Hello,
I’ve been in the midst of digesting an editorial letter on a manuscript I sent in for editing. The information was a lot to process and there’s a ton of work in front of me. I’ve felt overwhelmed with the task of rewriting and revision.
Feeling overwhelmed happens to all of us. Sometimes it’s the kids, or bills, or relatives, or your job and sometimes it’s a combination of all of the above.
Whenever I feel my mind swamped, I need to step back, for my own sanity.
June is a good month to reinvigorate and revitalize.
Some people can’t take a costly vacation so Staycations are good ways to do something different as well as refresh yourself.
This month, I found a few ways to relax:
One Saturday was Global Wellness Day. The Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara offered free classes all day:
Meditation on the bluff, yoga, Tai Chi, and Brazilian Capoeira. Not that I did the Capoeira. A highlight of the day was also receiving a reduced price for the spa day pass to use the pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and serenity room filled with teas, fruit, nuts, and cushy sofas.
A walk on the beach helped me to further relax.
Another day, I used a Christmas gift coupon I hadn’t made time for. This is the Salt Caves in Santa Barbara.
The caves are made from 45 tons of 250 million-year-old pure Himalayan salt. We took off our shoes, entered the darkened cave and reclined on comfortable chairs. Meditation music is piped in for forty-five minutes. The salt is said to stimulate wellness and healing. Blissful.
The next week, I retired to my backyard and took in the colors of the garden, the sounds of birds, smelled the roses and felt reflective. I jotted down a poem.
Hover of beating wings flit between blossoms
Flutters of orange dance above purple sage
Bumblebees disappear into white throats of lilies
Gardens, never silent, ever hopeful
After these mini-retreats I feel uplifted and ready to tackle the edit letter and line edits. My mind is refreshed and I’m “ever hopeful.”
Have you taken a staycation this month?
See you in July!
alvaradofrazier.com 
I love the idea of a mini-retreat. I find those whenever I play disc golf, actually. Especially as the seasons change. Love your photos, too.
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Disc golf? I don’t know what that is but as long as you feel better and ready to take on the challenges. Thanks for stopping by.
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Disc golf is the sport of paupers, Alvarado. It’s a walk in the woods spoiled by discs of plastic. But I love it.
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Wonderful ideas. I especially like the one about seeking rest and peace in the backyard garden. I do it all the time, and it was the idea I expanded on when I wrote my “Soul Spring Magic” story. If you have the time, you might enjoy it. (http://jamesclarkthenextiteration.wordpress.com/2017/04/28/soul-spring-magic/)
Thanks for a very peaceful, restful, and helpful post.
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I did read your post and enjoyed your words. Thank you for commenting.
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This post was like a mini-retreat. I enjoyed my visit to your garden, to the salt cave and to the spa, I’m sure you must feel refreshed and ready to get on with the work 🙂
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You know, each time you post about the hillsides around your neck of the woods, I get that same feeling of refreshment. Thanks for stopping by.
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Agree with Andrea, above. Your post and photos made a mini retreat for me 🙂
I see what you mean about the overwhelming feeling when editing a novel. I wish you to stay focused and relaxed. Good vibes your way.
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That’s a good option for those who can’t take a vacation. That yoga class certainly looks interesting with the great views around.
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