Refreshment and Reconnection

It’s so much more than a habit.

It’s definitely much more than a holiday.

For over 17 years now I have been attending detox retreats. Mostly annually although at one point that became impossible for the same reason as my absolute favourite retreat went out of business.

I’ve written about the power of the experiences more than once before. I try to weave some of the thinking into my life and into my coaching practice where appropriate. It concerns me how many people do not have a ‘third place’, a key element of positive psychology thinking. At its simplest that’s a place you go or a thing you do which is just for you.

I hope I’m not prone to melodrama yet it’s not exaggerating to say that my retreats quite possibly saved my life. I have lost count of the number of beneficial changes I have made to my life as a result. I was a stressed 40 year old, arguably heading for an early coronary or stroke, and at 60 I am carefree and pretty healthy in most regards.

I’m back from my latest endeavour and it was about as good as you can expect from a programme designed for all sorts of people with all manner of needs and preferences. A stunningly beautiful and unique location (I mean just look at it), a remarkable team guiding you through the week and the most wonderful collective of fellow retreaters.

I’d like to emphasise that final point: at a time when there is much in the world to dislike about human behaviour it is so refreshing to be part of a group of strangers (mostly) who form into a high-performing team with the most remarkable conversations, a positive group vibe and inter-relationships which warm the heart. Praise where praise is due! I miss you all more than I can say.

I have returned deeply refreshed with a clear reconnection to my ‘carefree’ tenet.

What’s more I have just had a week in which I lay on a roof at night staring at the stars (so many stars) with even a satellite cruising by way up there, bathed in a mountain lake after a lengthy walk, had the highest quality conversations, lost myself in more than one expert massage, and learned all about Ben Bikman’s thinking on our insulin resistance ‘epidemic’ and “why we get sick”…

I wandered through fields carpeted with the most beautiful wild flowers, meditated for hours on end, enjoyed the best Yin yoga I have ever encountered, laughed, drank delicious juices (for they were pretty much all we had), lay in the morning sun, and jumped into a very cold pool after enjoying a rather hot sauna…

I watched stunning sunsets, picked up countless nutrition tips, was inspired by the people around me, pushed through one or two personal challenges, and finally…this one is truly exciting…rediscovered a technique for re-energising myself which I thought had faded away years ago.

I’ve said before that my retreats are deep personal development which can only be of benefit for the amazing people with whom I work. Re-read those last few paragraphs, if you feel so inclined, and then tell me that isn’t development at its most profound.

I’m very fortunate to have discovered something which for me really is a powerful ‘third place’.

Could it be yours?

If not, what is?