What A Difference A Week Makes
A week after being at Disney World with my daughter at Nationals for Irish Dance competition, I was at Kripalu, the yoga and retreat center in Stockbridge, Massachussetts. As I sat in the cafeteria enjoying the silent meal that breakfast is designated as daily, I was struck by the vast difference between where I was and where I had been a week earlier.
At Disney, I was in a cafeteria setting for breakfast. It was far from silent. As I searched for a healthy option, my daughter’s breakfast (and everyone else’s around her for that matter) was heaped with a pile of greasy bacon. The majority of the people ranged from mildly overweight to grossly obese and their food choices reflected it. Soda was prevalent as a morning beverage. Fashions were T-shirt based and multi-themed. There was a frenetic energy and excitement in the air.
Breakfast at Kripalu was peaceful and as I said, quiet. For a very spiritual setting, there were only a couple of Buddha bellies, all other bodies ranged from beautifully toned to consciously attempting to become so. There was no bacon and brown rice filled many a plate. Caffeine was not in great supply. It came only in Green Tea. Fashion ranged from hiking wear to yoga wear and nobody stood out in any obvious way. The energy was calm and most motions seems purposeful.
It was so odd to suddenly be struck by the contrast in my week. I had a good time in both places. I am trying to refrain from judgment and just offer an observation, but it was truly like visiting two different lands like you might do at Disney. Instead of Tomorrow Land and Frontier Land it was like having been in Consciousville vs. Unconsciouville. So much for not judging!
I can do both ‘villes’ for sure, but I can say with certainty that I could sustain my sanity much more easily in Consciousville. It felt better and seemed like better fuel for the long run.
What kind of atmosphere sustains you for the long run?
July 15th, 2010 at 10:06 am
I love your ability to share what yuo see through your eyes and allow me to actually see it too!
July 15th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Thanks, Honey! Glad it resonated enough to respond.
July 15th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Consciousville!!! In a heartbeat.
I have consciousville when I am alone working or not working…..and unconsciousville hits when my crazy kidlets are underfoot!!!
July 16th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I hear you Jill. It takes a singular focus to remain conscious and kidlets demand singular focus times how many you have—-oh, my head hurts just thinking about it.
July 19th, 2010 at 8:14 am
I recently read ‘Island’ by Aldous Huxley. In the story, the community on the island of Pala have an alternative way of saying Grace before a meal – they all eat their first mouthful in complete silence. They take time to chew properly and they pay attention to the taste, texture and sensation of the food, giving thanks for the nourishment it is providing them with. When everyone at the table has swallowed this first mouthful the group can go ahead and chat and continue with their meal. I think this is a wonderful and simple way to bring mindfullness to what we are putting into our bodies. Certainly food for thought
July 19th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Very coo, Sarah. Thanks for sharing. That ritual is what I love about silent meals at Kripalu. I may just be suggesting that exercise at home. Nice!