When preparing for the move to Newport, I was asked multiple times what I would do with all my time here while Doug is busy with classes. At first I told everyone I would volunteer, study up on new therapeutic techniques, or find other ways to continue "working". As the time to head east moved closer, however, I realized that my body and mind were quietly asking for a break and that these 10 weeks in Rhode Island might be put to good use as a time to relax and reflect.
How selfish, I told myself. 10 weeks to do nothing but focus on me? That sounds far too indulgent and self-centered. My life is focused on helping others; I couldn't possibly be satisfied with not taking on a service role.
Gradually, however, I realized that taking time to reconnect with myself was what I really needed. In fact, it's exactly what I would tell my clients to do. Take the time to reflect on my accomplishments over the last few years, reconnect with my soul, and re-energize myself for new opportunities and adventures that await in California. How can I claim to help others if I can't even take my own advice? How will I know if relaxation and reflection really help to find one's center and truth, if I do not try them?
Therefore, when Doug began his classes, I began working on myself. I found a yoga studio in town where I have been taking classes, and I find myself connecting with the instructors and their teachings much more deeply than I have in previous yoga classes, where my mind had a hard time shutting out the worries and expectations of upcoming work days. I've also started working out more and really thinking about what my body needs to be healthy and happy. I'm slowly making my way through a pile of unread books, taking time to apply new information to my own journey. Sometimes I read in our room; other times, weather permitting, I head to one of the nearby coffee shops. Newport is a summer town, so it is very quiet and empty during the winter months. This makes it a perfect place for connecting within and working on some self-actualization.
Of course, Doug and I together are continuing to have new adventures as well. We are having fun exploring the many dining options this city has to offer, since we can't cook our own food. Dinner is a daily adventure, as we can only eat so much pizza and Chinese food. We are also enjoying time with new friends from Doug's class when they don't have homework. And this past weekend, we met up with our friend Ann and her boyfriend Mike in Providence, RI, to explore and get out of Newport for a bit. We walked around near Brown University (where Emma Watson goes to school, for all you HP fans - I secretly was hoping for a sighting, but no such luck), ate a delicious lunch at a local pub, and marveled at the northeast's inability to handle the amount of snow it has received this year. Apparently they just don't shovel sidewalks in Providence, making walking around interesting at best and hazardous at all other times. Luckily, we made it through the day without any bruises or broken bones; just some very wet, very cold feet! It was an enjoyable day overall, and we look forward to meeting up with Ann and Mike again soon, as they live only a short drive away in Boston.
So that's what we've been up to so far. I hope that all is well wherever you are, and that if you are getting hit by the latest snowstorm you have good food, good friends and family, and good blankets to get you through!
