U n p l u g
... you know you want to.
There is a pace and a momentum we go through daily, a relentless march towards … what exactly?
It is different for all of us. But whatever it is, determines how we are in our world. Sadly, life can be all-consuming - we are more often on auto-pilot than piloting our days with a level of consciousness that engages us with meaningful choice. Sometimes we are carried along in the face of something that shifts our world off its axis. None of it is easy. It requires a level of consistent commitment to ourselves.
Over the weekend I went and saw the movie The Road to Patagonia. It was a beautifully layered story, and amongst other things, it was about the desire to reach a destination, only to get there and realise, despite the amazing achievement of traveling from the top of Alaska to the tip of Patagonia, what was learnt along the way was more important and life changing than reaching the end point.
In our modern, relentless, unstable world, finding the things that steady us daily, give us an anchor, and an ability to reset our internal compass; helps us to live in continued alignment, despite the fluctuations of the environment we live.
My mission for MNL has always been to help us navigate the complexities of life through practical and actionable strategies. To see life through a different lens, and with this new perspective, reframe and change trajectories for optimising our experiences. I have created pillars within our programs to live with inquiry and insight, to discern if we are orienting towards choice or conditioning, keeping us accountable to ourselves.
The tempo of our days makes it hard to slow down at the times we need to, in order to gather ourselves. We keep powering through, trying to bypass the messier seasons. Sound familiar?
What we need is a lengthy pit stop, a quiet bench to sit on, a moment of silence to let the tears roll and thoughts take shape.
Fearne Cotton
Taking a step off the treadmill not just assists in marinating in and moving through an emotional experience, but is also the foundation of a creative life.
I have, what I hope to be, a regular collaboration coming up with a brand new, recently opened, super special place….
Let me introduce you to…. ( drum roll please)
Budgalong Lodge at Spicers Creek
Budgalong Lodge has been built with love and attention to detail, with 2 tented camps nestled atop a ridge separate from each other, it is a place where you can literally disconnect from the world for a few days.
I am excited to offer a Quiet Retreat for those who wish to:
write, research or work on a project;
paint, knit, sculpt, read;
Simply REST
Normally on retreat I would offer interactive sessions. But this space is perfect to decompress and create, so my input is minimal. I do provide the food, and a morning stretch session to facilitate clarity in mind and ease in body, so you can focus on a creative project or simply help to release stress in order to rest, lie on a beanbag and read a book.
But mostly it is an opportunity for you to reclaim time for you. To be immersed in nature, be nourished with food based on wholefood principles, and find space for you. We will have a simple communal gathering for dinner, around the fire, and an in-room recorded guided relaxation session will be available at the end of the day.
There are only 3 spots for each retreat - great for those seeking true quiet and for the introverts amongst us. Our aim is for you to nourish & nurture your inner landscape to support you in your outer world.
It is such a beautiful place to recalibrate. I know you are really going to love this place if it is a little bit of “me time” you seek. So even if you don’t want to do the retreat format, maybe gather your friends ( or go alone!) and book it now - there is a Winter Special on at the moment.
To register your interest for a 3 day Quiet Retreat, or for more information please message me
Take a look at Budgalong Lodge Website HERE.
(Photo Credit: Stephanie Hunter)
Finding your inner GPS
I understand how hard it is sometimes to find the energy to be part of the world when you feel so depleted. Truly I do. Many of my students and people I coach tell me how frazzled they are. Life does that to us. Saying YES to all the things that help us to help ourselves is imperative. My go-to’s involve moving…getting outside rain or shine and walking. Or I put some music on, or a podcast that will make me laugh, or I cook.
Sometimes it is the simple things that cost nothing but have an ability to shift us out of the funk. And then we can find places to go away to that get us off the grid for some time and space and freedom.
Make a pact to disconnect and decompress for your mental and emotional wellbeing regularly.
Unplug…you know you want to.
Thank you for being here
Until next time, have a good week
Mon x
A few weeks ago I held a day retreat to nurture some weary souls with Jillie at Coolah Creek - you can see a little highlight reel above. These retreats are more guided and interactive than the one on offer at Budgalong.