Homecoming Retreat: Reigniting My Inner Spark

There’s a saying that goes: “when the student is ready, that is when the teacher shows up.”

For the month of August, my teacher took the form of outdoor adventure, summoning me to all sorts of places that I never would have imagined myself in anytime soon.

August, truly a bolt from the blue, was the most mind-bogglingly active and audacious month of my life.

For 3 days and 2 nights, I attended a Yoga, Nutrition and Detox Retreat facilitated by Yoga and Movement Instructor: Talor Amar. She thoughtfully curated a sacred space for me and a few others to go bravely and deeply inside. And what transpired in Subli Farm, with the externals removed and the noise reduced, was the emergence of a version of myself I didn’t know already existed. Extracting myself from the safety and comfort of my own home and plunging myself into an isolated setting that had so much greenery, fresh air, little to no signal, and on-and-off running cold water was eye-opening; it made me realize that I don’t actually need more than I have at present. And my mind - it turns out - is a lot more resolute and unswerving than I believe it to be. Pleasantly surprised by my ability to identify the glimmers and humor in such discomfort, I yearn for more experiences with nature in hopes of unveiling a whole new layer of my character and a renewed outlook in life.

Going on this retreat is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as it not only served as a purposeful break from the daily battles and being sort of at war with the world, but also interestingly extended into a quest for more adventure-seeking and self-fulfillment. Made more present and aware, everything I directly experience has become potential material to write about. Capturing the moment using my 5 senses has certainly rekindled my ability to marvel at the ordinary! Retreat Co-Facilitator, Seed-to-Table Advocate, and Chef Asha Peri heightened my sense of taste and made me more cognizant of the food cycle by introducing planting, harvesting, seed-saving, and the concept of agni (digestive fire). Asha’s lovingly prepared organic meals coupled with the meditations, reflections, and yoga sessions led by Talor catalyzed several kensho (aha) moments upon presenting and unpacking the way of nature and being a spirit living the human experience. From the inside out and all around, I felt absolutely regenerated by the end of the retreat. Through exploring the duality of life, be it masculine energy and feminine energy, yin and yang, and dharma (one’s soul’s purpose) and karma (whatever one experiences in this life, is here to fix or make better based on what was learned, and can teach others about), I was able to ascertain that my mind just wants to take me to a place that is safe, whereas my heart wants to take me to a place that is filled with bliss and joy. And the good news is it’s possible to make them and all the other duality-based energies work together in harmony. It’s all about balance and integration.

On a retreat high - this new state I unlocked carried over to the rest of the month. I attended a zen poetry workshop, snorkeled, free dove for the first time, and yes, even hiked my very first summit! WHO AM I?!

I love that the world, both my classroom and playground, keeps me curious and open to experience; the thrill of discovery is indescribable, and I’ve honestly never felt so awake, alive, and alert! August got my internal world shining a lot brighter than usual, making this season of my life much more fruitful than anticipated and truly unforgettable. My cup runneth over even if I’m feeling the post-adventure blues and am in the midst of what I call a temporary parking slot where serious preparation is being done for me to be able to propel into the next season.

In a total state of amazement of how August panned out, I cannot wait for all the adventures that await! More to come for 2024!