Dear Friends,

I continue my “reentry” from the 100% spiritual to the material world full of responsibilities. I am doing my best to pause and be present. 

But it’s not easy!

I am determined to bring aspects of my retreat lifestyle to my everyday life. Yet old habits die hard…

For many reasons, I formed a bad habit of binge working. I think it started when I entered fourth grade. At nine years old, I knew my grades mattered that year -determining which class I’d be placed: 5A1-4 or 5B1-4. 

Talk about instant labeling! So damaging!

As a youngster, grade and class designation began to form for me a good habit of achievement and a bad one of fear of failure. I worked diligently and received all “E’s” (excellent) except for one S (satisfactory) for gym class! From there, I built my life around upon the safe, rewarding fortress of study.

I was saved from complete isolation when I took up the flute in grade 6, playing in concert and marching bands throughout middle school and high school. Reflecting upon the Retreat lifestyle, I realize for me it reflects an ideal balance of solitude and community.

I felt similarly playing flute or piccolo in band, where I contributed individually and collectively to our musical performances. I made some great friends, sharing many laughs while on band “tours!”

I also felt this way in the knitting circle that I joined with my older sister. I didn’t get a lot of knitting done, but I loved hanging out with older girls! For a ten-year-old talking to a fourteen-year-old- well, it’s a big deal! That NEVER happened in the age-specific organization of schools. 

Some underlying social rules told us that it wasn’t cool to hang with kids younger than you.

Even my older sister and I got along during knitting class!

So knitting and band helped me get out of my seriously isolated intellectual shell – and have fun with others younger and older than one’s self. 

I still struggle with finding that balance and am working on creating that intergenerational community this year…online! Stay tuned for the School of Storied Stitching!

Peace!

PS: Do you have a similar story? 
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