Week Two-which equals a lifetime here

I am so busy yet so relaxed. Busy in a slower way. I have had the last 3 days off. Initially this freaked me out a little. What will I do with my time? But I have dropped into this life more easily. Things show up to do-they offer us many opportunities (classes/events) here. And I always have a netflix “Rescue Me” tie about every three days. More importantly I have time to feel and think. 
Last night I went to a panel discussion for three woman leaders who are attending an empowerment workshop here. One woman lives in the Congo and runs Woman to Woman there. She is also a priest. Another woman is a journalist from the Phillipines. And the last, a young woman originally from the Ivory Coast who now lives in Poughkeepsie and works with battered woman. All of them have faced tremendous challenges to their freedom on all fronts: financially, physically, socially. Yet they maintain and continue to create visions for the health of their countries and particularly for woman. Overcoming death threats, (the journalist), the threat of being raped, Christine from the Congo( a daily threat their for all woman) and ongoing physical and mental abuse, (Kadja from the Ivory Coast) has not deterred them. I can not go into specific here of their work, but wanted to share my take-away. I left feeling that no matter how dire situations may be for woman across the globe, I can and will do my part, no matter how small. I received these woman’s wisdom to enjoy our blessings as American’s-it is our responsibility to cherish what we have. And to not get depressed and/or “stuck” when I think about the many attrocities being committed against woman. I left feeling empowered about what the focus of my work can be and hopeful for the new paths I might take.
Other happenings-After uttering a snarky comment about what I perceived about a technique called “Vortex Healing” I decided I had to go to the workshop held for staff. While the founder’s words held some interest, and were certainly more coherent to the opaque description I read in the Omega catalogue, I still had trouble thinking that Merlin was an avatar and part of a lineage of special healers….(Yes that Merlin Kate). Well I settled in when it was time for the group to receive a transmission of the vortex healing wheel. I really did try to stay open and unbiased. Yet, I only fell asleep, when I wasn’t sneaking peeks at the leader who sat up front doing loud rhythmical breathing. The upshot-not for me, but its good for some. Yet, I am reading the literature he gave out so as to be in the know.
I have also begun to do yoga again, very slow, easy and gentle. Yesterday I received a yoga therapy session from a co-worker at Guest Services and found it great. I was reminded once more about the great power of very slow and mindful, relaxed work on the body. I have paddled a canoe on the lake, walked 4 miles of country roads, ridden my bike, watched countless birds, deer, the resident semi-tame woodchucks, frogs and deer. I have sunned my self, spent hours in the library and fallen out of a hammock!
My job is great though sometimes slow. Life is easy. I am smiling ALOT and meeting so many people. When I figure out how to transfer my pics from my phone I will post them here. Until then enjoy pictures on my facebook page which another co-worker took.