Vacation State of Mind

In a few days I will be packing up the girls and heading out of town for a week at the beach with my family. This was the vacation I knew as a child, and the tradition continues with the next generation, which is very special (and very generous of my mom and dad!).

Cape Cod, MA (last year)

What I’m looking forward to the most is the sensation of moving at a much slower pace, disconnecting from the chores and busyness of our days, and having a vacation state of mind...

Relaxation is a priority; there is nothing to rush to; there is no place that you must be, other than right here, right now, in this moment.

Granted, we are not a family that rushes to many places, because I purposely limit our commitments, but I will admit to experiencing a great deal of rushing within my own mind. I am constantly working through a to-do list and worrying about how to best use the spare moments of my days.  For me, a vacation state of mind will help quiet that inner chatter and encourage mindfulness.

While I'm away, I will try to let go of extraneous thoughts and bring my attention back to the present moment. I want to respond to my children with my full attention. I want to experience the beauty of my surroundings, the joy of my family around me and the deliciousness of each meal. This will be my own little mindfulness retreat.

And when my retreat is over, I hope to carry some of its lessons home with me. I will have to unload the car, and unpack the suitcase, and do the laundry and turn on the computer and get back into the swing of things….but not. so. fast. Let me hold my vacation state of mind a little longer. Let me remain fully engaged in the moments of the days that follow, too.

I will be away from this space for the week, but look forward to meeting you back here with some reflections on my mindfulness retreat!