Happy thoughts

This year I travelled to Morocco to the most beautiful rhiad in Marrakech to run a retreat. It was a chance to meet a lovely group of ladies and offer them the chance to indulge in some me time in a tranquil and restorative environment. The idea behind the retreat was to allow people to take part in as little or as much as they desired and most of all recharge. Our rhiad was out of the Médina and in amazing lush green gardens, with views of the Atlas Mountains in the background. Refurbished a few years ago by the very tasteful and elegant Patrizia, run by her son Leo “The Place” offered a haven of calm and relaxation. The day started with early morning dynamic flow classes, a blend of yoga and Thai chi, followed by a traditional breakfast of flat breads eggs tomatoes and fruit. The option to take a massage under the trees or laze by the pool. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains through the Berber village and rug shopping was enjoyed by all who went. 

It was a great few days and despite the 44 degree heat every enjoyed their time away and great friendships were made. The one thing that really sticks in my mind was when one afternoon all lying at sundown round the pool, I was talking through a relaxation and reflection class. I asked everyone to take themselves away and think of one happy thought and linger on it for a short while as it warms your heart and makes you smile. At the end of the class one lady who undoubtedly like most of us travels at speed and lives quite a stressful life said “that was lovely katie but you know? When you said think of a happy thought, I couldn’t think of a single thing”. I was really saddened by what she said because I thought how awful not to have any happiness to reflect upon. It occurs to me that it shouldn’t be a once in a blue moon event. That we should reflect more often on the moments that make it all worth while and use those happy thoughts to keep us uplifted. 

Take a moment to think some happy thoughts.