Going On Vacation

I’ve been dreaming about vacations. I sometimes long for the freedom, joy and magic of getting away from it all. We used to vacation regularly. Our lives shifted, obligations got in the way, money was diverted, travel often involved extended family or attending events, and then COVID-19 hit. 

Planning a vacation can be its own hobby and preparing can feel energizing and purposeful. Traveling also takes logistical energy and is more complicated with health issues. Sometimes I return from a trip feeling as if I need another vacation to relax from that one.

Vacations used to be one of the few times I allowed myself to be fully present and cared for, and as a result, experience a greater level of gratitude. I remember a yoga class many years ago at some beach vacation. With my gym membership and videotapes far, far away, I could fully immerse myself in the experience. I was nowhere else but inside my body. That practice stuck with me.

How to get the experience of a vacation without travel? I told my husband that this year, for my birthday, I wanted a “staycation.” We spent the morning lazing in bed, went for a nature walk and then my T’ai Chi Chih co-teacher treated me to a socially distanced picnic. I took an afternoon nap, and my husband and I bought flowers to plant in the yard. It was the first time we’d shopped together in weeks and it was a treat. We cooked, cleaned the house and did laundry, but otherwise I maintained the vacation mentality.

TCC helps us fully let go. Novelty, playfulness, nature and gratitude all are ways “in” – we can get them at home with TCC. For class that Monday I told folks that we were going on vacation together. I invited them to wear comfy vacation clothing to our Zoom gathering, and if they liked, to find a chair and practice seated. Through TCC we travel inward. What are a few ways you can vacation at home? I invite you to consider TCC.