Wellness Retreat: Is it right for you?

My Retreat Experience

This past February, I had the opportunity to attend a retreat at Northern Edge Algonquin. I am not exaggerating when I say it was a life-changing experience and one that I wish I had done sooner.

I packed my car and headed north on a Thursday morning not knowing what was ahead of me for the weekend but excited to find out. No matter what the weekend held, I knew I would be surrounded by supportive people. The retreat called for anyone who was “feeling stuck or in a transition period and unsure how to move forward” and that is exactly where I was at in life. The retreat participants and leaders had met a week earlier on Zoom to introduce ourselves and break down the first wall of nervousness for us.

Arriving at the retreat

It was like stepping foot into another world. No cellphone service and no WIFI was part of it’s charm. The snowy ground was crusted over with a layer of ice from the thaw/freeze cycle typical of early spring – this year it came earlier than expected. I was greeted by smiling faces who helped us find our way through the saw-dusted trails to our cabins to settle in before the day’s programming began.

I was first to arrive to my cabin for two. A mentor told me my roommate would be a past retreat mentor who I could lean on for support if I had trouble finding my way around or had any questions. This made me feel more secure and broke down yet another barrier to my getting comfortable. The cabin with its rustic pine board walls and gas fireplace was a place I immediately knew I could relax in. I unpacked my bag, gathered my journal and pen, and headed to the main building to meet the others.

A retreat like no other

The Heart Wisdom retreat I attended at “the Edge”, prides itself on having a no-itinerary itinerary. This is a concept that I could not understand but something I felt I truly needed in my life. As someone who planned her family’s first Disney World vacation right down to the minute, the idea that a retreat operated without the same amount of detail was beyond me. But, you know what, it worked beautifully. The weekend flowed so smoothly that the participants would have never known of the non-itinerary.

The beauty of the non-itinerary is that the programming changes and grows as the mentors hear the stories of the participants and feel for the needs of “the circle”. That means the activities we experienced would not necessarily be the same as the next group and so on. This makes me excited to return to another retreat soon, especially in a different season.

The Way of the Circle

Many of the activities took place in a circular room with the mentors and participants sitting cross legged on the floor in a circle. There is no hierarchy in a circle. Mentors and participants alike spoke their stories to the room and we all listened with supportive ears. No matter where each of us came from or what our lives or background was, we all connected with something from the other stories that were shared. A heart bond was created in that room. As I write this, months after my return to normal life, my heart flutters a bit to think of the people I met there, longing one day to cross paths again.

Revealing the Magic

The power of trying new things and experiencing life through the eyes of a child is the magic behind the Edge’s programming. While taking kick-sleds to the center of the frozen lake and speaking our promises to ourselves into the fire of the sauna and letting the smoke carry it into the universe, the skepticism of adulthood vanished. Childhood memories surfaced as we were doing art projects, singing and dancing. The long suppressed child-like wonder opened up our hearts.

A Life Forever Changed

When I say this retreat was life-changing, it is not hyperbole. As someone who had no idea where her life was headed before attending the retreat, the confidence gained by sharing my story is the reason I am sharing my story with you as well. The retreat introduced me to the healing magic of sharing. I am listening to my inner child and allowing my heart to open. It has given me the power to say no to my inner critic as I find my authentic self. Read more about my journey here.

Should You Book a Retreat?

Here are some things you should consider when deciding if you should attend a retreat.

Go into it with an open mind. Leave all expectations and skepticism behind.
Find a retreat with the same values as you. There are sober retreats, yoga retreats, retreats in the tropics, and retreats with all levels of luxury. I am sure there is something out there that speaks to your soul (and wallet).
Are you prepared to change your life? You might discover things about yourself when you are at a retreat that you suppressed. Are you prepared to sit with it and learn to understand it?
Are you ready to meet new people? As an unrelenting introvert, this was a real consideration for me. Could I handle the stress of going into a place where I didn’t know anyone and be authentic?
Begin journaling before you decide on what retreat to sign up for. Let your heart direct where you should go and what you truly need.
Perhaps you just need a getaway, nothing too deep, just some real R & R? There are retreats out there like that too. Enjoy some much needed self care.