Everyone has a story (Vicky)

It’s 5pm and, so far, I haven’t had any real hunger pangs, although we just came back from our two hour hike and I must admit my old reflex of “I could use a snack” after that much cold, fresh air and exercise definitely kicked in. Sure, I’d love a cookie now but a) like I said, I’m not really hungry, just habituated, and b) that would be considered cheating… and while I’m not out to win the prize of who can lose the most weight in ten days, I do want to do this properly. Not to mention that there simply is nothing available to snack on – and if there were, it sure as heck wouldn’t be covered in chocolate sprinkles. So I’m learning a lot about self-discipline, and cravings, and perfectionism, and am happy to wait another hour of so until we get our next bowl of soup.

 

Lunch was a very generous portion of parsnip soup with lots of fresh herbs. It was absolutely delicious, and really filling. Taken in a very tastefully decorated, quiet, cozy salon with huge windows overlooking Lake Constance. We sat at a large communal table in the sun and talked with a 30ish year-old Swiss/German widow and mother of a 4 year old here for her first time, but whose parents have been coming for years. She pointed out very wisely that everyone here has a deeply personal reason seek out this type of extraordinary rest and selfcare – both physical and, ultimately more significantly, emotional. On our hike we walked with a Greek/Austrian man who lives in London, and is in between jobs; he told us he’s here to take a step back and regain a sense of self. 

Seen on today's hike

 

After lunch, I had my first compulsory nap since as long as I can remember. You ring the bell in your room and the nurse comes and wraps a warm damp cloth and hot water bottle around your liver area (upper right hand side, I learned) and literally tucks you into bed. Wow. I felt like a little girl again, and slept like one too. I suppose part of my story includes the fear and confusion I felt as a child – and my efforts now to embrace those feelings and support my healing process. And to begin to write a new chapter.