I've just returned from our eighth annual Do Nothing Retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Colorado, and I'm filled with gratitude.
Gratitude for the amazing human beings who joined us, for their openness, vulnerability, and willingness to look deeply within themselves. And gratitude for the opportunity to spend five days together, mostly in silence, slowing down, being still, and exploring what matters most in our lives.
One of our themes this year was the Eight Worldly Winds:
Pleasure and Pain
Hope and Fear
Success and Failure
Fame and Insignificance
These are experiences we all encounter throughout our lives. We explored how easily we can allow them to influence our happiness, our peace, and even how we see ourselves.
Success and failure, fame and insignificance became especially meaningful. How much of our lives do we spend striving to be successful, to be recognized, or trying to avoid failure or feeling insignificant?
And what happens when we begin to realize that none of these things define who we truly are?
As we always do, we spent time exploring the beautiful land at Drala Mountain Center and connecting with nature through the five elements: earth, air (wind), fire, water, and space.
There's something powerful about being in nature, slowing down enough to appreciate it, and remembering that we're part of it, not separate from it.
We explored how to bring all of this into our everyday lives, living more naturally with compassion, love, kindness, patience, and non-judgment, toward ourselves and others.
The group returned home with a little more peace, a deeper connection to themselves, and a greater appreciation for this precious life.
And for those of you reading this, perhaps there's an opportunity to consider:
How much of your peace depends on what's happening around you, and what might change if it didn't?
I'm already looking forward to gathering again next year. If you're interested, I'd love for you to join us at the 2027 Do Nothing Retreat and if you register before January 2027, become part of our Do Nothing Peer Group.
Wishing you lots of joy!
Much love ♥️
Rob
