Quantum Leaps, Sept 2013 – Part II

After a rest, it was time for my second hot tub and massage. This massage was being offered in a different room than the first, so I wanted to figure out where to dash after my soak… Of course, there were a lot of fun distractions along the way. 😉

Ah, there we go! (Note to self: have more fun decorating my own garden!!!)

The room was kind of greenhouse-like, filled with pink petunias and smelling wonderful! Then I officially met Michelle for my massage.  I don’t know whether it was just the exhaustion catching up with me… the intense energy of the place… or the healing hands and words of the therapist… but I spent the next hour releasing a lot of stuff (including several tears – talk about “hot mess”). It was a little embarrassing, a lot exhausting, but also a-mazing. Michelle said my eyes were clearer and less guarded afterward, and offered big mother-earth type hugs. <3

Back to my room to regroup a bit (read “nap”)… then it was time for the afternoon Mindfulness session. As the rain fell outside (and a little bit inside – into a singing bowl, no less), and the autumn leaves danced on the roof, we savoured pieces of delicious, salty, dark chocolate and practiced being very much in the moment… Then it was time for some more yoga.

I  managed to snap a quick photo of Tracey (on the right) after she spoke of her studies with Thich Nhat Hanh.

Time for another amazing meal – my favourite! Mushroom Cakes with Miso Gravy! SOOOO yum that I’ve tried to duplicate them myself.

A little after dinner meandering…

And then I decided to try out the evening’s Shamanic Drumming session – to get out of my comfort zone a little bit more…

It was… interesting? (Sorry, it’s a common word with me as my inner “scientist” is continually observing, testing, taking notes…) I remember my visions included hearts (which I found an abundance of, in rock form, along the river), some possible spirit animals in succession (including snake – shedding skin & transforming being the main theme), a golden/orange fish swimming (perhaps the spawning salmon I found the next day), and a “waterfall of bells” (which, honestly, I still have no idea what they are/represent, but which looked something like the below). Yeah. It was kind of “trippy”… in a good way. 😉

The next day, our third and final yoga session was challenging, given the emotional and physical exertions of the previous days. Still enjoyable, however, and followed by another lovely meal… and finally, some socializing. =P   Bottom right: founder of Quantum, Brian… his life partner and co-creator, Annette… and visiting massage therapist/chef, Michelle.

After we got our rooms ready to vacate, we went on a nature hike along the river, and saw some spawning salmon in an inlet. We also took shelter from the rain (and shared some conversation) in one of Brian’s newer creations – the stunning octagonal, straw-bale meditation house (more photos of that in Part III).

One last lunch, and the final meeting among those participants that were left (some had to take off early).

And then it was time to head home…

Thank you so very much, Quantum Leaps, for the most amazing retreat weekend! SOOOO amazing, that I’m looking forward to going back for more! But hopefully I’ll get my “big girl camera” photos edited before that. 😉