Modern Travel: Presence in Solitude - A quick solo getaway to Leamington
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From the moment you step into the entrance of HoriZen Bnb, you feel an instant sense of relaxation. Owners Shelby and Mike Foster have gone to great lengths to create an atmosphere of welcoming and openness inside this Victorian Farmhouse, weaving together historical elements with a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
I was lucky enough to have been gifted a two-night stay in The Joy Suite, complete with queen-sized bed, large sectional (that doubles as a pullout bed), private ensuite bathroom and lovely little workspace all my own.
“As we spend time in solitude, without distraction, we are able to discover parts of ourselves that create new awareness and appreciation for who we are.”
Along with the room, I was also gifted one of the Bnb’s newest additions, a Presence Box. I received Presence in Solitude, which in packed full with items, as well as a guide, to help guests reconnect with themselves on a deeper level.
The box includes a handmade candle and massage oil, a keyring with discovery prompts, a variety of textured items, and a guide book with two suggested activities — all used to encourage the guest to experience the present while exploring what it means to be in solitude.
After a beautiful, homemade breakfast of fresh coffee, fruit salad, cinnamon buns and huevos rancheros, I headed back to my suite to dive into the activities inside the Presence in Solitude guidebook.
“As we spend time in solitude, without distraction, we are able to discover parts of ourselves that create new awareness and appreciation for who we are,” starts the book.
I began with the Cultivating Connection activity, lighting my new candle and breathing in the subtle but sweet aroma. I decided to draw the curtains and dim the lights to help eliminate any distractions — seriously, when was the last time you just sat with yourself, free from external distractions?
After a few minutes of running through a couple of my favourite breathing exercises, I grab my journal and randomly selected a prompt from the discovery keyring: What is your favourite memory this year? I love this prompt which just set the tone for the rest of the experience.
For the next hour and a half, I surrendered to the present and diligently followed along with each of the nine steps (honestly, I could have spent longer, but the outside distractions were getting the better of me!).
Refreshed, reenergized and reconnected are just a few of the terms that come to mind after my experience with the Presence Box. For the rest of my stay, I will be basking in the bliss of gratitude for this opportunity.
horizenbnb.com
HoriZen Bnb is located in Leamington, Ontario, approximately three hours from the GTA. Four versions of the Presence Boxes are available, depending on whom you’d like to reconnect with — your partner, sister, son/daughter or yourself. Boxes are included in the Presence Packages or order online at www.horizenbnb.com.
