Reflections from our weekend retreat
Published 5 July 2025
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of co-hosting my first residential retreat together with two amazing colleagues, Ewa and Maria. What an extraordinary experience! Watching strangers become friends over a weekend reminded me why I love this work so much.
Here are three reflections that I had from our time together:
1. We are so wired for connection. You know that feeling when you're rushing through your day, managing endless responsibilities and suddenly realize you haven't had a real conversation with anyone in hours? That sense of isolation isn't just in your head—it's the illusion our busy lives create. Something quasi-magical happens when we open ourselves to authentic connection.
2. Our shared humanity runs deeper than our differences. Every participant arrived with their own unique challenges—work stress, relationship tensions, that nagging sense of being behind on everything. Yet underneath it all, we discovered how much we have in common. Breaking through the illusion of isolation is genuinely healing.
3. Stepping away isn't escapism—it's essential. Taking time to reflect on your current trajectory and values isn't indulgent. It's how you more fully engage with your one and only precious life. These moments of pause give you permission to remember who you are beneath all the roles you play.
The next retreat is already in the works for June 2026 (mark your calendars!). But you don't need to wait to practice connection. Start small. Notice one moment today when you can be fully present with someone else, or even just with yourself.
Where attention goes, energy flows. 💫
Best,
Valerie
Published 5 July 2025
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of co-hosting my first residential retreat together with two amazing colleagues, Ewa and Maria. What an extraordinary experience! Watching strangers become friends over a weekend reminded me why I love this work so much.
Here are three reflections that I had from our time together:
1. We are so wired for connection. You know that feeling when you're rushing through your day, managing endless responsibilities and suddenly realize you haven't had a real conversation with anyone in hours? That sense of isolation isn't just in your head—it's the illusion our busy lives create. Something quasi-magical happens when we open ourselves to authentic connection.
2. Our shared humanity runs deeper than our differences. Every participant arrived with their own unique challenges—work stress, relationship tensions, that nagging sense of being behind on everything. Yet underneath it all, we discovered how much we have in common. Breaking through the illusion of isolation is genuinely healing.
3. Stepping away isn't escapism—it's essential. Taking time to reflect on your current trajectory and values isn't indulgent. It's how you more fully engage with your one and only precious life. These moments of pause give you permission to remember who you are beneath all the roles you play.
The next retreat is already in the works for June 2026 (mark your calendars!). But you don't need to wait to practice connection. Start small. Notice one moment today when you can be fully present with someone else, or even just with yourself.
Where attention goes, energy flows. 💫
Best,
Valerie