel is its own unique adventure. Sometimes they announce dining hours and other pertinent information and sometimes they don't. Go figure!
The most incredible thing happened when I arrived at Union Station. I hadn't even left the train yet & someone was calling my name. Turns out my Redcap from my outbound trip wrote down my name & arrival date & met me at the train with a cart for me & my luggage. Talk about nice service.
It is so noisy here in Chicago and I am still a bit out of sorts. However, the great hugs & kisses from my grandsons has made the transition much easier. I am happy to spend as much time with Greg & family as I can while I plan my next travels. Next is my big 50th high school reunion next weekend, so I'll plan to update my blog after that.
I feel the Omega effect in my life each day and try to stay present. One of my favorite things is just to walk everywhere like I did at Omega. Today I walked about 5 miles round trip to two grocery stores. Lucky for me the weather is beautiful. It is wonderful catching up with friends here, but I miss my Omega friends too. Oh well, such is life!
The most incredible thing happened when I arrived at Union Station. I hadn't even left the train yet & someone was calling my name. Turns out my Redcap from my outbound trip wrote down my name & arrival date & met me at the train with a cart for me & my luggage. Talk about nice service.
It is so noisy here in Chicago and I am still a bit out of sorts. However, the great hugs & kisses from my grandsons has made the transition much easier. I am happy to spend as much time with Greg & family as I can while I plan my next travels. Next is my big 50th high school reunion next weekend, so I'll plan to update my blog after that.
I feel the Omega effect in my life each day and try to stay present. One of my favorite things is just to walk everywhere like I did at Omega. Today I walked about 5 miles round trip to two grocery stores. Lucky for me the weather is beautiful. It is wonderful catching up with friends here, but I miss my Omega friends too. Oh well, such is life!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Reflections on my final week at Omega
The conversation heard many times, "how can 7 weeks go so fast, but how come I feel like I've known these people for years".
One of the many gifts received here is to slow down and listen to the many messages being sent our way. It happens everywhere, I'm sure, but we are so busy filling our heads with the daily minutia that we can't hear the important messages. There are so many examples of that happening at Omega that when it happens, we just smile and say, "that's Omega".
To give you an example - my friend, Maria, was going to visit Montreal for a few days and had never been there. I met a guest, Annie, one night at work from Montreal and mentioned that Maria was going there & that I wished they could meet so she could tell Maria what to see & do there. Several times during the week I tried to find Annie in the dining hall so they could meet, but couldn't find her. Finally I just decided to let it go and that it would happen when it was supposed to. A few days later it happened that they were both there so I could introduce them & Annie told Maria all the great things to do in Montreal. Also, gave her email to get in touch while there. When Maria returned to Omega she said the best part of her trip were the things Annie had told her about & that they even met for dinner one night. Amazing!
I know you can all see by now that my Omega adventure turned out to be an incredible experience and has changed the way I may live the next couple of years. Stay tuned . . .
One of the many gifts received here is to slow down and listen to the many messages being sent our way. It happens everywhere, I'm sure, but we are so busy filling our heads with the daily minutia that we can't hear the important messages. There are so many examples of that happening at Omega that when it happens, we just smile and say, "that's Omega".
To give you an example - my friend, Maria, was going to visit Montreal for a few days and had never been there. I met a guest, Annie, one night at work from Montreal and mentioned that Maria was going there & that I wished they could meet so she could tell Maria what to see & do there. Several times during the week I tried to find Annie in the dining hall so they could meet, but couldn't find her. Finally I just decided to let it go and that it would happen when it was supposed to. A few days later it happened that they were both there so I could introduce them & Annie told Maria all the great things to do in Montreal. Also, gave her email to get in touch while there. When Maria returned to Omega she said the best part of her trip were the things Annie had told her about & that they even met for dinner one night. Amazing!
I know you can all see by now that my Omega adventure turned out to be an incredible experience and has changed the way I may live the next couple of years. Stay tuned . . .
Monday, August 8, 2011
Being still is not the same as "doing nothing"
and other things learned at Omega:
- How to love myself first, so I can love others unconditionally
- Patience - how to wait in line and remember that one person's time is not more important than anothers
- Judgment - this is the purest example of a non-judgmental community
- That one person CAN make a difference
Namaste
- How to love myself first, so I can love others unconditionally
- Patience - how to wait in line and remember that one person's time is not more important than anothers
- Judgment - this is the purest example of a non-judgmental community
- That one person CAN make a difference
Namaste
Thursday, August 4, 2011
It's August and the time is flying by
The highlight of this week was that Kim came up for a 2-day visit to experience what my life at Omega is like. She blended right into my life here starting with lunch in the dining hall. Our first day ended with our uphill climb to my 3-hour yoga class, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Followed by a stop at the Cafe for cookies & social time with friends. By the time she left at noon on Wednesday, we had toured the campus, she slept in my tent and we canoed on the lake, did Reiki, etc. The Omega effect took hold of her and she didn't want to leave.
We also attended a workshop sampler where we learned another powerful meditation, which I will share with you here:
May you be Content
May you be Safe
May you be Strong
May you live a life of Ease
We also attended a workshop sampler where we learned another powerful meditation, which I will share with you here:
May you be Content
May you be Safe
May you be Strong
May you live a life of Ease
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Woodstock & more . . .
Well, I finally made it to Woodstock - 42 years late, but I got there. You can feel the hippie energy as though it was yesterday. It is a charming town that I was fortunate to get to visit the other day with a former Omega guest.
But, let's go back . . .the week began with a session on "awakening your authentic soul" with Panache Desai and ended with "yoga nidra" with Yogi Amrit Desai. Quite powerful experiences!
That led right into my 3-day workshop with Brian Weiss, MD. I have been a fan for a very long time and have to say that I was thrilled to be part of it. He led three past-life regressions and several other intuitive exercises. There isn't enough room here to explain how amazing it was, but if you read, "Many Lives, Many Masters" it will help you to understand what he has learned and shared with his readers. Then, if you want to know more, read "Same Soul, Many Bodies".
But, let's go back . . .the week began with a session on "awakening your authentic soul" with Panache Desai and ended with "yoga nidra" with Yogi Amrit Desai. Quite powerful experiences!
That led right into my 3-day workshop with Brian Weiss, MD. I have been a fan for a very long time and have to say that I was thrilled to be part of it. He led three past-life regressions and several other intuitive exercises. There isn't enough room here to explain how amazing it was, but if you read, "Many Lives, Many Masters" it will help you to understand what he has learned and shared with his readers. Then, if you want to know more, read "Same Soul, Many Bodies".
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Can't believe I've been here for 3 weeks already!
The abundance of classes available to seasonal staff here is incredible. I have taken Reiki Magic, Group Vortex healing, toning, meditation, restorative yoga, mandela drawing, etc.
Last week we started our seasonal workshops & mine is "Beginning Yoga" with Gillian. She has a soft voice & slightly British accent, which helps create a warm and welcoming environment in our classroom. The biggest challenge is that our class meets in Hill House. It is aptly named because it is the highest point on campus. There are 2 ways to get there - the short way is a crooked path through the woods. I did it once going up, but knew better then to try going down the same way. The other option is a long walk uphill winding through the campgrounds over rocks & tree roots, which is the one we use. My friend, Judy (no really, another Judy), who is taking yoga also & I walk up & down together. Class meets from 7-10 p.m. every Monday & Wednesday, so it is pitch black on our descent. Lucky we have flashlights. We figure by the end of the session, it will seem really easy.
Today is my day off so I headed to the lake and found an empty hammock in which to read my book. Hope you are enjoying your day as well.
Last week we started our seasonal workshops & mine is "Beginning Yoga" with Gillian. She has a soft voice & slightly British accent, which helps create a warm and welcoming environment in our classroom. The biggest challenge is that our class meets in Hill House. It is aptly named because it is the highest point on campus. There are 2 ways to get there - the short way is a crooked path through the woods. I did it once going up, but knew better then to try going down the same way. The other option is a long walk uphill winding through the campgrounds over rocks & tree roots, which is the one we use. My friend, Judy (no really, another Judy), who is taking yoga also & I walk up & down together. Class meets from 7-10 p.m. every Monday & Wednesday, so it is pitch black on our descent. Lucky we have flashlights. We figure by the end of the session, it will seem really easy.
Today is my day off so I headed to the lake and found an empty hammock in which to read my book. Hope you are enjoying your day as well.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Things I Love about being at Omega
- You make many new friends of all ages
- You never hear arguing, fighting or swearing
- We go barefoot in all our classes
- The fabulous vegetarian meals
- Waking up to the chirping birds
- That there are no sirens or horns honking
- That is helps me realize how happy I am to be in my 60's and not in my 20's!
- You never hear arguing, fighting or swearing
- We go barefoot in all our classes
- The fabulous vegetarian meals
- Waking up to the chirping birds
- That there are no sirens or horns honking
- That is helps me realize how happy I am to be in my 60's and not in my 20's!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Reflections on Week Two
First of all, I can't believe I have already been here for 2 weeks. The time is really flying by and I believe it will be sad to leave this amazing place. The other day I said that the reason time is flying is that it takes so long to do everything when you live in a tent. Just to go take a shower is like packing for an overnight trip. You can't forget your towel, etc. or "oh well".
One of the many joys of being here is how kind everyone is from permanent staff to seasonal staff and guests. We are all on our own journey and trying to figure out what form that will take. The other day I went into the Art Hut for a Mandela class because I wanted to find out what it was and how to make one. Now my artistic training ended in elementary school and that is about the level that my mandela project took. However, when I put it on the bulletin board, someone found something nice to say about it.
It is also fascinating how many random conversations take place everyday. I am enrolled in a workshop with Brian Weiss, M.D. on July 22-24 and am thrilled to have this opportunity since I have read a couple of his books. Well, the other day a woman who is also a seasonal staff person like me and whom I have had a few brief conversations with, sat down next to me at breakfast. Immediately, she started talking about Brian Weiss and how kind and approachable he is and that she had been to several of his workshops. Now she didn't even know that I had signed up for his workshop. Then she left the table and I haven't seen her for a couple of days. And that just the way things happen here.
In closing I want to share something with you from my morning meditation sessions. We have a segment called "loving kindness" and I wish this for all of you. It goes like this: "May you be filled with loving kindness. May you be held in loving kindness. May you accept yourself just the way you are."
One of the many joys of being here is how kind everyone is from permanent staff to seasonal staff and guests. We are all on our own journey and trying to figure out what form that will take. The other day I went into the Art Hut for a Mandela class because I wanted to find out what it was and how to make one. Now my artistic training ended in elementary school and that is about the level that my mandela project took. However, when I put it on the bulletin board, someone found something nice to say about it.
It is also fascinating how many random conversations take place everyday. I am enrolled in a workshop with Brian Weiss, M.D. on July 22-24 and am thrilled to have this opportunity since I have read a couple of his books. Well, the other day a woman who is also a seasonal staff person like me and whom I have had a few brief conversations with, sat down next to me at breakfast. Immediately, she started talking about Brian Weiss and how kind and approachable he is and that she had been to several of his workshops. Now she didn't even know that I had signed up for his workshop. Then she left the table and I haven't seen her for a couple of days. And that just the way things happen here.
In closing I want to share something with you from my morning meditation sessions. We have a segment called "loving kindness" and I wish this for all of you. It goes like this: "May you be filled with loving kindness. May you be held in loving kindness. May you accept yourself just the way you are."
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Reflections on Week One
It feels like I've been dropped in Paradise. Life on campus is relaxing and easy. That could be because we are living very simple lives. When you live in a tent you can't bring much along.
What a treat to have delicious vegetarian meals 3/day and then not have to even wash the dishes. I am working in Reception checking guests in when they arrive on campus. It is very busy and long hours (Noon-9p.m.) on both Friday and Sunday when guests arrive. Our dinners are delivered and we have 15 minutes to eat. I love it! The people who come here for workshops are so interesting and I enjoy helping them find their way around.
After that I work half days on Mondays and Saturdays in Housekeeping. The rest of the time is mine to partake of any or all the activities. The perks of this job are incredible. Our staff dining hall has daily calendars listing all the classes we can take. They range from meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc. and are available all day long.
Looking back over this first week I can't believe that is how short a time I have been here. I remember how scared I was on my 2nd night with the thunder and lightening happening all around us in the woods. And then the next morning at breakfast my tea tag read, "You must know that you can swim through every tide and change of time". Certainly something for us all to remember.
What a treat to have delicious vegetarian meals 3/day and then not have to even wash the dishes. I am working in Reception checking guests in when they arrive on campus. It is very busy and long hours (Noon-9p.m.) on both Friday and Sunday when guests arrive. Our dinners are delivered and we have 15 minutes to eat. I love it! The people who come here for workshops are so interesting and I enjoy helping them find their way around.
After that I work half days on Mondays and Saturdays in Housekeeping. The rest of the time is mine to partake of any or all the activities. The perks of this job are incredible. Our staff dining hall has daily calendars listing all the classes we can take. They range from meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc. and are available all day long.
Looking back over this first week I can't believe that is how short a time I have been here. I remember how scared I was on my 2nd night with the thunder and lightening happening all around us in the woods. And then the next morning at breakfast my tea tag read, "You must know that you can swim through every tide and change of time". Certainly something for us all to remember.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Week One at Omega
I arrived on Monday, June 27 by train with many duffle bags, etc. Travel days are always most challenging, but this one was quite easy. Several of us arrived together on the train from Manhattan, so we already got acquainted on the van ride in. What beautiful countryside - very lush from all the rain.
The serenity and friendliness greets you immediately and helps one relax. My tent was already setup so I only had to unpack and arrange my tent space. That doesn't take very long given the 8x8 ft. dimensions. When I figure out how to post photos to my blog from my iphone, I will provide visuals.
After an amazing vegetarian dinner, we were entertained with a Welcome Night where we all played lots of games until we felt like we had been here for months. Then time to find my tent for the night. Even with my flashlight, I managed to get lost but eventually found my way. Sleeping in the tent is quite comfortable.
Day two was orientation and that lasted until mid-afternoon. Quite helpful. Took a wonderful yoga class after dinner and then back to the tent. Night two was a bit different as we had a tremendous lightening & thunder storm. My tent stayed together and didn't leak, so all is good. Tomorrow I start work, so I'll update more later.
The serenity and friendliness greets you immediately and helps one relax. My tent was already setup so I only had to unpack and arrange my tent space. That doesn't take very long given the 8x8 ft. dimensions. When I figure out how to post photos to my blog from my iphone, I will provide visuals.
After an amazing vegetarian dinner, we were entertained with a Welcome Night where we all played lots of games until we felt like we had been here for months. Then time to find my tent for the night. Even with my flashlight, I managed to get lost but eventually found my way. Sleeping in the tent is quite comfortable.
Day two was orientation and that lasted until mid-afternoon. Quite helpful. Took a wonderful yoga class after dinner and then back to the tent. Night two was a bit different as we had a tremendous lightening & thunder storm. My tent stayed together and didn't leak, so all is good. Tomorrow I start work, so I'll update more later.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
4 days to go
New York City has been amazing and spending time with my daughter, Kim, is a real gift! I love that everytime I visit, I find something else to love here. Great pizza in Brooklyn - Franny's and Saranghina were both fabulous! Running & walking the Hudson River Park is beautiful and gives you a completely different view of this great city. It runs from Battery Park and continues all the way up the west side until it connects to Riverside Park.
Glad to have these 3 weeks to prepare for the next step of my journey. You wouldn't think it would require much planning to live in a tent for 7 weeks, but they do recommend plastic bins to keep the rain & wild animals away. Monday, June 27, I will train to Rhinebeck and the Omega Institute. To be continued . . .
Glad to have these 3 weeks to prepare for the next step of my journey. You wouldn't think it would require much planning to live in a tent for 7 weeks, but they do recommend plastic bins to keep the rain & wild animals away. Monday, June 27, I will train to Rhinebeck and the Omega Institute. To be continued . . .
Monday, June 20, 2011
Countdown Week
One week from today I head to Omega. It's been such fun living in New York with my daughter & exploring this great city. This week I will finish up packing for life in a tent. Hope the rain stops in Rhinebeck when I arrive.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Haven't even begun . . .
O.K. so here it is! Everyone wants me to blog, so I'm going to figure this out. This is my first try, so we'll see what happens.
I have 10 days until I leave on the "Lake Shore Limited" train for NYC! Somehow, I am strangely calm. Whatever gets done - will, and the rest - won't.
I have 10 days until I leave on the "Lake Shore Limited" train for NYC! Somehow, I am strangely calm. Whatever gets done - will, and the rest - won't.
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