I've been in denial about how busy I've been. When you get into the rhythm of life's activities, you find the gear that makes it all work and you believe it's inefficient to slow down. But, eventually, the need for balance hits and you need to pay attention.

Even though I espouse vacations and regular breaks, I have not taken my own advice lately. But, like anyone, I had good reasons: a daughter's wedding to plan and execute and thankfully, a full career counseling practice.

But, I knew the pace of my life had to change and I counted on my annual séjour to the south of France as the answer. I looked forward to two weeks with no commitments before welcoming this year's visitors to my annual women\'s retreat in the quiet village of Biot, just 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera.

While there are familiar haunts I look forward to visiting each year and new places to beckoned me, this year, I could only think of sleeping in each morning, taking daily naps, and reading Eat, Pray, Love—a book that has been on my to do list for months.

I finished the book in two days and moved on to another, equally satisfying read: Without A Map, by Maine author Meredith Hall. Interestingly enough, both books are about deep personal journeys, although that theme was not a conscious selection on my part.

I'll admit I'm doing quite well on the sleep front too. Naturally an early riser, I was surprised to see the clock read 10:30 am for three mornings in a row. Having given into the need for more sleep, I am now back to a truer rhythm.

My days are different here, with much of my time focused in the moment and devoted to the basics of daily life: selecting food for the day's meal from nearby markets or small food vendors, preparing and savoring it. There's something restful and nurturing about tending to the basics in life.

While I realize that the South of France lends an amazing backdrop to these basic tasks, I hope I will remember the positive effects of being in the moment and attending to simple things when I return home.

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Email Barbara to receive information on the September 2008 Women's Retreat to Provence when details are available in January (barb@barbarababkirk.com).