Find Your Middle Ground

Update – Retreat

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photo of white and brown owl perched on a tree branch
Photo by Erik Karits on Pexels.com

A month ago I would have been at Kripalu for a senior yoga teacher training program… but as we all now know, along with so many other plans, it was cancelled. The latest news is that Kripalu will be closed for the rest of 2020.

I have felt sad, with a deep sense of loss. This was a place for community, learning, and more than anything, a retreat where mind, body and soul can be nourished, cared for and restored.

And then I realized … I am on retreat right now.

The pace has slowed down and I have had lots of alone time in the garden and spending time in the woods. There is also a routine of teaching classes via Zoom, and finding connection with my yoga students and community – not to mention taking other yoga classes and dancing along with Kripalu yogis from all over. My WordPress friends are still here, as well as my Words with Friends gamers!

I have attended online conventions and community calls with SAND (Science and Non Duality) and a weekend of celebration and learning with the global Non Violent Communication Community.

There has been a sense of embracing this cocoon and nurturing myself and the relationships with those I care for.

My next venture is taking a writing workshop in July with Roger Housden. I have never thought of myself as a writer or been attracted to write a book, but I am being drawn to flex my wings  and to see where my next flight might take me.

I feel hopeful for a changed world still. Turbulence, pain and chaos are needed before transformation can happen. It was brought home to me this past week, as we faced two powerful flash thunder storms that devastated our neighborhood. We had some damage, but not much compared with some others. The power was off for five days and even the mailman couldn’t navigate through the fallen tress and downed lines. 

The power is now back on and I am grateful to have clean hair and the luxury of hot water and air conditioning. With the internet happily available, I may spend more time back here. 

I have decided to venture out more with some private yoga in people’s gardens and porches. 

Perhaps this butterfly is ready to emerge from her cocoon very soon.

animal insect macro butterfly
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

 

43 responses to “Update – Retreat”

  1. Mark Lanesbury Avatar
    Mark Lanesbury

    Ah, the silver linings abound Val. Not to mention the change the universe is asking us to make. Seemingly unwanted, but beyond will be more magic.
    Enjoy your ‘wanderings’, I’m sure the cocooning process may feel a bit restrictive but when you emerge it will be a feeling of lightness, gliding through life with a new beauty within 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Mark for your magic inspired message. Let us keep trusting together 💛

      Liked by 1 person

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  2. Jet Eliot Avatar
    Jet Eliot

    Lovely insight , Val and best wishes in your emergence.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Jet 💕

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  3. Dan Antion Avatar
    Dan Antion

    I’m glad your electricity is back on and that your damage was light. Nature doesn’t seem to care about the pandemic.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Nature seem to be adding her wrath these days. It certainly takes our attention! Thank you Dan 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Jill Weatherholt Avatar
    Jill Weatherholt

    That’s a long time to go without electricity in this heat. I’m glad everything is okay and you’re safe, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Jill! I’m happiest for being able to wash jeans … Don was running out with all the clean up yard work!

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  5. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    The storms sound scary – I’m glad you’re alright. I was supposed to be at Kripalu in April, and while I was sad to not go, like you I found other ways to nourish my soul. Enjoy your writing workshop, and at least your cocoon has its air conditioning back!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Karen ❣️ So good to connect 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Karen Lang Avatar
    Karen Lang

    Big changes and patient work are around you my friend. It sounds like a beautiful and still retreat for you and as we all know, this quiet space is where some of the best transformation is achieved! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      I really relate to your words… and the spirit behind them. Thank you Karen 💕

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Karen Lang Avatar
        Karen Lang

        💚💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  7. Vicki Avatar
    Vicki

    I’m sorry to hear about the damage from storms, Val, but excited to hear about all the Yoga and Writing possibilities coming up.

    Sometimes we have to go through the ‘lows’ in life to fully appreciate the ‘highs’. Finding joy in the ordinary simple daily routine is something I think many more folk are beginning to appreciate in lockdown.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Well said Vicki… and thank you for your kind words 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Eliza Waters Avatar
    Eliza Waters

    With fewer social demands, once I got used to it, I came to like the quiet time during this Covid period. A silver lining providing more inner focus, something I realized I’ve been wanting for years! A small gift against a tragic backdrop.
    Sounds like you are finding your Middle Ground, too! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      It’s still surprising to be surprised with what comes our way. Enjoy your gift Eliza …… as shall I 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Carrie Cannady Avatar
    Carrie Cannady

    Glad you’re well, Val. Sounds exciting…the writing course! I’ve been writing poetry in a writing circle with Ali Grimshaw who posts beautiful poetry on her site, Flashlight Batteries. It has been an amazing experience. I wish you well in your writing! 🙏🏻💕

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      So glad you are enjoying this circle Carrie. 💕🙏🦋

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. nrhatch Avatar
    nrhatch

    Glad you have your hot water and your A/C back ~ tough to deal with the loss of both in the midst of all else.

    Keep breathing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      It does draw one’s attention to what’s missing rather than what to appreciate.
      Feeling so much more in balance and clean 😎

      Liked by 1 person

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  11. derrickjknight Avatar
    derrickjknight

    A retreat is such a positive way of looking at it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Derrick. Better than a prison sentence 😉

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. derrickjknight Avatar
        derrickjknight

        Indeed 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  12. Jim Borden Avatar
    Jim Borden

    That was some crazy weather we had; sorry to hear you were without power for a few days. Enjoy your writing workshop!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Jim 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Chatter Master Avatar
    Chatter Master

    I all has been restored from the downed trees (but alas for the poor trees!). Here’s to great things coming from this time of upheaval. I believe hope is alive and thriving right now.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      I join you in this uplifting hopeful spirit Colleen 🎈🙏🎈

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
    D. Wallace Peach

    Sometimes it just takes a small shift in perspective, doesn’t it? I’m glad to hear you’ve recovered from the storm and are finding connections and peace. Lovely post, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Diana 💛 I used to share the airline pilot perspective with clients… it only takes a small shift to take you into a whole new trajectory’s and destination.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
        D. Wallace Peach

        Ha. Good one.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  15. roughwighting Avatar
    roughwighting

    Oh, how I’d love to practice “backyard yoga” with you Val. When I travel to Kauai I participate in yoga on green lawns that look over the Pacific Ocean. With eyes closed, in poses, we hear the surf and the seal’s bark and the palm trees swaying. A most remarkable experience.
    I was disappointed when I read that Kripalu would be closed for 2020. More than ever, we need places like Kripalu now. But this storm will pass, with hopefully more insight, perspective, and a tidal wave change of more thoughtfulness and kindness to all.

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  16. forgottenmeadows Avatar
    forgottenmeadows

    so sorry to hear about the damage and glad to see your positivism still shining through…Congratulations on being chosen as part of my favorite blogs – around the world edition. You can find the post here: https://forgottenmeadows.wordpress.com/2020/06/11/favorite-blogs-around-the-world-edition-2020/

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  17. Ali Grimshaw Avatar
    Ali Grimshaw

    This is what I received from your post.
    The door is always open,
    the invitation is there for us
    the way knows, the way forward.
    I see you accepting new opportunities to evolve and I look forward to hearing about your adventures.
    Thank you for sharing your journey.
    Ali

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  18. BillboardVagabond Avatar
    BillboardVagabond

    The post struck a chord. Thanks and much appreciated for sharing

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    Reply
  19. Dilip Avatar
    Dilip

    Hi Val so glad systems are restored. Natures fury can be devastating and when calm kind too. Be safe and good luck to you🍀

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  20. Vicki L Flaherty Avatar
    Vicki L Flaherty

    Oh, I’m glad to hear you are safe, and inspired by your positive perspective. I’m going to check out Roger Housden…Thanks, Val, for sharing, opening, enlightening…

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  21. Bela Johnson Avatar
    Bela Johnson

    💜

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  22. sloppy buddhist Avatar
    sloppy buddhist

    ☺️❣️🤗 sending you all good things Val ~ smiles hedy

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  23. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    That is a long time to lose power in this heat. Glad it has been restored… I love your realizations about already being on retreat. It is amazing how the various communities in which we participate have evolved with the times… how so much has slowed down already and simply awaits our awareness of what has come… And best wishes for your writing adventure, Val!

    Michael

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  24. Stepping Back into the World – Gently | Find Your Middle Ground Avatar
    Stepping Back into the World – Gently | Find Your Middle Ground

    […] a personal level, I am also trusting in my own unfolding. As I wrote in my previous post, Update-Retreat I have been nurturing myself in my cocoon, teaching yoga on Zoom and taking some online courses. At […]

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  25. Epi B Avatar
    Epi B

    I hadn’t heard of SAND before. Sounds like an interesting initiative. If I understand correctly, you become a member and then have access to all the lectures, is that right? Is there a certain order in which the lectures should be listened? As you can hear, I’m intrigued!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Check out their website Epi. https://www.scienceandnonduality.com
      They offer many resources as well as ongoing programs.

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● About Me

My name is Val Boyko, a dual citizen living near Philadelphia, originally from Scotland.

This blog came to life one morning in 2013.  I woke up with these words in my mind:  “Life is a series of highs and lows. Be grateful for the highs. Be graceful in the lows. And find contentment in your Middle Ground.”

Find Your Middle Ground blog started to explore, reflect, ask deep questions, share insights about awakening, and connect with wonderful people like yourself. Thank you for being here and being such an inspiration.

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