Photo: Mollie Krengel
Have you ever gifted yourself with a retreat or group travel experience? I have had the privilege of curating and guiding retreats (specifically for women), but I imagine any retreat shares a common vision. I refer to it as a privilege because it’s remarkable to witness the magic, the—transformation—that occurs on our adventures.
While many retreats might have a different purpose, the aspiration is that these experiences are an investment in you. I’ve curated and guided women’s retreats to Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, Joshua Tree and a remote area outside of Tucson. While each of our adventures has been different, a few things remain the same.
It is time to truly be you, rather than the many titles we identify ourselves with, such as a spouse, sibling, parent and so on. Show up, let go of your cares and simply be.
It is time to feel rejuvenated, inspired and empowered, creating a ripple effect in our homes, communities and workplaces by returning inspired by our fresh surroundings, experiences and new friendships. It’s a chance to say yes to things that might feel out of your comfort zone and be surrounded by remarkable people.
It provides catharsis and play. Life can become repetitive and downright dull, but people return from our adventures and feel as though it was extremely therapeutic. Going on a group retreat, where you might not know everyone, but you are all united in the experience, creates lifelong bonds. It reminds us how good it feels to be alive. We return with a renewed zest for life.
I’ve watched women swimming, surfing, hiking or horseback riding for the first time or trying new foods, making new friends, enjoying simple peace and quiet, conquering fears, laughing until their bellies ached and sharing their deepest dreams. It truly is the closest thing to magic. Investing in a retreat is one of the greatest investments in us and our communities and leads to living a more fulfilling life.
Mollie Krengel is the founder of adventure-based business Wild Bum. She shares travel tips and insights in this column, writing with husband, Roy, and globetrotting kids Liam, Ella and Rafi. wildbum.com
