Bummed

[Crow]

I was accepted to a seven day poetry retreat in Hawaii next March but I'm starting to think there's no way my fat ass can physically do it. The retreat is more a spiritual thing than a writing workshop with 3 days of silence (easy peasy) but also sitting on the ground for five to six hours every day. I'm 100 lbs overweight. Literally I'm not physically capable.....all sorts of circulation issues in the legs. Sitting on the ground is non-negotiable. Have to do it. No chairs. I figured I could lose 30 lbs and be okay but I didn't factor in anniversaries and this being my toughest time of year. Flights are booked. Deposit made. So if I back out I'll lose a little. I don't see an alternative. I am so disappointed in my fat self.

 

[The Albatross]

Personally I'd go with the proviso that since there's no accommodation available, I participate when, how long, and as I'm able. You're paying a fee... take yourself to Hawaii and give yourself permission to do the retreat as you are able OR ditch out on the retreat and make a new plan for being in Hawaii?

 

[The Albatross]

Just saw what section in is this for employment or is it education?

 

[Neverthesame]

If this is a silly suggestion, please disregard.

If chairs aren't an option, what about a cushion, or even a rolled up towel?

Slightly more inconspicuous, easy to carry about and might give you enough elevation to keep your circulation.

I am all for one with nature but spending my entire time in a tropical paradise with volcanic mud stains on my ass, and paraesthesia in my feet, wouldn't make me a better poet.

Hope you find a way to go though. Sounds like one of those things that would be calming and fun.

 

[watundah]

Agree with finding accommodation. This is quite the opportunity of a lifetime. Have you contacted the organizers? Surely you aren't the first with physical limitations to participate. Never hurts to ask.

Otherwise, yes, don't bail on the trip. Find a nice beach and make your own damn retreat. ;) :tup:

 

[Seasounds]

1. Truly, your weight is not the issue; you are not at fault.
2. With such a rigid rule, they end up equating spirituality with a physical condition, which contradicts spirituality.
3. I have been to such austere meditations. They have a purpose and they should be inclusive to people with limitations.
4. Get a doctors note; advocate for yourself. I think you can get a medical excuse.I think there must have to be an accommodation, Sitting in a non cushioned chair may demonstrate to them that you, too, can become aware of pain, and observe, rather that react, to any pain sensations that come your way. (I am rarely so sacrcastic, I am indignant on your behalf.)
5. if they won't except a Proviers note, you know what I think of them. Weight is not the only reason (arthritic knees, strained ankles, lower back pain) people need chairs to sit. Have you ever seen a thin Buddha? Sure the female versions, Tara, etc., are made to look thin, but they were probably not all sculpted true to form, to please the 'aesthetic/prejudiced/culturally biased eye, in a patriarchal culture.
6. If they only want people without injuries, people who are flexible, and/or thin, then let them enjoy their immature exclusivity and then
7. Yes, can you go to Hawaii and either show up after the 'sitting' portion, or go and 'self-retreat'?
8. PS. Yes, after decades of meditating, I see through the piety, and know you can still meditiate and become enlightened, in any position, with any body type. And no need to equate spirituality with perfectionism, regarding diet or recreational drugs; piety, too.
9. Feel great about who you are, enjoy your beautiful body!
10. For you: http://m.local10.com/news/nuns-priests-dance-to-pharrell-williams-happy-song/25554574

 

[Neverthesame]

Have you ever seen a thin Buddha?

There are now several people outside of my workplace, giving me awkward stares. After I rather loudly just yelled "Yes! That! Damn right!" At my phone just now.

The other things you mentioned are also valid, but that was brilliant. Thank you.

 

[Seasounds]

http://m.local10.com/news/nuns-priests-dance-to-pharrell-williams-happy-song/25554574

Accidentally deleted my 10 point support for you.
Here is my last addition.

 

[Friday]

My thought... If the poetry retreat is not a great idea... But the flights are booked?

Why does Hawaii have to be cancelled?

It's a lovely place. And I would think that you are well deserving of some warmth, awe watching winter surf, fresh foods, good air, & aloha.

Not to mention, some damn Polynesian big is effing beautiful spiritual recharge. :sneaky: Fat ass, indeed. Mainlanders. :rolleyes:

ETA... Homework assignment for while on the islands: Yes. Overweight carries health concerns. You're smart. You're well aware of those. Overweight is also your body trying to save you, each fat cell a literal nuclear reactor of stored energy to be burned. Hawaii & Polynesia have a genetic component, however, (and a climate/lifestyle quirk) where being large is often adaptive... And exceptionally common, even amidst incrediably active & healthy lifestyles. While it's still an extremely good idea to lose weight? Can you find the beauty & power Islanders see in what is seen purely as flaw in the West?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I agree with the other posters responses. You do have options and self care is what is needed. Have the retreat make accomodations for you so you can go.

I am overweight and I struggle as well. But this is such a great idea, go to Hawaii anyway and make your own retreat if need be.

 

[Crow]

You guys are awesome!

The facilitator said during the interview I could get a stadium seat that would provide back support but still be on the floor. There are meditation pillows but I moved my meditation from my chair to a pillow last week and my leg is very swollen. No way I want a blood clot coming home from paradise.

And yep, I adore this body! It has saved my life. I woke up pissed off when I posted...but I am grateful for the protection this body has provided me.

This post is both employment & education. I write for a living and this would benefit that both in skills and contacts.

I think I may change my flight and go to Alaska or Prague. Two of my favorite places and i think i could get articles out of both locations. Though I love the Polynesian body ideal! Gotta think about that.

Thanks again guys. I needed the laughs and to be heard today. Ya'll came through.

 

[Ronin]

I'm confused as why would anybody want to go to Prague of all places when Alaska has such wonderful nature but to each their own.

Said in a teasing spirit: in seriousness though, if the retreat guys don't accomodate you, they don't deserve to have you, and calling themselves 'spiritual', I bet all the spirits out there would laugh their heads off.