We're talking about Escape

Happy New Year and welcome to The Calm Space for 2009!

In preparing for our new year issue, I polled family and friends on what ‘escape‘ meant to them. The results, quite frankly, surprised me.

To most, the immediate thought was of escaping from something – getting out of a rut, running away from responsibility, forgoing routines and ingrained habits.

There were very few who talked about escaping to something – a respite, a holiday, a retreat, a chance to simply be what they wanted in the moment.

I thought I was one of the latter – the ‘escape to‘ crowd, but the more I listened, the more I realised I might have thought I was looking forward, but only because I didn’t want to look back.

What about you?

Are you an escape from, or an escape to sort of person?

This month in Relationship Space, Chris asks the pivotal questions (the hard questions) about what you are running away from, and why, and what you could ask yourself to move foward and grow.

Joanne talks about escaping into silence in order to cope with the stresses of your life; and Annie, whilst acknowledging that a truly spiritual person would have no need to escape, recognises that we are human, fallible and often in need of respite in the Spiritual Space.

Angela provides more of her always practical, always motivating tips on escaping from clutter (inspiring me to go on another purge…); and Marj provides an enticing array of books for us to escape into.

Joanna, as always, speaks directly to our hearts with her wisdom on how words can change the state of those reading them, moving us to a place we’ve never yet dared; Grant provides practical ideas on saving up and paying for your escape; and Leah looks at technology innovations that will see us escape not only our desk, but the classroom as well!

Once again, Amy’s beautiful photography combines with Leah’s graphic wizardry in a stunning desktop wallpaper for you to download for January in the Breathing Space. You can also find my take on escaping with body, mind and soul.

Finally, don’t forget to register for our monthly prize draw if you haven’t already, and congratulations to this month’s winner. If that’s you – please email me asap so we can get your prize to you!

Wishing you a calm, inspiring and uplifting month and a wonderful start to your 2009!

Namaste

Káren x