Becoming Unshakeable: From Self-Doubt to Daring—a Journey Back to Yourself
Walker BirdReflections from the My Inner Knowing Retreat, March 20–23, 2025
What happens when we choose to press pause on the chaos, step away from the noise, and give ourselves the space to heal? The answer revealed itself over four transformative days in March 2025, when a group of brave, open-hearted individuals gathered with Walker Bird and Theresa Hubbard for the Becoming Unshakeable retreat. Hosted by the creators of the My Inner Knowing podcast, this experience was not about fixing what’s broken—but about summoning the courage to find what’s whole within us.
Nestled in a space that felt both grounded and ethereal, the retreat began on Thursday with dinner and a ceremonial welcome. Journals in hand, we entered ritual through smudging, the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, and reflective writing prompts like: Who am I here for? What fears am I carrying?
From the beginning, we were reminded that this isn’t about perfection. "Perfection is the most sublime form of self-abuse," Walker said with honesty and humor. We were called instead to presence—to the smells, sensations, and stories alive in our bodies. Theresa invited us into safety and somatic grounding with breath, essential oils, and Joseph Campbell’s wisdom: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
Walker introduced us to the weekend’s signature challenges: composing and reading a poem about courage, singing solo, acapella in front of the group, and walking barefoot across 1100-degree coals. These experiences weren’t about performance. They were about practicing bravery in real time.
That night ended with a spring bonfire and a sound bath. Theresa gifted each of us a small plant as a symbol of growth. We were asked to begin noticing symbols—in dreams, in nature, and in our own resistance.
Friday began with Qi Gong and the wake-up call of body slapping and chi balls. Group sharing unearthed a core truth: our self-doubt is not unique—it’s human.
Through his Brave Journal and Brave Journal Companion, Connor Link's BRAVE Process provided a grounding framework for navigating our inner landscapes. BRAVE stands for Breathe, Release, Allow, Visualize, and Explore/Express. The process begins with breath as an anchor, then guides participants to release limiting narratives, allow new possibilities, visualize their next path, and explore with curiosity and self-expression. Importantly, Connor teaches participants to identify their core values—starting with a wide list and distilling down to three foundational guides. These values help orient participants’ personal "Quests" and give depth to each daily action. The BRAVE process offers a daily compass for both reflection and transformation.
That afternoon, Theresa led a meditation called "Softening Into Courage," then gifted each participant a heart shell as a reminder of the power we carry within. We circled up in the 200-year-old tobacco barn, and one by one, participants approached a hanging punching bag with an 18-inch hose. The goal wasn’t violence, but release. Half-hearted taps and muted voices slowly morphed into intentional and powerful strikes and rising voices. We let go of the fear of having our vulnerability, anger, and pain seen and learned how to intentionally move emotion through the body. We learned it is not about blind rage, but about setting an intention to move "stuck" energy and emotion out of the body to facilitate healing.
We later built the fire structures for Saturday’s firewalk. My Inner Knowing’s firewalks focus on building relationship with the fire from start to finish. The process builds confidence and resilience rather than amplifying terror. It also teaches us how to get in touch with our “inner knowing” by sensing into our body meaningfully and intentionally when faced with challenges that may seem like “life or death” choices. We set the intention for the next morning’s firewalk by chanting in unison: “Clear skies, calm breezes, and ice-cold healing fire!”
That night’s poetry circle glowed with tenderness and transformation. We listened, laughed, cried, and held space for each person’s expression. Fear melted into courage, and resistance transformed into rhythm.
Saturday began with lighting the fire for the firewalk. The cedar burned for hours until glowing coals covered a 10-foot path. Everyone walked. Some twice. Some five times. Each person circled the fire, checked in with their “inner knowing,” and made a conscious decision to overcome their fear and step into the unknown by intentionally choosing to walk or intentionally choosing not to walk. The lesson is powerful either way--real courage is about intentional action, not ego. Participating in a firewalk is a powerful and often life-changing commitment to courage and inner truth!
After lunch, it was time for the solo song offerings. Before the floodgates opened, there were moments of fear, intense anger, bargaining over the process, and outright threats to refuse participation. There was fear. There were tears. And then…there was song. One by one, we stepped forward, some trembling, some proud, some quiet, some loud, but all transformed through the process. Learning to “see” ourselves in turmoil and doubt and summoning the courage to step to the front of the room, look others in the eye, and SING without music or notes was transformative. We learned that exercising the courage to be vulnerable in front of friends and strangers creates magic…THEY start ROOTING for US and cheering us on! The human soul is inspired by witnessing courage and honesty...and by practicing those virtues. What had begun as a fearful task became an act of liberation—of glorious daring.
Sunday morning brought closure—but not conclusion. Over breakfast and one final circle, we asked: Who am I now? What shifted? What questions do I carry forward? The retreat ended with a forgiveness meditation; not just for others, but for ourselves; for judgments made in fear; for silence born of shame; for forgetting who we are.
We left as we came: human. But we left changed.
5 Reasons Residential Retreats Help You Grow
1. Safe Containers Foster Deep Healing
Intentional space removes everyday distractions and allows meaningful transformation.
2. Group Energy Amplifies Insight
Being seen in your vulnerability opens you to deeper truths.
3. Movement and Ritual Shift Stuck Energy
Qi Gong, firewalking, poetry, and song activate healing in the body.
4. Connection to Nature Rekindles Perspective
Trees, fire, stars, and symbols in nature speak when we slow down enough to listen.
5. Time Away Reveals What Truly Matters
The quiet brings clarity. Stillness reveals what’s true.
5 Action Steps to Continue the Work After Retreat
Revisit Your Journal Weekly
Let your insights evolve through consistent reflection.
Incorporate Rituals into Your Daily Life
Candles, breathwork, or gratitude can anchor new habits.
Keep Moving Toward What Scares You
The fear is the path. Walk it with intention.
Stay Connected with a Few Retreatmates
Your courage can be reflected and nurtured in a shared community.
Listen to the My Inner Knowing Podcast
Walker and Theresa will remind you of who you are.
To everyone who showed up fully: thank you. Your courage created ripples.
To those considering your first retreat: the treasure you seek is waiting in the cave. Come find it.