Dear Journal, This week, I took a much-needed break and per Elani’s advice, ventured to a lakeside retreat, hoping to reset and find some peace. The journey began with meeting the horses that would take us to the campgrounds. There was something incredibly therapeutic about being around these majestic animals. Aretha, our camp counselor and guide, explained that the horses could sense our emotions and respond to them, making them perfect companions for our journey of self-discovery and healing. As I approached my horse, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The horse, sensing my unease, nuzzled my hand gently. Aretha encouraged us to take a moment to connect with our horses, to let them feel our energy. It was a powerful experience, standing there, feeling the horse’s calm presence and allowing myself to be vulnerable. This initial meeting set the tone for the rest of the retreat, emphasising the importance of emotional connection and grounding. The horseback ride, while kinda uncomfortable, felt like stepping into a different world. The air was fresh and crisp, and the gentle rhythm of the horse beneath me was calming. It was the perfect start to what I hoped would be a grounding and rejuvenating experience. Upon arrival at the campgrounds, Aretha introduced us to a series of grounding exercises, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the earth beneath our feet. One of the first things we did was take off our shoes and walk barefoot on the grass (and rocks but I didn’t like that at all). The sensation of the cool grass and rough stones under my feet was oddly soothing, a reminder of the simple joys of being in nature. Later, Aretha led us on a birdwatching trail walk. It was a beautiful experience, listening to the birds sing and watching them flit about in their natural habitat. Aretha’s knowledge of the different bird species was just incredible. She taught us a few bird calls, and let’s just say I think I scared a few away. In the afternoons, we practiced various grounding exercises. Aretha guided us through deep breathing techniques, encouraging us to visualize our stress and worries sinking into the ground, leaving us lighter and more centered. We spent time simply sitting by the lake, feeling the earth beneath us and the gentle breeze on our skin. It was a powerful reminder of how disconnected I’ve been from the natural world and how much I need this connection to feel whole. This retreat is off to a great start and is a humbling reminder of the healing power of nature. The simple act of taking off my shoes and feeling the earth has brought me a sense of calm and grounding that I’ve been missing. It’s been a week of rediscovering the joy of being present, of finding peace in the quiet moments, and of reconnecting with the world around me. Catch you later, Alex
