by Lynn CA McDonald

Created on: January 25, 2011

The ultimately satisfying vacation is when you return totally relaxed. “I need a vacation from my vacation!”  How many times have you heard this phrase or said it yourself? It’s usually from those who experienced a vacation full of excitement but never from those who came back totally relaxed.

I know I am truly on vacation when I finally reach my destination and I can feel my shoulders drop, my brows unfurrow, calmness overtakes me, and there’s a silly half smile on my lips. I am experiencing the joy of relaxing as tension melts away. Getting to this place has often been anything but relaxing. Whether it’s the preparation of leaving my home safe and sound, getting everything packed, organizing others who may be coming with me, or wrapping up at work, there are always last minute details that can come out of the blue and cause stress. If my vacation involves traveling, there is often the stress of others’ poor driving, inclement weather, or the fun of airport security, border crossings, and overbooked planes with little seats and a dwindling baggage allowance. Now, I have arrived and the essence of relaxation is often felt through my whole body as the reality becomes clear:  I can now putter and do things on my schedule, relaxing both mind and body.

Do you remember when you were a kid and got into trouble for daydreaming? One of the hallmarks of being a responsible adult is the loss of daydreaming. On a relaxing vacation, you can float along and daydream, allowing your mind to not be aware of time or even place. After a particularly deep, relaxing vacation, have you or others every experienced a life change or made a decision to altered some aspect of your lifestyle, be it financial, career, or relationship?  This can come from daydreaming as well as soul searching. You may have looked at the bigger picture, revisited the question of who you are and what you are doing here. Very existential, however clarity and possibly just reaffirming your reality are fine offshoots of daydreaming which can only happen when you are totally relaxed.

At the other end of the continuum your mind may be acutely present as you practice mindfulness, being totally aware and in the moment. Mindfulness is a luxury few of us enjoy during our busy, hectic lives. A vacation allows for the relaxing state when all your senses are alive: you see a fabulous sunset and be mesmerized by more colors than you can name; you hear several types of

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