From CHAPTER 11, "Beyond CLARITY QUEST: Your New Frontier" The embers were still warm and glowing softly. The fire that had blazed so brightly was fading. It was the last night I would spend in this high mountain place, and I was reluctant to go to bed. I watched the embers flicker and stirred the coals, trying to reignite the flame. I tried to remember its warmth and wondered if I would recall the magic of this place when I returned home. Would the new trails I'd discovered and the new things I'd learned still be real for me? I gazed at the embers for a good long while. Eventually a voice answered. I hardly recognized it as my own. "Store the memories in your heart and go there often. Everything you need to remember is stored deep within." -- Journal Entry

REVITALIZATION WEEKEND

Quarterly tune-ups -- planned weekend getaways -- help you get away from life's fast pace so that you can relax and renew your whole system. A weekend "away from it all" can work like magic, completely revitalizing your mind, body, and spirit. It's a wonderful antidote to a hectic schedule and lifestyle.

The following stay-at-home revitalization weekend was designed to tune your body, mind, and spirit and leave you uplifted and energized.

Preparation

• Buy groceries and supplies -- foods that will cleanse your system, such as fruits, vegetables, brown rice, whole grain breads, and juices.
• Buy an inspirational book and rent inspirational videotapes (two or three) and a yoga or stretch videotape. Try not to read or listen to the news.
• Schedule a massage for Saturday. Many cities have massage schools that offer low-cost treatments.
• Make sure you have bath oils and soothing, relaxing music on hand.

Saturday

• Meditate.
• Have breakfast.
• Go on an early-morning walk (at least 3 to 5 miles). Try to walk in an area that's quiet and peaceful.
• Do yoga or stretching exercises.
• Have a light lunch.
• Take a nap.
• Take a Beauty break.
• Have a massage.
• Enjoy a candlelight dinner. Put on relaxing music. Light candles.
• Watch a videotape or read your book.
• Take a warm soothing bath. Again, light candles and put on relaxing music.
• Meditate and drift to sleep.

Sunday

• Meditate.
• Watch an inspirational videotape in bed or read.
• Do yoga or stretching exercises.
• Have a light lunch.
• Take a long walk. Practice Silence and Solitude.
• Take a nap.
• Write love letters to friends. Express gratitude for their friendship and love.
• Have an early candlelight dinner.
• Watch a videotape or read.
• Meditate.
• Express gratitude for the weekend and for the good things happening to you.
• Go to bed early.

Whatever form of escape that you choose, try to "get away" into a stress-free, nurturing environment at least once a quarter. This is different from a regular vacation. Noisy, crowded places can wreck havoc with your nerves and consume a lot of energy.

Planning a relaxation and renewal weekend helps to refill the well. After a weekend "away" you'll feel rested, recharged, and ready to take on the world. Enjoy!

Web Master http://www.ammondson.com/cq_ch11.htm 1119

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