Summer holidays are nearly over here in Australia.  The summer is a time when the children are off school for up to 2 months and many businesses slow down or even close their doors - the nation takes a vacation. 

At home, the TV stays on with that strange game called cricket playing in the background, puzzles and board games remain on the floor for days on end, fans whirring and midday naps common place, the days are long, slow and hot.

Perhaps related to the blistering heat, or perhaps related to our distance from the rest of the world, the summer in this country, can be like a trip back to the 70’s when everyone rode a cruiser and we ate sunnyboys after a visit to the local swimming pool.

A kind of time warp sets in, as we take life more slowly, less seriously and live more with the rhythms of nature.

And for me, there is nothing like time off the grid and then reconnecting, to help me realize just where I am at and what it is that I need to sustain me in an ongoing way.

So here is my list of what I need to sustain me:

·      Connecting – regular and committed periods of uninterrupted time with the people that matter to me most

·      Camping - far away from man-made light, noise and conveniences

·      Movement in nature – hiking and swimming are my favourite

·      Taking in uninterrupted horizons – getting out of the city

·      Invigorating my sense of adventure - in traveling to new places

·      Learning – reading widely and planning my learning for the year ahead

·      Gardening – keeping connected to the earth in an ongoing way

·      Exercise – regular walking, yoga, swimming

·      Eating – savouring new flavours in sync with the seasons

·      Sleep - honouring my body and allowing enough time for rest

·      Water – drinking lots of it

·      The arts – connecting to my love of music, art and design

·      Sitting – in meditation and contemplation

·      Creating – writing, gardening and working collaboratively

·      Wondering – looking at the stars, our children, nature

·      Laughing – with those that I love

·      Working – to make a difference in the world

So there you have it, this is my list of what I need to sustain me … what is yours?

(Trained as a whole-body focussing oriented therapist and meditation teacher, Sarah Sacks is an experienced counsellor, who enjoys supporting her clients find greater richness in their lives and in their relationships.)

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After a fabulous break, we are back and in full swing at The Grove.  Wishing you well for 2016 – The Grove Team.