Silent Retreat

It is dusk here in Landes Forest, deep in the woodlands of southwest France. Row after row of majestic oak and pine trees stretch up to the night sky. The mosaic of fallen autumn leaves covers the ground below. Just past the tree line, a small river zig zags through the brush following the curve of a well worn dark path. The air here is peaceful and calm. One can easily feel at home in this space. It almost feels as if nature itself is inviting you to stay the night and enjoy the sights and sounds it has to offer. But before we take our place for the evening, let's settle in with a brief wind down exercise. Tonight's exercise is a really simple breathing exercise. So when you're ready, let's begin. So first get yourself comfortable. Now just bringing the attention to the breath. Just noticing where you feel it. In the nose, the throat, the chest, the diaphragm. You are nice and relaxed. We're going to be taking a deep breath in for four, holding it for four, and then breathing out for six. So, are you ready? Let's begin. In for four, two, three, four. Hold it for four, two, three, four. Now breathing out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now returning the breath to know more. Just beyond the outer row of trees sits a sleepy, all stone cottage. Here, one is invited to exchange muddy hiking boots for a pair of plush slippers and a warm mug of tea. The house is very simple, made only of one large room, a living room of thoughts with another stuffed gray sofa facing a traditional wood burning fireplace. The house feels timeless in a way. One could almost believe that it's been here as long as the forest itself. Each piece of furniture in the home seems to have a story to tell. A wooden coffee table made from the same pine that lines the forest. A brass lamp worn with age. A woven basket filled with thick plaid blankets. The small doors of the fireplace are already open, burning through a fresh stack of twigs and logs from outside. The dancing flames thrill as twigs of orange, yellow and blue. The warmth radiating throughout the small cabin. The smell of the fire brings to mind past camping trips, bonfires, and cozy winter nights. The warmth is a pleasure for the senses. Whereas the outside temperature is still cool and pleasant at this time of year, it's reassuring to know that this fire will be available during the colder winter months to come....