Life After Omega
What do I do next? Life after living at Omega
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In a holding pattern after retreat volunteer experience
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved
I left Omega early on a Saturday morning, before breakfast. I had said goodbye to a few friends the night before at the Magical Awakening group healing and before dinner and at dinner. I didn’t want to prolong it.
I left with a full heart and also sad in another way to be going.
I found myself missing the animals, the walking everywhere (ironic since I hated having to walk everywhere when I first got there) and the wonderful food, prepared for me every day.
I missed the spiritual experiences that were so easy had there, despite how tired I was, well even brain-dead at times, from the grueling administrative tedium of each day.
I missed the solidness of environment. I still do miss that.
I am looking online for community. Real community this time, not a business with elements of community. Not easy to find, at least not so far.
There are several retreat centers that seem to give more support for keeping the work from getting so tiring. One I read about gives a 30 minute break both morning and evening, in addition to a one-hour lunch.
I ponder why most the retreat centers who offer volunteer positions have such uncomfortable lodging options. I know at Omega, there was mold in a lot of the dorms (well, most) and the dorms were rather rundown. From what I read about other places, it isn’t much better and some seem worse.
To get the most out of any worker, whether paid or volunteer, good sleep is critical. It doesn’t appear to me that this is a priority at retreat centers. It appears that you pile up or into some rudimentary lodging that is crowded, small and often uncomfortable. It doesn’t feel spiritually in alignment or support, to me.
I guess the spiritual aspects of the experience are worth it ….. that really isn’t the point of what I’m saying. Why should the lodging be dismissed as part of the benefits package for the volunteer?
Anyway, I’m not at all sure where I am going after Omega.
I’ve been asked to support a dear friend in a SunMoon Dance this month……..
Am I physically able to do this?
I’m asking my body and waiting for an answer.
I swore off camping a year ago, when I went to the Mother Mary gathering in Birmingham.
I also refused a temp job at Omega that would have allowed me to stay on, because I’d have had to live in a tent.
I don’t know……I pray for courage to do it if it is for me to do.