Am I Ready to Take the Plunge? Choosing the Right Wellness Retreat for You

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives,

the idea of escaping the grind for a peaceful wellness retreat is undeniably alluring. The promise of rejuvenation, self-discovery, and inner peace beckons like a gentle whisper.

But then come the retreat descriptions of classes and curriculums like yoga and meditation, excursions like sunrise volcano hikes and canyoneering, and foreign offerings like sacred tea ceremonies and human design workshops. All of this may stop you in your tracks and have you question whether you're ready for this type of experience.

First, you should know that embarking on a proper wellness retreat is more than just a getaway; it's a commitment to nurturing your inner self: mind, body, and spirit. It's a privilege, a gift, a chance to recharge and reclaim who you are, away from the people who rely on you at work and home-- and from your day-to-day routine.

Before diving into the serene world of wellness travel, it's crucial to reflect on your current state of being. What is your intention for this time away? Are you yearning for a break to recalibrate your life, or are you simply caught in the whirlwind of trendy escapes? Are you ready to explore not just the outer world-- but your inner world? Are you open to learning and experiencing new things? Are you willing to step outside of your comfort zone? Are you on the brink of a breakthrough and just need a little help or support along the way? Are you desperate to feel the abundance of time -- rather than time scarcity because you lead such a hurried life? Do you desire healing from a traumatic or troublesome time that you're finally ready to face?

Depending on your answers to those deeply personal questions, the next step is deciphering which retreat aligns with your unique needs and aspirations. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to wellness, and that's where the real adventure begins. Consider your goals – whether it's detoxification, mindfulness, or physical rejuvenation – and explore retreats and retreat leaders who resonate with your vision.

A good retreat leader or instructor will let you know what to expect from each trip. The trips may be themed, some are more physically demanding, while others offer more quiet time and reflective space for writing, learning or training in a classroom setting.

Choosing the right retreat is akin to finding a soulmate for your well-being journey.

Before you overthink this-- know that sometimes choosing the right retreat for you is as simple as stars aligning: you're available to take a break from work; you can spend exactly 7 days away from your family before your spouse has a meltdown from dealing with the kids; this one fits into your budget; you stumbled on a retreat in your dream location!  

The last point I'll make for now is perhaps the most important for you to ponder: Should I invite friends to come along or is this something I need to do alone? 

For some, the idea of traveling alone is daunting. Many women who attend my retreats are in their 40s and 50s, married moms who rarely get a moment alone-- much less an entire week! The idea of temporarily separating from family or tasks is crippling and feels selfish and luxurious. So, it's easy to invite a friend or two, call it a girls trip and be on your way.

The women who've attended my retreats solo have found that they re-connect with who they are, their true essence, before the heaps of roles and responsibilities piled on over the years. They've also met new friends who align with their goals. Many of them stay in touch and come back to my retreats together. Some now refer to the annual meetups as 'retreat reunions!'

I'm not saying don't bring friends. More than seventy percent of my retreat participants return and bring friends, relatives, even spouses. I have regular mother-daughter attendees; mother-in-law/ daughter-in-law attendees, friend groups who book together for intentional reunions and meaningful birthday celebrations. Frankly, as a retreat leader, it's very much appreciated! But keep in mind that choosing to go alone rather than with others will offer entirely different experiences.

So, are you prepared to embark on this transformative journey? The answer lies within, waiting to unfold.