~WHAT I LEARNED IN GUATEMALA~ I recently returned from a writing workshop/retreat in Guatemala. Let me just say this: the scenery was stunning. The location and people were warm, colorful, and in most cases: inspiring. Reflecting on my time there has generated this list of things I wanted to be sure to share. The idea of a retreat is to: Renew, recharge, reconnect. We’ve been running ninety-to-nothing for a long time now. We’re pandemic-weary, covid-fatigued, and anxious to connect. A retreat should afford us the opportunity to do that. Self-care might be a big buzz word these days, but… What about creative care? We must take care of our creative person, the vessel who does all of this inventing. My Reiki therapist recently noted my sacral area (the seat of creativity) was ‘ping-pinging’ with activity, but was eclipsed by something dark–a sheathe. That’s a problem. That darkness…well, it needs to be lightened. Her suggestion? Meditation. It doesn’t have to be long or involved. 5-10 minutes is all. A deep breath. A few moments alone. Releasing …