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A RETREAT FOR THE SOUL by Nancy Carlson

 Last September 27, 2015, was the first day of a yearly, week long, meditation retreat for me…

This was my 4th year of attending. Each year it is at a different setting, always deep in nature’s finest. This time it started with a Harvest Full Moon, the Blood Moon, and a Total Lunar Eclipse! How powerful a time to be aligned with nature’s rhythms!

As I integrate my experience from the retreat, I feel and notice the connection to this moon/eclipse. These words resonate with my inner self…a process of becoming, illumination, awakening, transformation and balance. Observation of my relationship with self and others. Clearing of old patterns, change and going forward.

I am in awe of what silence brings, connection, practice on this spiritual path and a heart so open! Tears of joy, love and devotion…
Photo curtesey of Monsuno Media
A Retreat for the Soul
by Nancy Carlson

I find myself in apple-tree land
of forests
green-rolling hills,
mother-earth’s home,
fruits ready for harvest
and a silence, deep and steady.
I listen to my internal voices,
water running,
a crackling fire,
birds calling
and the wind is still.
The buildings of the retreat
feel connected to this spot,
weaving over rocks, roots,
pine groves and paths.
On the top of a hill
a temple built in stone
views mountains and valleys,
as if, it was always there,
content to be.
This earth holds us
as we sink deeper
into the quiet.
Part of this Creation…we are.
Connected to all Creation…we are.
This cool, cloudy day
transitions now to light,
then steady rain.
Cleansing, nourishing,
assisting our transformation,
this inner journey
in the silence.
Eternally connected we are
as a spark of the Divine
the Creator as pure Love.
We honor and bow down,
walking with tender care,
listening with all our presence,
using our words,
clear and gentle,
compassion oozing from our pores.
We begin, again and again.


Nancy Carlson: "I am an evolving poet, writing mostly as reflection, contemplation. But most recently, as a student of bhakti-yoga, as an expression of my devotion. I work as an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, Integrative Health/Wellness Nurse Coach, yoga/meditation teacher and Reiki Master. You may contact me on Facebook here or via my website 'Joyful Healing' here. 








~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~
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