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Dear Reader,

Hey, will you give me a push?

I literally asked another guest to give me (and my friend) a push when we were lounging on the swing. And guess what? If you are on the swing, I’ll happily come and give you a gentle push.

I loved swings as a child and it turns out they helped me regulate my nervous system. They also answered the call of the high sensation seeker in me… Look how high, I think I could fly!

This swing is the first place I sat down at Imiloa on my own retreat. I even managed to get into it with my delicious welcome mocktail. But I returned again and again to rest and luxuriate throughout the week, gazing at the lush rainforest, listening to the sounds of birdsong, and wondering about the bright purple butterfly floating past.

Next, I like to mosey over to the giant couch in Heart and grab a 3 minute HSP Nap with my legs up against the back. Even when all 15 of us are gathering for another delicious meal, an HSP Nap with my eyes closed gives me another rest reset as I honor my introverted self (while the extroverts keep extroverting, bless them.)

Taking to the swing or the couch is a beautiful and accessible way to introvert (notice it’s a verb) in the midst of the action. Much of the day, Heart is empty of retreatants, and you have it all to yourself with one exception. Undoubtedly a sweet staff person will say hello and ask if you would like anything. So make your tea, coffee, or spa water, and find a place to cozy up.

You might invite a new friend or your spouse to join you after a bit. Then it’s time to check in, deeply explore your connection, or plan the day. Every activity or gathering is optional at our Cleanse, Clarify, and Create retreat.

I would never presume to tell you how best to retreat! But I (and the Imiloa team) will offer plenty of options for exploring and expanding as well as resting and recovering.

This is my highly sensitive practice: I co-create all of my sessions and programs with you. I honor your inner wisdom and help each and every person design the ideal retreat.

Whether you join me in Costa Rica, at the horse barn, or one of these days on a Zoom, I invite you to come just as you are.

May our sensitive nervous systems and tender hearts find solace in each other.

Blessings and breath,
Alane

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Alane Freund, MS, MA​
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic. #LMFT36077)
International Consultant on High Sensitivity
​P 415-203-6600 E alane@areyouhighlysensitive.com

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