The Trailhead

Bath Time Bliss!

Welcome to Mid- February! Despite the fact that today’s wind-chills make the temperature feel like 9 F, it is a beautiful, sunny day here in the Northeast and we are only 3 weeks away from the start of Spring…the robins are showing up and I even heard a red-wing blackbird’s call this morning. I’m so much more a lover of warmer climates than cold…I do love an invigorating, crisp, sunny winter day, especially with snow on the ground and I do love living in an environment where we can enjoy all 4 seasons yet… those long hot days of summer are the ones I dream of…especially at this time of year.

And I will admit… my cranky Evil Twin can emerge after we’ve experienced a long, grey cold spell…and even more likely when I’ve been put my self care on the back shelf. Normally, I am very good at walking the talk I give to my clients and retreat participants…the absolute importance of taking daily alone time for YOU…to regroup, renew, and reenergize….no matter how filled your day may be. Yet…we’ve recently moved and in the midst of buying, selling, packing, unpacking, organizing and re-organizing, there have been moments when I have not listened to my own advice. Yesterday was one of them. Sundays are almost always sacred times around the Osborne/Rader household…we do not run errands on this day…nor read emails…or do household chores or any work-related activities. …it’s a relaxing, reconnecting play-day. Yet on this most recent Sunday, when the sun was going down, I noticed some stress I was feeling…all due to the fact that I hadn’t give myself any real play or relaxation for most of the day. No need to give excuses here…I just didn’t make it happen. So…while dinner was simmering on the stove top, I shared with my husband my intense need to slip away for a little while for some ME time. What did I do? Something I haven’t done for myself in a VERY, VERY long time. I took a bath!

I know it’s on the top of the list of de-stressors. I have often heard it is a good thing and I often say to others that it’s a good thing…yet rarely do I do it for myself! (My personal favorite way to de-stress is to take a leisurely walk in the woods) But this time; the sun had set, it was cold and dark outside and I was not in the mood to bundle up and go out with my flashlight. So…I closed off the world, turned the lights low, lit my favorite scented candles, poured my favorite sunset libation, and drew a hot, steamy bath. Ahhhh….what bliss I felt when I gently eased myself into that inviting water. And after I emerged from my mini retreat of about 30 minutes… what a wonderfully peaceful mind set I experienced. Wow...this was truly a treat! Not a new concept at all…perhaps even a bit of a cliché…but who cares? It worked like a charm! And now I wonder why it took me so long to do this. So, yes…I’ll continue to practice daily self care through my forest walks, reading, yoga, and other favorite pursuits…but this bath thing is going to become a part of it…maybe not a daily thing but certainly an added treat from time to time. Who knew? Now, excuse me while I run off to purchase some bubbles and bath salts.

Challenge at the Trailhead:

This month, why not consciously set aside some daily time to incorporate your own mini-retreat? Maybe it will be that bath time…or listening to a favorite piece of music or catching up on the next chapter of a bedside novel. It could be catching up on conversation with your most positive and non-judging friend or family member. Or...it might simply be just sitting in a silent, meditative state. All you need is 15-30 minutes…if you have the luxury to give yourself an hour or more, go for it! No matter how busy your life might be…make some time for you…no excuses. Choose whatever speaks to YOU that will bring you that blissful feeling of relaxation. And let it happen!

Check out my newest retreat…It’s called ” Face Your Fears: Challenge Yourself to New Heights” and is discounted if you make your payment by March 1^st. You’ll be experiencing the Challenge Course and an exciting Zip Line ride through the treetops at Medford, NJ’s Camp Ockanickon while taking part in an inspiring PlayShop. This retreat is filling FAST….reserve your spot SOON!

Click on “2007 Outdoor Retreats” on the sidebar at www.adventurecoach.com for more info