Vacation is defined as an extended period of recreation; especially one spent away from home or in traveling. It's also described as the action of leaving something one previously occupied.
To me, the later is far more exciting and fits for me. Like so many people, life keeps me occupied! A true leave it all behind vacation is not easy for me. It takes at least a week to decompress and get into a suitable healthy routine that also embraces no rules, no restrictions or constraints for how the day unfolds. I am serious when I say that and I believe there is an art to nourishing vacations. I am just beginning to get a feel for what that truly is!
It was not until I gave up drinking that I am truly able to allow the day to unfold- no restrictions or constraints. In my drinking life, there were essential vacation requirements around continued daily access to alcohol. So instead of vacating myself by numbing out with alcohol, I am now actioning myself into a nourished body, mind, and energy.
OK, I know that vacation without alcohol can be a scary thought. I would have laughed at you if you told me three years ago to try a vacation without alcohol. I just wasn't ready to be that nourished. I am now, and I want to share with you what I experience that is elevating my energy and health more than any expensive wine or cocktail ever did.
1. TRULY NURTURING MY BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT ENERGY
For me, vacation is an opportunity to nurture myself truly. Resting my physical body, mental body, and spiritual energy. I am freaking lucky to do the work I do. Teaching Yoga, creating Art and coaching others to live vibrantly. All of this keeps me moving in a constant, mentally occupied state of busy daily life. It has a purpose, and it is full of amazing souls, so it's hard for me to break away from it. However, because I do what I do and love, I know deep down - coming home not needing a vacation from my vacation is a gift and choice I am giving to my health. It will also benefit all the fantastic work I get to do when I am back home!
2. VACATION IS AN EXPANSIVE SPACE EXPERIENCE.
I love the shift in the actual environment that goes from insulated to expansive. I feel EXPANSIVE. I see, hear, feel in IMAX mode now. OK maybe that's a little extreme, but I am trying to make a point. I never felt this expansive state until I let go of the one thing, I thought was the essential tool for vacation- alcohol. Now I can see that it only vacated me from myself more. Without it, I have no more missed moments or regrets- it's rather hard to feel expansive when you are hungover or feeling shame or regret from alcohol-laden words or behavior.
3. NO URGENCY. NO CONTROL. NO HAVE TO'S. YES PLEASE.
Each morning is fresh. I am available for how every day unfolds. I am aware and feel a sense of ease to explore with joy and delight. There are no deadlines or cut off plans to fit in the happy hour glass of wine. Time unfolds itself into whatever we decide we want to enjoy. Sometimes that's getting geared up and venturing out into the sea or hills and sometimes just hanging out in our environment. What's so utterly astonishing to me is how fantastic all of it is without my need to control getting my wine somewhere somehow.
4.MAGIC CARPET YOGA
If you know me, you know I love to be in my body on my mat. Vacation yoga is not just to detox anymore- it has become a peeling off of layers that could never happen while still in my regular daily routine. Take all of the above into consideration and then put me on my mat and I am in sensation junky mode to some YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY time on my Yoga mat. Shifting energy- moving into spaces mentally and emotionally that has been overlooked for too long, but I am there now. No distractions and yep - no hangovers!.
5. VACATION SEX!
Sex sans alcohol is hands down the best sex ever. 1, 2, 3 from above makes some spectacular Yoga so for sure. Thus 1, 2, 3 & 4 paves the way for genuinely present and powerful sex. I feel everything a bit more deeply and certainly more clearly. Now that I am empowered and in a transparent relationship with myself and my body, this clarity = heighten sensations. I experience and feel things more intensely, emotionally, physically, and energetically.
Our society, friends, and perhaps even your family think and believe alcohol goes hand in hand with vacation. I can honestly share the joys of a holiday without the booze. There is a growing number of people who agree. Getting sober curious might offer you the best vacation you have ever had.
If you can't imagine a vacation or life without alcohol but are curious about it and want to learn more reach out to me to chat about it. If you are ready to take a break and want some tools to get you started, sign up for a free 30-minute alignment call to get you started.