Joy in Absence

At times we can be the orchestrator of our own discomfort. We choose things for our lives and at times we don't consider the weight those things may have. Protecting your joy is not only about preserving your own happiness. It preserves both your mental and physical health.  Life is stressful enough without adding things that create more hardship. That's not  self love or care.  What may logically be the right thing may not be the most healthy thing for your life.  Wisdom is learning your limits and where to step back for your own personal well being.

It's been three years since I started my journey for a more joyful existence. Some things I kept in my life out of obligation even though I knew they were causing me harm. I wanted to be a good person. I wanted to do the right thing. I had no peace. I was never able to rest my body or my thoughts. Rest is necessary for a positive experience and peaceful life. You can't live in chaos and expect peace or joy. You can't heal or be healthy without the ability to regenerate through effective rest.

Read more: Joy in Absence

2026 Tea n Talks

Saturdays at 2:00 pm Central time

June 20 -- Tori J will facilitate

September 19 -- Diana D and Dana L

October 31 -- Gretchen O

If you would like the Zoom link, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Winter Retreat Report: Toddhall 2026

The winter retreat at Toddhall Retreat Center  (February 27–March 1, 2026) was a refreshing and meaningful time of connection, reflection, and community. With a warm Unitarian Universalist spirit at its center, the retreat offered space for participants to slow down, enjoy one another’s company, and share in a spirit of welcome, curiosity, and care.

Spa Retreat Activities

The weekend had a gentle spa-retreat feeling that helped set a tone of rest and renewal. Participants enjoyed face masks, foot moisturizer socks, moisturizer gloves, and even doing manicures for one another, which added a playful and nurturing element to the experience. These simple activities supported the larger purpose of the retreat: creating time away from daily responsibilities to restore body, mind, and spirit.

AI Workshop

A workshop on **introduction to AI**, led by Elaine Orr, gave the retreat a thoughtful learning dimension and encouraged shared conversation. The small group size turned out to be a gift, allowing for deeper interaction and a more personal sense of community. Even though the group was small, it was lively, engaged, and fun, which made the retreat feel especially warm and connected.

Toddhall Experience

Toddhall provided an excellent setting for the weekend. The food was very good, the grounds offered many places to walk and enjoy the outdoors, and the weather was perfect throughout the retreat. All of these pieces came together to create an atmosphere that felt peaceful, welcoming, and restorative.

UU Community Spirit

Most importantly, the retreat reflected the values that make Unitarian Universalist gatherings so meaningful: belonging, shared learning, mutual care, and the joy of being together in community. It was a weekend that nourished participants not only through relaxation and good food, but also through meaningful connection and a spirit of openness and inclusion.

-- Kathy Miller