Why choose a retreat over a normal vacation?

Retreats and vacations are both extremely valuable to a healthy and full life.  Humans are not meant to work all the time, not even close.  We are natural explorers.  The feeling of newness invigorates the whole nervous system. 

            Vacations are great for exploring new places and being free of a time schedule.

            Retreats are great for exploring the self within and connecting to others on a deep, nourishing level.  The friends I have made in retreat settings are friends for life. 

            Retreats are a chance to fully step away from the normal routine and step into a circle of other beings on a similar journey.  The sacred space creates a container in which profound transformation occurs.  When we meet people, at first, we often try to show the best version of ourselves, however, a retreat setting provides the space for real connection by allowing people to fully be themselves with strangers.  Strangers can be blank slates in the fact that they don’t have any pre-conceived judgments about who you are, so you are free to show up in your truth.  The schedule of the retreat also provides a container, relieving you of any worries about time or planning.  It is all laid out for you to enjoy and dive as deeply as you may wish.  When we allow ourselves to be held, we can rest deeply and hear what our body has to tell us.