R & R

Sometimes you just have to take some time to yourself.

In Rhode Island there is this wonderful place that is part of the state university called the Environmental Education Center at the W. Alton Jones Campus. It's in a more remote section of the state, and is used for teaching students in the environmental education program. It is also used for camps, including summer and school vacation camps for kids, environmental field trips for schools, and a great program called "Women's Wilderness Weekend." also known as "WWW."

I've been attending WWW for many years, and have always found this to be a great way to recharge; I have friends there that I only see at the weekends, we get fed fabulous food, and we don't have to do the dishes afterward. What more could I ask for? Well there are great workshops to participate in, and I always learn something new, like how to make jewelry, or how to orienteer in the woods with a compass. I didn't go to the weekend this time, but I yesterday I went out to teach a class on pairing food and wine. We had a lot of fun, and it was good to visit with friends for the afternoon.

If you aren't too far from Rhode Island consider the option of a vacation for your kids or yourself (there is a men's weekend too) in this beautiful place. Here's a picture to make you want to visit:

There is a technique in Zen meditation where you pay very close attention to whatever simple, ordinary task you are doing as a way of helping you to maintain focus. This type of training exercise for the brain can assist you to stop the racing, "what if" thoughts that cause many of us so much anxiety in life. Cooking is a perfect way to practice this technique, because there are so many colors and textures to focus on. It also helps you to keep from cutting off the end of your finger!

If you are a person who needs an opportunity to learn to manage stress better, I would recommend books by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and the resources available from the Center For Mindfuless at UMass Medical Center.

Laurie


There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross