Sometimes a break away is just what we need to increase our knowledge and feed our soul. Especially where we can learn in a totally all-encompassing environment that shuts out the world. If you’re thinking that I sound spiritually enlightened today, it’s because I spent the weekend on a communication-focused training workshop at a beautiful retreat in Kent.
The Seekers’ Trust was set up over eighty years ago to promote the ‘well-being of mankind.’ It’s actually a Christian retreat, but is used by all faiths. The training room was lovely and bright, overlooking gorgeous cottagey gardens and with a fully fitted kitchen – so perfect for residential courses. We stayed in little cottages dotted around the gardens, lovely mini homes for the weekend. For the first time since I can remember, being out of wifi range didn’t stress me. I had no idea what was going on in Facebook world, but as I wandered through the rose garden it really didn’t seem to matter. In fact, it was nice to have a break from it. Came home to over 300 emails though!!
It wasn’t all peace and quiet. This workshop produced some of the most hysterical laughter and excitement, and created friendships that I’m certain will endure beyond the training feedback stage. Part of the course involved memory work. You know how something seemingly irrelevant can suddenly trigger the most powerful memory…? Well, that happened to me.
My neighbour in the next cottage asked to borrow my hairbrush and as I yanked out the hair to clean it for her, I remembered an incident from 30 years ago on a hot, sticky evening, travelling on the London underground. It was when I worked in fashion; that morning, Joan had asked to borrow my brush before a jewellery review meeting. I had pulled out the hair that day too, surreptitiously, under my desk – and dropped the hairball back into my bag. I have no idea now why I didn’t put it straight in the bin! That night on our way home, Gillian asked to read my newspaper. As I whipped it out of my bag I saw this naughty, tennis ball sized bundle of brunette hair rise up with it and float, in slow motion, towards the man sitting to my left. Mortified, I reached out to grab the hair – and at the same time… grabbed a part of him!! (Yes, a rude part!!)
The funniest thing was, he carried on reading his Evening Standard as if nothing had happened and I started giggling uncontrollably. Gill was demanding to know why I was laughing, which only made me laugh more, making her laugh, and soon the whole row of seats opposite were giggling while this poor red-faced man stared at his paper.
Anyway, back to training… The weekend made me think seriously about running a two day intensive social media workshop there. My cooking’s rubbish but my blueberry muffins are edible! Actually, Costco provided the food this weekend – even I could do that. Please let me know if this is something you’d be interested in and I’ll look into it.
The people I met this weekend will know why I’ve chosen today’s lyrics, and it’s not simply because we chatted about Robbie Williams while we ate our picnic dinner on the lovely lawn. He wisely said, “Through it all she offers me protection, a lot of love and affection – whether I’m right or wrong.” If you think you may be going wrong, the right training will get you back on track. I can offer you training courses written with love that will point you in the right direction, focus you or get you there – whatever you need. Ask me about them here: @WeekendWitch.
Interesting blog. I have found stepping out of my normal routine and surroundings refreshing and enlightening. It is a case of catching-up with your Self.
You make your week-end sound very tempting.
Robert you would LOVE this place! It would be great for you (and Nicholas!) – I’ll email you later to tell you more xx