Let it Be Simple

My summers in a traditional Greek island house

Many years ago, I began living summers in an old house on a Greek island. 

There was a kerosene lantern for light, and a hand-pump to draw cool water from the well. 

It seemed I could see every star in the cosmos in the night sky, and the soft tinkling of goats' bells woke me gently to practice yoga in the freshness of the dawn.

I painted and swam all day, in the clear sea.

At noon the sun hung motionless at its zenith, like an enormous eye, and the cicadas chanted the song of summer heat.

In the afternoon a sweet baklava to eat with a strong Greek coffee, on the shady side of the terrace from where I could see other islands floating in the endless Aegean blue. 

I read poetry and wrote letters and painted some more and swam some more.

In the evening sometimes local friends would come to cook and feast together.

Other times I would walk down the path to the lively tavernas by the seaside where music and laughter rippled over huge platters of food, and we had fun late into the night.

It was a constant celebration of being alive – I slept little but I was never tired.

There was nothing to be, nothing to buy, nothing to want, and nothing missing.

Other things happened, too. I learned Greek, had exhibitions of my work on well-known islands, became part of the international summer community of artists, writers, and aesthetes, and fell in love with the island's people.

Eventually word got out about my annual disappearances to paradise, and I agreed to find the perfect place where I could bring everyone on retreat!

Thus began – in my 20th year in Greece – the annual, Pilgrimage Into the Light Greece Odyssey Retreat!

Needless to say, with the retreat group  we stay in an incredible five-star hotel with a spa and every delicious luxury...

But the best part is the part that I can't live without: the feeling of simplicity and freedom is unchanged!

The magic gift of Greece is to touch into our pure, simple, luminous essence again and again. 

Now in its 11th edition, the 2024 dates are June 23- June 30 with a fantastic extension to idyllic Iraklia island til July 4. Please join us!

Clear out the clutter, get sweet clarity, let the light shine in every cell.