The Retreat

The retreat to the Sequoia National Park was special in many ways. First and foremost the nature is just amazing there, but two things are captivating in particular - the smell of pine trees and the sound of the forest. I won’t be describing those things, as you need to experience that by yourself.

Second; once in a while solitude is much needed thing. You get a chance to know yourself better, reflect on things and make decisions that is so difficult when you are surrounded with people. It doesn’t matter if they are friends or strangers, when you interact with them you share your ideas and thoughts, and as we all probably know, it is not always that we act the way we want and choose the things we need. People in our times are too feeble and at the same time profoundly egoistic, which makes them very aggressive, vulnerable and dependable. Thus when we become dependable we need someone or something tell us what to do, and that can be our friend, neighbor’s cat, an ad on TV, the street we walk at and etc. Solitude teaches you about yourself, that’s when you face yourself and deal with things that otherwise you would avoid if you were among others.

Third; the most important thing I want to share. Apparently I didn’t go there alone, I was there with Verzh, and the three days that we stayed there were very educating in terms of communication, relationships and experience, and by saying that I mean we argued a lot. Different reasons, mainly stupid and vain (at least on my side), but nevertheless at the end very useful. As in the case with the personal solitude, here you face yourself too, but in much stronger and complete means, the means that may sometimes drain you off your energy. However, if you are smart enough you admit your mistakes, shortcomings and with the help of your “other self” you become better you, wiser you and considerate you. The best part about this is that it’s not only you becoming better and wiser, but also your “other self” too, experiences the same, therefore it is not only you gaining from the retreat but your whole family.

Therefore friendly advice, if you have problems with the loved one, put on some patience, desire to listen, be willing to be objective (by accepting your mistakes) and stay together.