I hope you’ve had a relaxing Easter and you were able to spend some time with family or friends.  Harry and I had a couple of nights with friends who have a property up at Eildon. It was so lovely to take a break and commune with nature.

Yesterday I spent a fair chunk of the day on tidying up my paperwork and preparing to be away for 10 days. I’m a little hesitant to talk to you about my upcoming adventure as I have no idea how it will go.

I’m finally doing the Vipassana 10 Day Silent Retreat starting this Wednesday.  A part of me is really looking forward to switching off metaphorically and literally. And another part is wondering how on earth I will cope with no talking, reading, writing, music, emails, Facebook, phone or car for ten whole days! I’m such a technology addict I’m sure to have withdrawal symptoms.

This retreat is something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while but the timing wasn’t right until now.  Anyway, I’m seriously going bush in Woori Yallock and leaving my phone and laptop with my daughter Michelle.

No doubt it will be the topic of my blog in two week’s time. One of the reasons I’ve wanted to do this retreat is that in theory, I know the benefits of getting out of the thinking part of the mind and connecting with the peacefulness and awareness of the right side of the brain.

I’ve been a big fan of Eckhart Tolle for many years and I love the way he talks about the power of being fully present to the moment and the way you can shift into that dimension beyond time and space when you stop thinking.

I also love Dr Jill Bolte Taylors TED Talk about how it felt to have a stroke. I know I’ve mentioned it before but if you haven’t watched this talk you really need to.  She describes beautifully how it feels when the “talking” part of her brain shut down.  WATCH HERE

If you’re like most people your mind is probably on the go during every waking minute. Our internal chatter can be incessant and it’s not always positive or helpful.  I remember a few times in my life when my mind was quiet and it was so lovely.

Once was after completing a Reiki Course.  I was totally at peace with the world. I found that my mind was calm and clear and I could really focus on one thing at a time. I was fully present in conversations with people and not thinking about what I was going to say next.

Another time was after a weekend away with fellow Hypnotherapists and we did a lot of work on each other including massage and energy healing. I remember standing at the beach watching the waves and feeling totally connected to everything.  It was quite trippy.

I also know that when we quieten the thinking part of our brain, our intuition becomes stronger and our inner wisdom and guidance can come through.  When we sit in silence we can hear that quiet little voice within.

I find this often happens as I’m waking up in the morning before my mind gets busy. That’s when I get my inspiration or discover the solutions to problems. And I always find that meditating in silence brings me a wonderful sense of peace.

I’d love you to share your experience of quietening your mind.

Anyway, while I’m away the Simply Natural Team are planning some fabulous Mother’s Day promotions including a HUGE HAMPER with all sorts of goodies and a stack of pampering treatments.

All you need to do is book a 60 minute Relaxation Massage, Indian Head Massage, Energy Healing or Facial between now and May 13^th to go in the draw.  Call us on 9842 7033

And remember you can always grab a GIFT VOUCHER ONLINE for your mum.  Just CLICK HERE

Warm Regards,

Alison Burton

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