"I have so much going on!"
"People need me, I can't leave!"
"Maybe when my kids are older."
"I should have done it when I was younger."
It's so hard to justify going on a retreat. How can you leave all of your responsibilities behind? We know how much you're carrying. But what will happen if you DON"T take a break?
Our retreats are an opportunity for you to prioritize your mental health and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and self-compassion. But is it worthwhile?
Of course you have questions!
"The weekend was intimate and soul nourishing!
“Kate was an amazing facilitator who created a safe space - a brave space - for us to be vulnerable and open to connection. I felt so restored during the retreat and was able to carry that feeling forward when faced with the stress and responsibilities of life upon returning home, which is absolutely priceless.
“I am so grateful for the gift of this beautiful retreat.”
- Caitlin S.
Here are 7 questions I've been asked recently about my upcoming Mindful Compassion & Gratitude Weekend, and my honest answers:
"I'm not sure I can get away for a whole weekend! I have so much going on."
Kate: I totally get that. It can be hard to step away from our busy lives, but sometimes, we need a break to recharge. This retreat is designed to help you do that. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and come back refreshed. You'll be surprised how focused and clear you'll feel when you're more rested and centered.
"Yeah, but I'm a parent. I'm worried about leaving my kids for a whole weekend."
Kate: I understand how challenging leaving your children can be, especially if you're raising neurodivergent kids. However, taking time for yourself is essential for your well-being. When you're rested and emotionally balanced, you'll be a better parent. Plus, a weekend where you're away can be a great opportunity for other caregivers to bond with the kids and create special memories together. Trust them to handle it, and come recharge with us. Learn new skills you can take home to stay regulated and loving. It's the best gift you can give your family.
"The retreat is a pretty long drive for me. I'm not sure if it's worth the time and effort for just a weekend."
Kate: You want to know, will it be worth the trip? It's kind of far for me, too. But I think about the retreat beginning as soon as I leave home. I'm taking a break from my daily routine. The journey is part of the experience. You can use the drive to reflect, listen to music, or simply enjoy the scenery. And remember, the benefits of the retreat will far outweigh the travel time. A weekend away can be a much-needed escape from your daily routine. It's an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
"I have a chronic back condition. I'm worried about the physical activities during the retreat."
Kate: I understand your concern. During the gentle movement sessions, I'll offer you customized variations alongside express permission to choose what feels best. II's a small group, so I'll be able to work with you to find modifications that suit your needs. You can opt out of any activity and rest when needed. The most important thing is to listen to your body and prioritize your well-being.
"I'm not very flexible, and I've never meditated before. Will I be able to keep up?"
Kate: The gentle movement and meditation practices are designed for all levels of experience, including beginners. You'll be guided through each step, and there's never any pressure to perform. The goal is to relax, release tension, and connect with your body and mind. You'll learn simple techniques you can incorporate into your life from the weekend forward.
"I'm worried about the cost. Is it really worth it?"
Kate: That's a really personal decision. Compared to many yoga retreats, it's quite reasonable. For this retreat, I charge a bit more than others at the Himalayan Institute, and I'll tell you why. I insist on keeping the number of participants very low, yet my costs are the same. Many of the other workshops at the Institute are offered by in-house facilitators who live and work on-site, so I have additional expenses that they don't have. I work hard for months to design every aspect of the weekend so that it feels effortless to you. I've dedicated my career to creating inclusive, brave spaces for self-awareness, and I'm confident that this retreat will be a transformative experience for you. I have some valuable presents for you too!
"I'm not sure if I'll be able to connect with the other participants."
Kate: The retreat is designed to foster a sense of community and belonging, while also encouraging you to go within and befriend yourself. You'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people, share profound experiences, and listen to each other. I'll be there to facilitate a safe and supportive space for everyone. The group activities and shared meals are great ways to build connections and make new friends.
The benefits of this retreat will extend far beyond the weekend. You'll learn valuable tools and practices that you can use to manage stress, improve your relationships with everyone you love, and live a more fulfilling life.
Stop Walking On Eggshells!
Gentle yoga to release your stress and shift your mindset about struggle.
If you get your buttons pushed often by other people's issues, you may be hypervigilant. You might feel it in your body as clenching, tension, or chronic pain.
You'll become more grounded in awareness of your body.
