Recently, my family and I went to Maui, a trip that we take every year. It is our escape to paradise for self-care; it’s a time for us to reconnect within ourselves and come together as a family once more; it’s a time for us to remove ourselves from the trappings and stressors of day-to-day life; it’s a time for us to slow down, to quiet down and listen within; it’s a time to stop and listen to our hearts.
Escape to Paradise
So, what’s your escape to paradise? Paradise can mean different things to different people. It’s all in what the definition of paradise means to you. It may mean a beach vacation to the gorgeous Caribbean, or a cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, or a staycation to enjoy some down time at home. For some, it may mean finding paradise within your life: finding those quiet moments within, making a safe space for yourself, making a happy place that you can go to and listen to your heart. Whatever your paradise is, remember it is NOT an escape to avoid problems. It needs to be a time to reconnect with oneself and rebalance, rejuvenate, and rest. The goal is to look within in order to move forward. Grant yourself permission to feel vulnerable as you get in touch with your heart, honoring the power and fragility that coexist therein.
Be in the Present Moment
One of the things that came to mind before I left for Maui was that I needed to be more in the present moment during our trip, and I made every effort to do so. This was my angels and guides reminding me to quiet my Ego when I go on vacations, as I tend to spend a lot of time thinking about what I’m going to do when I return home and mentally planning instead of enjoying my actual vacation. This line of thinking gets me in trouble because I’m not enjoying the beauty around me or the time I’m spending with the people I love the most.
Setting NO Expectations
Another temptation when we get away is to set expectations for how we think our vacation should go, how our family should behave, how the weather is going to be, etc. When we set ANY expectations, we are always met with disappointment, resulting in a different outlook and perspective of our time away. So get rid of those expectations and embrace the adventure.
Spending Time in Nature
Another way to reconnect during your escape is to be in nature. As a Taurus (Earth sign), nature is awe-inspiring, powerful, and intuitive to me. Listening to the waves was a great way for me to tune into the quiet rhythms of life and listen to the whispers of my heart. Taking a walk in the woods, going for a hike in the mountains, or leaning up against a beautiful tree in the park are all great ways to reconnect, center, and ground your energy.
So, use this escape to a paradise of your choosing as a way to release your white-knuckle grip on the trappings of life. Quiet down the busyness and let go of the Ego. Listen to your heart-centered purpose. Escape with intention and introspection. Escape, not as a means of running away, but as a means of quietly looking within.
Have a blessed month, Everyone!