A New Year’s Reset in The Woods

At the end of December, I had the opportunity to attend a daylong spiritual retreat in King City. This retreat wasn’t merely a pause in my busy life—it was a deliberate moment for reflection, refreshment, and resetting—akin to a New Year’s resolution. Yet, as I learned, it’s not just the destination that counts—the real essence lies in having the conviction to embark on the journey itself.

With an open heart and an open mind, I chose to immerse myself in this adventure, eager to explore what it had to offer. The program was meticulously designed to nurture a meaningful and authentic human experience. It emphasized intuition, receptivity, alignment, and self-discovery through a blend of functional movement, breathwork, meditation, plant-based nutrition, forest therapy, and hot/cold immersion.

One of the retreat's main intentions was to disconnect from technology. Participants were asked to turn off their phones and focus on being present and aware. This simple yet profound request allowed us to embrace the stillness and quiet of the retreat, which was further enriched by musical interludes and opportunities for sharing. These elements created a holistic and complete experience that felt both new and deeply familiar. By the end of the day, I found myself reflecting on a sense of “remembering” rather than discovering something entirely novel.

As we step into a new year, whether at work, at home, or within our communities, I am reminded of the core principles that guided this retreat: connection, relationship, and surrender. These principles were not just abstract concepts but practical tools that underpinned the retreat’s space and can be seamlessly applied to our daily lives.

I hope each person finds ways to nourish their soul and keep their cup full in 2024. Whether through similar retreats, personal reflection, or other practices, may we all embrace moments that foster a deeper connection with ourselves and each other.