Capturing the essence of Relaxscape and guests in a short poem
Some of the core principles that I aim to share with you at Relaxscape are practices we've learnt from Japanese culture. Shinrin yoku, for example, the simple therapy of being out in nature and being surrounded by trees. Also known as forest bathing, it's now prescribed by doctors there as a recognised healing process. Relaxscape retreats also are designed to help you find your ikigai - your reason for being, the source of value in your life that makes it worthwhile (in a way that makes sense to you).
I also enjoy sharing my poetry with you! The Japanese poetry form of haiku is usually nature-focused, and emphasise simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression - and so encapsulate the values of Relaxscape very well. Over the past year I've started writing one for each guest who joins one of the Relaxscape retreats, inspired by the meaning of their name. You can read some of them here. Sign up for a retreat and I'll write one about you too - or email me your name and I can create one for you, presented on one of my nature art pieces.
Hilary
Happy Hilary
Bringing people together,
Celebrating love.
Karen
Karen clear and true
Birdsong carried on the breeze
Pure as spring water.
Erika
Erika the brave
Sole leader of your own soul
The longship of time.
Lily
Lily white as snow
Innocence is a treasure
Flowers are a gift.
Grace
Grace of many charms
A generous heart brings joy
Goddess of nature.
Anna
Anna, she who gives,
Gracious, always with a smile
Gifts are for you too.
Barbara
Barbara the bold
Traveler from foreign lands
Restless souls seek truth.
Charles
Charles, a man of strength
Who wanders free like the wind.
Smiles scatter like stars.
Charlene
Free spirit Charlene
Happiest among the stars
Strength comes from within.
Arzo
Arzo full of hope
An arrow flies straight and true.
The path becomes clear.
And some others I've written chronicling occasional events since I've moved to Portugal.
28.12.20
The world stops. We wait.
Patient, alone. Together.
Lessons from this year.
15.09.19
The river is grey.
Dark clouds don't always mean rain.
Traditions live on.
08.09.19
Yoga every day.
Meditation, breath, stillness.
Dogs still bark at night.
11.08.19
Up high, the wind blows.
Overhead, the clouds scatter.
Inside, souls whisper.
04.08.19
Breathing in, green trees.
Deep in the forest, bathing.
Life has many paths.
21.07.19
Water, flowing free.
Watching food grow, sharing round.
The river beckons.
14.07.19
Hot clouds, summer sky.
Strangers meeting, food brings smiles.
A cat sits and waits.
07.07.19
Flowers everywhere,
Pleasure can take many forms.
Heads held high, hearts full.
30.06.19
Busy day of rest,
People passing, puzzling done.
Grey sky turned to sun.