Going on a Wellness Retreat to Find More of Yourself

Imagine stepping away from the noise of daily life, immersing yourself in a space designed to help you rediscover your most authentic self. What might you uncover? This is the essence of a wellness retreat—a purposeful pause to focus inward and explore your inner world.

Whether you are just starting your journey of self-discovery or have already taken many steps down that road, going on a retreat can be a real game-changer. With the help of experienced facilitators like Theresa and myself, you intentionally slow down to focus on your motivations, relationships, communication skills, intuition, grief, fear, shadows, love, joy… and anything else that bubbles up in the process.

In the face of challenges and trauma, it’s easy to succumb to the false notion that something is wrong with you—that others have it all figured out, living idyllic lives without suffering. A retreat invites you to disconnect from the world for a few days and rediscover the truth: we are all trying to find our way home. By intentionally working on yourself in a focused, creative, and supportive setting, you lay the groundwork for a more connected life—one that benefits not just you but everyone and everything around you.

My Inner Knowing Retreats: A Unique Approach

At My Inner Knowing, we embrace the belief that self-discovery flourishes in community. The "Just Like Me" retreat at The Journey Home exemplifies this by illuminating shared humanity. Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s poem Please Call Me by My True Names, the retreat guided participants through reflective and experiential exercises designed to foster compassion and connection. The poem’s central message—acknowledging the light and shadow within us all—framed the retreat’s activities, inviting attendees to embrace their complexities gracefully.

Day One: Entering the Sacred Space

When you arrive Thursday evening, the warm glow spills onto the pillared front porch of an 1860s antebellum mansion. Adirondack chairs face a stunning Midwestern sunset, setting the tone for a transformative weekend.

The opening dinner provides an opportunity to articulate intentions, creating a foundation for meaningful engagement. A smudging ceremony and the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address emphasize gratitude and a sense of sacred space. (If you haven’t read them, check out Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.) Theresa leads a compassion meditation that encourages you to extend goodwill even toward difficult people and challenges you to reflect on relationships.

The evening ends with a bonfire. The crackling flames inspire laughter and connection as you gather around with chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.

Day Two: Shadow Work and Nature’s Embrace

Friday’s agenda centers on shadow work inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s Please Call Me By My True Names. Through exercises like eye-gazing, you confront your vulnerabilities, observing your inner narratives without judgment. A mirroring activity underscores self-awareness, while a group simulation on “spies” reveals how suspicion and judgment affect relationships. These activities foster reflection, honesty, and growth.

The afternoon offers time for journaling and nature exploration, giving you space to integrate the day’s insights. In the evening, a Kundalini Activation session led by Tamara O’Brien unlocks profound experiences—from deep relaxation to connections with spiritual guides. Participants share transformative moments of healing and clarity. (Learn more about Tamara’s work at www.youtube.com/@kundaliniaactivationbytamara or on Instagram @tamobrien111.)

Day Three: Fire and Transformation

On Saturday, the focus shifts to fire and transformation. Inspired by Walker’s encounter with the Stardust Telephone on the Lake Superior Hiking Trail, a grief-release meditation encourages writing letters to lost loved ones. These letters become powerful tools for healing and release.

The evening’s firewalking exercise challenges participants to transcend fear. Some walk across glowing embers, while others honor their boundaries by observing. Both choices are celebrated as acts of courage and self-discovery, reinforcing the retreat’s theme of empowerment.

Day Four: Integration and Closings

The retreat concludes on Sunday with a group reflection and a closing meditation. Theresa and Walker pose thoughtful questions to help you share your insights. By sharing stories and experiences, the group solidifies its sense of community, reminding everyone they are part of a collective journey.

The Benefits of Wellness Retreats

Retreats like "Just Like Me" illustrate the power of stepping away to focus on inner knowing. Retreats foster resilience and authenticity by creating a space for vulnerability, compassion, and self-reflection. They provide tools to navigate life with greater clarity and intention, encouraging you to embrace your strengths and imperfections.

Taking the Next Step

If going on retreat resonates with you, here are five action steps to consider:

1. Reflect on Your Needs: What areas of your life are calling for attention?
2. Research Your Options: Look for retreats that align with your values and interests. From personal growth to Celtic shamanism, there’s something for everyone. Interested in joining us for an upcoming retreat? Our next transformative experience is "Becoming Unshakeable: From Self-Doubt to Daring" at The Journey Home in March 2025. 
3. Prepare Yourself: Start journaling or meditating to lay the groundwork for deeper exploration.
4. Commit Fully: Approach the retreat with an open heart, ready to embrace discomfort and growth.
5. Integrate and Continue: Give yourself time to process and apply what you’ve learned after any retreat.

Conclusion

Retreats are not merely escapism but opportunities to deepen self-awareness, heal, and grow. The "Just Like Me" retreat at The Journey Home in Dearborn, Missouri, exemplifies how intentional time in a supportive environment fosters profound transformation. Engaging in such experiences reveals new dimensions of your inner knowing.

Retreats are integral to learning how to walk each other home. When you choose to go on retreat, you choose yourself. You choose growth, connection, and healing. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. So, when will you take the first step toward your inner knowing? 

Upcoming Retreats

Interested in joining us for an upcoming retreat? Our next transformative experience is "Becoming Unshakeable: From Self-Doubt to Daring" at The Journey Home. This retreat focuses on:

• Breaking free from limiting beliefs and self-doubt.
• Cultivating courage and confidence through reflective exercises.
• Connecting with a supportive community in a serene and inspiring setting.
• Embracing bold steps toward a more daring and authentic life.

Visit our Retreats, Classes, and Events page to learn more about this retreat and other upcoming offerings. Whether you're seeking personal growth, connection, or healing, there's a retreat waiting for you.

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