“Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I’ll be mad.” – Rumi
In remote rural Africa, where we lived and worked for many years, life is real and raw. Death is real, but it’s the opposite of birth, not of life. Tragedy is real, and so is the deepest joy, community and spirituality.
I have always been struck by the “greyness” of life in the so-called developed world in comparison. Most of us are lucky enough to have all our physical needs met. We are healthy, educated and entertained. Yet how often do we feel that deep joy that emanates from the core of our being? How often do we feel fully supported in our local communities and fully connected to spirit? When was the last time we danced in the rain, gazed at the moon and felt the grass or the sand under our bare feet?
Now, after a particularly grey year of UK lockdowns, we can see that a life lived in fear and “safety” is taking its toll on our collective mental health. We need to be with our loved ones. We need human touch. We need to breathe fresh air full of oxygen. The human spirit is not designed to be caged.
It’s time to remember living. To find joy and freedom in our own hearts, at all times. To ground in nature and remember the essence of life and of spirituality. To live in our own integrity, within like-hearted communities which support us and share our goals and values.
Are we bold enough to live life to the fullest? To take risks and to embrace and share all the joys and sorrows along our life’s path? Can we trust that all things happen exactly as they are meant to, and that the Universe never presents us with challenges which we are not equipped to handle?
As the sun starts to shine, we are excited to be preparing for another season at Eco Retreats. We are conscious of how important taking time out deep in the forest is for our guests every year, and especially this year. Eco Retreats truly is a sanctuary for the soul and we are honoured as always to be able to play our role in enabling our guests to rejuvenate here.
Spring and summer slots are filling up fast, so please do book ahead if you would like to visit us this year.
We look forward to welcoming you here!
love
Margaret and Angus
