Too afraid to fly?

Something deep inside is telling you that you need a retreat. You’ve read the emails, you’ve seen the reels, even read the testimonials, yet something still holds you back.

Take a moment and ask yourself what that need is. Can you hear the voice inside? And the fear that follows it? Maybe it’s feeling unsettled in your life, chaotic, overwhelmed, or burned out. Maybe you’re feeling pretty well and it doesn’t really make sense why you would go on a retreat right now, yet, something is tugging at you that you should go.

What would it mean to listen to that voice?

There are many reasons why people are afraid the first time they come on a retreat. They’ve never done anything like this before, aren’t used to trying new things, or fear showing up alone. We often hear these fears laid before us on the first night when we have our opening group. As people tentatively begin to share what they hope for in the weekend, they often tell us, “I almost didn’t come.” In our closing group on Sunday mornings, they always say “but I’m so glad I did.”

“I didn’t know how much I needed this.”

“I felt dead when I got here on Thursday but now something inside me is alive.”

“I thought I was a bad mom, but now I realize I was just burned out. With these new tools and self-compassion, I’m excited to go home to my children.”

For many, it’s the financial investment. Running a retreat is a very expensive venture and honestly, the financial side is what scares us the most too! Paying for the houses, providing delicious meals for a large group 3 times a day, excursions, group therapy, curriculums, and all the other details that go into the retreat add up quite quickly. As business owners, we must pass this cost onto our clients, but the financial hindrance is one we are always aware of and are actively looking for solutions. For many we have been able to offer scholarships, so if this is you, please reach out and talk to us about your need. Many of those who receive scholarships in the beginning, have returned for subsequent retreats that they have built into their annual budgets. I was so humbled this year when two of our past participants signed up immediately and with such enthusiasm shared that they had been saving up for this since our last retreat they had attended. The financial investment can be daunting, but the ROI is there. You are not just paying for those things that I listed, you are investing in the transformation. A pivot point in your life, an awakening, a recovery, a renewing of your mind, body, and soul.

Others worry about the people. Who else will be there? Will they like me? Can I really let others see the darkness that I’m wrestling with? What if they see right through me? What if they’re annoying or I don’t like them? While I cannot make any guarantees that you will love the personality of every person who comes, I can tell you that we pre-screen every participant to make sure they are a good fit, and are proud to cultivate the groups that have come together. Many have found lifelong friendships and some, who preferred to stay more distant from the group, still benefited from the experience of being together in community.

Some people are worried about the food. What if I have food allergies or I don’t like what’s provided? When you register, we will ask you about your food allergies and restrictions. As we finalize the menu, we will take all of these into account and we have successfully hosted women in the same weekend who were allergic to eggs, dairy, gluten, chicken, nuts, and soy. We still got rave reviews about the food that was provided that weekend. If we are unable to accommodate your need, we will provide alternative options for your meals, and you are always welcome to supplement with things from home.  All meals are provided, some are catered, and others are home-cooked meals. We always end up providing the recipes at the end of the weekend! One participant even told us that she went home the next week and made all the same meals as a comfort point as she transitioned back home.

What other questions do you have? What is holding you back from answering your soul’s cry to retreat? Please reach out and let’s talk through it. We are not going to try to talk you into an experience that is not right for you. But we would love to have a conversation and see how we can help you get what it is that your soul is needing.