|
I just returned from helping teach and participate at a retreat in Siren, Wisconsin. There were about 80 wonderful women that gathered in fellowship. I had never been to Siren, but the town of 900 was in the news non-stop on June 18, 2001 when a tornado came through and literally flattened the town. It was a devastating storm and 3 people were killed. As I drove into town you could still see the debris of broken and torn trees in piles along side the road. With this as a reminder of what happened six years ago I couldn't help but think of all the lives that were affected. I couldn't help but wonder about the people here - did they move to another town or did they have the courage to rebuild. Did they find their photos and special heirlooms that trigger memories in all the remains? Did they find a new lease on life? Or did they allow the storm to blow their spirits away? I do not know how these people felt, I can only imagine how I would feel if this were my town.
I actually found it to be symbolic that we would have a retreat in this town at a newly built resort, which was gorgeous. A town where so many people reached towards their faith, family, and friends, to help them get balanced again. By definition, retreat is a period of time where a group of people withdraw from worldly activities to e.g. a monastery for spiritual recollection under instruction and discipline. Just imagine how empowering it would be to truly withdraw from the chaos of trying to find everything that was left behind and to realize that your everything is all that you are. I believe that sometimes when things or people are torn down and flattened it only makes way for the new and improved!
--Wendie Pett, Fitness and Wellness Coach, www.wendiepett.com
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed