Inipis, Simplicity and Midlife

When you take yourself out of your midlife comfort zones you can never be sure what will happen. One thing is for sure life will never be the same again. I am still reflecting upon this weekend past, the teachings and insights I received in abundance. As a midlife coach for women I know how easy it is to get caught in the day to day existence and how important it is to have ‘me’ time.

I describe ‘me’ time in my book ‘Sensibly Selfish Secrets’ as doing something different. Taking yourself away to new experiences, reflecting upon them and opening your eyes upon your return. This weekend I did just that. I went to a sweat lodge here in Mallorca.

Mallorca is an amazing little island, it holds many secrets and when an American Indian Chief and medicine man from the Lakota tribe visits our land we are also very honored. John Fire Lame Deer is a gentle giant, and although he talks of his wayward past and the differences between himself and his father, the fact that he feels uncomfortable in his role as Chief,  he too has a wonderful way of passing on wise words. 

Keep it simple he said. What more need be said!

There we sat amongst nature, blessed with the beautiful sunshine, wonderful company, heathy food – nothing more was needed. Connecting to mother earth – beautiful simplicity. Now the challenge becomes to take that back to daily routine.

The ceremony itself is both humbling and beautiful. Simple it is not from an outsiders point of view, yet when you have been brought up within this culture it is part of your everyday life –  it is your life. I feel very privileged to have been there this weekend. We honored John’s father Chief Archie Lame Deer who originally brought the sweat lodge to Mallorca over 14 years ago and who’s death 10 years ago we celebrated on the Sunday.

I loved the way I was accepted amongst the people and made to feel as if they had always been part of my life. I loved the beauty of being as one, sharing our connections, I loved the warmth and laughter.

Acceptance, being as one, connected, warmth and laughter. Simple! What will you do this week? For more on my personal story visit my blog site.