Vacation is a word that we have said many, many times this month. Mostly because each of us at Seven Stones has taken some time off and many of our business projects and client work are “on hold” until after Labor Day. We noticed at that vacation is both a state of mind and a structural practice? – meaning it can be created in a mindfulness way and have a place and time. One can “be on vacation” while at work, and can be on (a working vacation) vacation working.

So, there is the mental aspect of giving our minds and bodies a break, to unwind, reset, nourish and enjoy activities and relationships we often put to the side during work weeks. And then there is the structural (and tactical), where we place ourselves (how stimulating or relaxing is the environment?), who we go with (family, friends, nourishing relationships or ones that tax us?), what we take (our laptop, our eye mask?) and what we do (drink all day, get a massage, sit quietly, play with children?)

All of these choices – and more – create a vacation. Our conversations around scarcity can really surface when it comes to taking a break. It is a moment when we can see and hear our patterns if we are willing to have a look and listen. The subtle and not so subtle manipulation and tirade can be quite intense once we notice them and the tactics we use to keep ourselves plugged in can be quite cruel.

We created this Vacation Inventory to see where we stand as a vacationer. There are no right or wrong answers. Consider this an inquiry to gather information to help you see what your relationship is to vacation and maybe fine a way to create a vacation clearly inside your vision for what is being called for – that allows for your vision of your vacation to manifest.

  • Are you afraid to take a vacation because your company may notice they do not need you?
  • How much time do you have racked up in vacation hours that you have not taken telling yourself how you simply cannot get away?
  • Do you leave a vacation message on your voicemail and an auto responder on your email or just leave things as is and check in on and off from your phone?
  • Do you take reading with you that is not related to work or do you take all the reading you need to do for work?
  • Do you take your lap top just in case?
  • Do you respond to email so you don’t have too many to contend with when you return home?
  • Do you take a full week at least, or even better, two full weeks at a time, don’t think once about work or your company and to deeply restore and refresh yourself body and mind?
  • How many vacation days has your employer taken back because you have not taken them in the time frame allotted? Have you calculated the money you have left on the table by not taking those days?
  • If you use your vacation for escape, what are you escaping from?