Rather than chasing Happiness, the Buddhist philosophy suggests that we simply let go of that what makes us unhappy.
The very notion of chasing something has a sense of urgency about it. With Urgency comes anxiety, and of course with anxiety comes illness and with illness comes unhappiness.
Sarah writes:
I’ve just completed a 7 day stay at the Golden Door Health Retreat in Queensland and would recommend it to anyone.
At the Golden Door they give each participant the gift of time. Time away from our busy lives to reflect and refocus on those things in our lives that we need to reassess.
The intake of 37 were varied in age and life experiences. We varied in the goals we wanted to achieve in the week and we varied in our expectations – but no one left disappointed.
There were those dependent on drink and cigarettes, those coping with loss,those who were looking to plan their lives ahead and those like me seeking a rest and some answers to my health issues.Even 3 sisters spending time together and a mother with her 3 daughters.
The Golden Door Program helps the participants achieve a renewed focus on your health and wellbeing while providing the tools and information to make the changes for good.
I chose the Chalet accommodation – a private open plan studio with a bath room and views of bush.
Each day we woke to the sound of birds or rain – but usually the personal waking call from one of the staff. This was followed by Tai Chi, a Deep water running class or a Spin class – this was followed by Breakfast, then a stretch class. Most mornings also featured a seminar and each day featured interesting and varied topics.
There was then time for 2 more hours of some form of movement followed by a sumptuous lunch – during which much laughter was had with us exchanging stories of our mornings or our lives gone by.
Each afternoon was filled with either Spa Treatments – which come as part of the package or a range of classes including – Pilates, Restorative Yoga Meditation Feldenkrais, Kung Fu, Core Circuit, Tribal Dance,World Of Sports,Deep Water Running,Tennis,Water Polo, Volley Ball, Badminton,Stroke correction or a simple Siesta.
Dinner was at 6.30 each night and what a feast – vegetarian – and on occasions – Fish – all I can say is that the food is innovative and flavoursome. Once again we gather to chat about the days activities and try to predict our schedules for the next day.
We had evening activities ranging from Visiting African Dancers to quiz night and also a video night. Everyone off to bed and most of us asleep by 9pm!
From the moment we were collected at Brisbane Airport we were told to let go and leave everything to the staff.
If you are unable to afford to go to the Golden Door – read Liz Gilbert’s book Eat Pray Love, then start saving to go and have our own time out – its a gift you deserve to give yourself and something you will remember for a life time.
Oh how I need this!