It’s that time of year again. Just like all of the mental health workers of the world, August is the time of year that I retreat from the world of my daily commute, internet access and the modern world. Two blissful weeks spent in Maine, the first in the north woods on a pond with no electricity. This is a family property that swells with cousins and aunts and uncles and children and dogs during the first week of August. We spend our days catching up on news, swimming and climbing mountains. Our evenings are card games and the occasional community bonfire. I love this place. I’ve been visiting since I was a little girl and will continue as long as I am able. It is like going back in time.
The second week is rather more luxurious. After all, there is electricity. It is a house that my grandfather built on the rocky Maine coast. This year I will be joined by my son for a weekend and then my art friends for the rest of the week. My favorite time there is coffee on the deck as the sun rises. I am anticipating great food and lots of creative fun.
Setting my intention for this time:
Relaxation – These weeks are the calm before the storm when I have to get ready for my son’s trip out west and his first year of college.
Mindfulness – I will work on staying in the moment and paying attention to what I am doing now.
Work – I intend to do some thinking and planning for a workshop that I am hosting later in the fall.
Play – I intend to have fun and make the most of my family and friends during this special time.
Gail Hersey 