I arrived at the retreat on Friday afternoon in time for an organic vegetarian dinner prepared by Chef Josh. Why hesitate any further? With no expectations, I decided to immerse myself in “Being” open to whatever the weekend would hold. The close proximity meant I could commute and stay on call if Mae needed me. Hosted by Generations Yoga in Wilmette in April, the 12-hour three-day retreat was held at the nearby Lakeview Center at Gilson Beach Park, overlooking Lake Michigan. The participants experience improved sleep, less depression, and more control in their lives. The findings are now incorporated into soldiers’ weekly treatment programs. One study, for the Department of Defense, utilized the iRest protocol at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The institute conducts research on stress relief and offers programs targeted at people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the homeless, children, and other populations, based on teachings spanning more than four millennia. So, who was this Richard Miller, the retreat leader? I searched and discovered he is a psychologist based in California, co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapy and founder of Integrative Restoration Institute (iRest). With Mae settled and in good hands, it was time to focus on me! Later, in March, I surprised her with a 90 th birthday party. That experience immersed me in a whirlwind journey that spanned arranging a traumatic move from her long-time home to independent living in a beautiful retirement community, hospitalizations, intensive care, subsequent healthcare, and, finally, full-time nursing care. I had spent the past 15 months as a health advocate and caregiver for Mae, a childless elder family friend with no close family. But, I haven’t been on a retreat in quite a long time. I have been to many retreats in the past, some relating to yoga while others, like this kambo ceremony, focused more on cleansing the body and spirit.
Something like a deserted tropical island or a Zen monastery was sounding especially appealing.
How intriguing! Just reading the words made me long for such a state. Browsing in March through my copy of YOGA Chicago magazine, a phrase jumped out at me : The Ease of Being, An Urban Retreat.
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