Of Course

One of the many benefits of traveling to new places is learning about another people's culture. One thing that has always touched me and that I've always remembered are the "sayings" of other people and their cultures. For example, the time I traveled through Australia - by myself, shall I note, when I was in my 30's. Yikes! Anyway, back to the sayings - in Australia, everyone says, "No worries." Australia is fairly laid back, their people wonderful and strong and healthy and blond and blue-eyed. Just beautiful. And, they always say "No worries." Such a great saying, so positive, so optimistic, so happy.

Well, in Slovenia, what I've noticed with the people and their sayings is somewhat similar. In Slovenia, everyone says, "Of course." So lovely. So positive. So happy. And, for the recipient, who wouldn't want to hear those two little words said after every request. "May I have lemon with my water?" "Of course." May I have arugula added to my pizza?" "Of course." "May I bring my dog on the funicular to the castle?" "Of course."

These two little words were the best possible thing to hear when Angela and I were wrapping up our road trip, and she decided to stay an EXTRA day in Slovenia (requiring a lot of time, energy, decisions, patience, etc on the phone with various airline representatives). We were in the North Eastern part of Slovenia, somewhat close to a region called Rogaska Slatina, known for their wellness centers, thermal swimming pools, baths and spas. Now, who wouldn't want to wrap up an eight day road trip in that kind of way? Us, of course! Luckily, we had wifi, and an adventurous spirit, and Sammy, who went along with everything. So, I researched a few places, and lucked upon the Pomona Hotel, in Rogaska Slatina. Upon dialing the number (remember I have a European SIM card, with a local telephone number and local dialing access!), a very cheery and accommodating gentlemen answered the phone. Our questions: 1) Do you have a room for tonight? "Yes, of course." 2) Do you allow dogs? "Of course." 3) We will be arriving late tonight, do you have food? "Of course." 4) Can you make us a vegetarian meal? "I will see, but, of course." 5) Can you organize a massage for us? "Of course, just tell me what time." I guess I couldn't asked for the moon, at that point, but I didn't think about it in that moment.

We drove from Maribor to the Pomona Hotel, stopping along the way in Ptju, the oldest city in Slovenia and at the Olimje Monestary, with the oldest existing pharmacy in Slovenia, and only got a little lost and only ran out of petrol a little bit.

Sammy getting comfortable at the Olimje Monastery.

The view after getting lost...

Have you ever heard of an oasis? Have you ever heard of the heavens opening up and angels singing? I'm doing my best to describe the Pomona - this idyllic retreat center in the middle of nowhere with the most charming of hosts, Janko Zupanec, and the most brilliant of surroundings. Ponoma consists of a main house with many rooms, all themed based on different fruits. This makes sense based on Janko's explanation that Pomona was the Greek Goddess of the fruit orchards. We stayed in the cherry room, or was it the apple room? Also, on the grounds are organic fruit trees, and an organic garden, growing strawberries, raspberries, various herbs and vegetables. How do I know this? I went out harvesting with Janko and his two young sons. And, have I mentioned the downstairs / basement area where Janko has built an exercise room, a sauna, shower/bathroom, and a massage room. This area leads out to the most glorious pool and cabana area. The kicker for me was when I was strolling around and happened upon a shed housing about a dozen bikes, all of various sizes and shapes. The only thing missing was a clay tennis court, but I think that would be totally asking a lot.

The Cherry Room

Oh la la, the massage room!

Chilling by the pool

Since Angela and I were the only guests at that moment, we received Janko's undivided attention. Since our departure, Janko is completely booked, as I sadly discovered when I wanted to go back there two weeks later with my friend, Osa, and her daughter Amelia.

While Angela was getting her massage, Janko offered me wine and sat and chatted with me and gave me all kinds of touristy info and advice. Then, between cooking us a meal of soup, salad, vegetables and dessert, he sat with us during dinner. Afterwards, we were given a tour of the property. And, he encouraged me to let Sammy off his leash to explore and wander around. Now, if you know me, you know that I rarely allow Sammy off his leash - there might be cats to chase, or squirrels to run after. But, in this serene environment, with Janko and Angela's encouragement, Sammy went sans leash. He even left his mark on the organic, wooden veggie bed to prove it.

If asked whether or not he enjoyed his stay at the Ponoma, and if Sammy could talk, I think he would've said, "Why, of course!"

Sammy exploring.

Conclusion

Lesson learned: When I allow myself to relax, and live in the Quality of Surrender, amazing things can happen. You see, one of my strong intentions in coming to Slovenia was to find a retreat center; a place where in the future, I might want to bring a group of women. A place to assist and help women rejuvenate and transform. But, I was in stress mode. How will I find this place? How do I even research this? Who do I need to talk to and ask? All of these questions were swirling around in my mind. Then, after receiving some amazing coaching, from my coach, Amber Krzys, to simply relax, enjoy life, Surrender into whatever comes, I stumbled upon the Ponoma. And, not even two weeks into my seven week sojourn, I found a retreat center. Amazing.

I'm curious: Have you ever allowed yourself the gift of Surrender? If so, what did you discover?

Let me know, if you're willing.

Love,

Lynn

PS:

A resource: If you're interested in learning more about Surrendering, check out The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer

http://untetheredsoul.com/surrender-experiment