I gazed at the chocolate in its beautiful wrapping.  I noticed the colors, the shape and the twisted ends of the wrapping and my mouth start to water in anticipation of what was to come. Next I slowly unwrapped it, listening to the sound of the crinkling cellophane under my touch. The rich, flavorful aroma of dark chocolate drifted up to my nose.  I inhaled deeply, my mouth watering even more as I examined the color and shape of the exposed chocolate.  By now it was all I could to keep from drooling as I lifted the chocolate to my mouth and took a small bite. Instantly flavor exploded in my mouth – the sweet creaminess of the filling contrasting with the hard outer layer.  I let the chocolate melt on my tongue, savoring the complex combination of bitter and sweet, soft and hard.  Ahhhh….pleasure….

Before you run out of the room in search of chocolate….let me tell you why I am sharing this story.  I was leading a meditation using the senses to help anchor us into the present moment. Being present to and focused on the physical senses deepens our experience of every moment. It also gives you the opportunity to experience joy and pleasure.  I believe one of the main reasons we have these physical senses is so that we can enjoy our lives more deeply. Unfortunately, when you have laundry to do, groceries to buy, meals to make, reports to finish, science projects to “help” with, people to supervise, bodies to chauffeur, spanx to get into…there’s not much space for being present to anything. 

Our physical senses are the perfect way to embody pleasure.  Sight, touch, taste, smell, sound – our senses are a gift and it’s time we opened that gift fully.  This month, as we head into the energy of summer, make a choice to deepen your senses.  Each day pick one sense and explore it all day.  Taste all the flavors of the food you are eating, deeply inhale a fresh or beautiful scent, feel the silkiness of the blouse you are wearing, appreciate the greening of the trees or the smile on a stranger’s face.  The more you are present to these little experiences the more joy and pleasure you will experience each day. 

As I write this newsletter, the note on my calendar says “The more you enjoy, the richer you become.”  Here’s to embodying pleasure and becoming richer this month!  (now you can go and find some chocolate!)

Registration is open!

It gives me so much pleasure to offer a Way of the Happy Woman® Summer mini retreat.  These retreats are like a delicious cool treat on a hot summer day!  Here’s what women are saying about these retreats:

“It was a powerful experience taking the day to retreat from the business of life. I left feeling relaxed from the yoga, rejuvenated from the meditation and really connected to my inner voice.”  – Bev

“I learned that every minute or second doesn’t have to be filled. It’s ok to have time for pausing, waiting, resting, and absorbing.  I did more yoga than I ever have before and felt comfortable in that environment. It was ok if I couldn’t do everything or if I got shaky at times. I went further than I ever have and will try more now. Thank you for providing a calm safe place for women to be open and share and stretch together.” – Liz Peetsma

“I relearned the importance of taking care of myself and also the benefits of journaling.  I really enjoyed it, I found Deb to be very respectful, thoughtful and well-organized! It helped me get in touch with myself, my needs and with springtime.” – Suzanne

Registration is now open for my summer retreat and Summer is  all about playfulness, lush fulfillment and celebration!  Doesn’t that sound yummy?!  Please join me and treat yourself to a morning of pleasure!

Prairie Roots Winnipeg
Saturday July 11, 2015
Early Registration Date: June 19, 2015

And when you register by the Early Registration Date, there’s a sweet discount.
Click here for details & registration. I hope to see you there!