For the last couple of weeks my life has been consumed by stuff. My siblings and I are dividing the contents of my mom’s house now that she’s moved to a retirement community. Every horizontal surface is covered with dishes, linens, knick knacks and the souvenirs of a life well lived and it’s filling me with an overwhelming urge to move to a Zen monastery where my only possession will be my wooden begging bowl. If you, too, are feeling overwhelmed by the minutiae of life, perhaps it’s time to consider a vacation aimed at renewal, reflection or reconnection. (more…)