Suryavana Retreat Centre, Spain
Dear all, it’s been a busy month — high season, with events back to back. It’s ok so long the whole year was not like this! It means the coffers of Suryavana fill, at least temporarily. Sudaka and co, meanwhile, can end up feeling rather depleted. The heat waves that have been coming through this part of Spain have added an extra intensity but fortunately for us the nights are refreshing (unlike the coastal areas) and the new Shrine-room remains cool too!
We had a slightly tricky «outside» group at the beginning of the month. There can be a clash of values! I am trying to gradually «choose» the best guests with time, that resonate as much as possible with what we are trying to do here but this is not always possible! I managed to be firm but friendly, probably more firm than friendly, not being sure I really want to entertain them again!
Then came our friends from Respiravida-Breathworks, which was a delight, then I ran a yoga retreat. Next up we have the Women’s «Going for Refuge» retreat and two retreats run by the Valencia Buddhist centre.
I am really pleased that the retreat centre can host such diverse activities. Suryavana gets stretched to its limits. Over the years we have been improving the installations but of course we want to go further. Bigger Shrineroom, more batteries and Solar panels.
I have just had a couple days post retreat and find myself well. There has been a few cooler days, though another heat wave is on its way! A long with the arrival of 24 women Going for Refuge!
Sadly some 50 km away the Vall d’Uixo is burning, threatening the beautiful mountains of Sierra d’Espadan which embellish our long view to the south.
I now have a period where my job is to be in the background and make sure the retreat centre is running as smoothly. I am not going to be upfront and teaching. That cycle is over til September. More of a support role. This is more restful actually. I am less «in the limelight», less «exposed». I want to pick some reading material again and just relax and enjoy the nature, meditate and walk the dogs. Throw some sandbags around!