Mindful Moment #18 - Vacation State of Mind

Vacation State of Mind

They say the Universe only gives you as much as you can handle. But I think maybe I’ve been a little too willing to “handle” things I don’t want and didn’t ask for. Someone’s got to do the handling of things, though. Is it me? Ummm…maybe? Sometimes? But there comes a time when you have to ask the Universe for mercy.

In the past three weeks, I’ve been asked to solve some big and expensive problems while also having a vacation scheduled and kids starting back to school next week. The anxiety that I was feeling had me waking up in a panic, having to catch my breath and slow my heart that kept beating fast and hard every time I got to crunching numbers and looking at calendars. I had meetings and plans and personal appointments, stacks of paperwork, luggage to pack, reservations to make, big and small items to shop for, and “while I’m away” arrangements to make for my children, my house, my car, and my pets. It was too much.

As time keeps marching forward, though…the vacation departure date arrived. I had to deal with last minute flight cancellations and re-routings, but as the rescheduled airplane’s wheels left the runway, the stress began to ebb away. I could catch my breath. I brought my laptop with every intention of logging in to do some work, but I knew that was a foolish idea as soon as I landed at my destination.

Time disappeared. No children had to be entertained. I could just do whatever for me. For the first time in over two years, it was only me in charge of myself. I had the freedom to eat whatever I wanted, drink all night if I wanted, dance, play games, shop, swim in the ocean, or go to a show. I could have my own version of fun for four whole days! I could sleep in late! I was on “island time,” 100%.

One morning as I was luxuriating in a too cold hotel room darkened by black-out curtains and the soothing power of ibuprofen and room service breakfast, I began to wonder how I could take this vacation mindset home with me. Surely, I could conjure up this feeling of freedom and peace of mind if I wanted to, right? Of course, it then occurred to me that I could try meditation to “return” to this state of bliss, even if for a short time each day.
Join me in “settling your soul” with some intentional internal focus that will capture some of that “island time” free-spiritedness.

(Note: If you can play some ocean waves sounds for this meditation, it will add to the vacation vibe.)

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Imagine walking along a long wooden boardwalk through rolling sand dunes and salt-marsh grasses. You can smell the salty ocean air. You can hear birds in the distance as you approach the beach. You can hear the waves, but you can’t see the water yet.

The boardwalk curves and turns around an especially tall dune. Around the bend, you can suddenly see the beach! The tide is out, and the beach is wide. You have lucked into being the only one there. The sun is low in the sky, and it is nearing sunset. There are towers of brilliantly colored clouds near the horizon and a cool breeze is blowing in off the water. It’s a perfect temperature—not too hot, not too chilly.

You feel your feet in the sand. It is warm and soft and nearly white, but is reflecting the sunlight, making everything look slightly pink. You are feeling relaxed in your body and take off for the water’s edge at whatever pace you choose. The waves are crashing a fair distance from the shoreline, but the foamy edge of the water is welcoming and warm. The water is clear and turquoise blue. You decide to go into the water.

In the ocean, you are buoyant and light. You find a spot between the breakers where you can still stand, but the waves can pick you up and set you down as they move past you. It’s an exhilarating dance with the water and the sky.

You go back toward the beach and find yourself some magically complimentary huge, fluffy towels. After drying off, you decide to walk further down the beach, enjoying the sunset which is nearing the horizon. You continue to take deep, satisfying breaths of ocean air. After walking a few minutes, you begin to see a beautiful beach house perched just beyond the dunes. It is your own beach house, and you make your way up the beach to a boardwalk that leads to the porch.

On the porch, a cold tropical drink is waiting for you. You take a long, thirst-quenching drink. Also on the porch is a wide, cozy swing that is more couch than swing. You exchange the wet towel for a dry towel, and curl up on the swing. It gently rocks in the breeze. Someone inside is cooking your favorite meal and you can smell it from where you are, but you have time to lounge and soak up the sunset.

The waves sound like gentle music to your ears. Your body feels weightless and comfortably cozy. All tension is released from your body. As the sun sets below the horizon, the sky is red and orange, fading into pink and purple. You get to choose what happens next…go eat a delicious meal, go further down the beach to a local cabana that offers a fun night life, go for a late-night walk along the water as the tide rolls in, or stay just where you are, soaking in the comfort of your porch swing.

Welcome to your vacation. Stay as long as you like.

As always friends,
Namaste

-Amy

INSPIRATIONS THIS WEEK

We’re feeling inspired by these incredible and thought provoking pieces:

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