From Self-Reflection to Empowerment, Wellness Retreats Redefine Holistic Well-Being
After a yoga class in Destination Kohler, in Kohler, Wisconsin.
I committed to a yoga retreat early this year, seeking solitude for self-reflection through yoga and meditation. Despite initial guilt as a woman, conditioned to be a caretaker, I recognized that life persists, with or without my presence, prompting a necessary focus on personal well-being.
Initially considering Arizona, my attention shifted to The Fire & Ice Wellness Retreat in Kohler, Wisconsin. Its proximity made the decision clear—I'm opting for this retreat with the realization that there's nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Amidst personal and professional upheavals last year, I prioritized wellness. After job shifts and relocation in 2020, facing uncertainties and a subsequent layoff, I sought change in a new city. A deeper void persisted despite improving physical health through exercise and mindful eating. Daily meditation and breathwork became routine after reconnecting with yoga in the fall of 2023. Despite improvements, a lingering sense of incompleteness led me to embark on a journey of self-discovery for growth and healing, seeking kindred spirits yearning for purpose and renewal.
Once believing wellness retreats were exclusive to health experts, my perspective shifted dramatically upon deciding to attend. Choosing a weekend retreat, I delved into transformative experiences of yoga, mindfulness, and culinary wellness, reshaping my outlook. The retreat challenged preconceptions, revealing the profound impact on individuals and fostering holistic well-being appreciation.
Discovering Inner Strength: A Journey through Yoga with Jonah Kest
With Yoga Teacher, Jonah Kest.
Eager to partake in yoga classes led by Jonah Kest, son of vinyasa yoga trailblazer Jonny Kest, whose influence in the Midwest yoga scene is unparalleled. Despite my initial intimidation—fueled by social media portrayals of yogis contorting like noodles—I discovered a more profound perspective. Jonah Kest emphasized that yoga isn't a circus act but a means to elevate performance in all facets of life. His philosophy extends beyond physical prowess, contending that yoga fosters personal growth. Kest's compelling question lingers: "Yoga will make you a better person, so why not add it to your life?"
The allure of "fire" and "ice" resonated with me, representing elemental aspects. Embarking on a journey for lasting gains, I embraced the mantra of comfort in discomfort, acknowledging challenges precede ease. The first day featured yin yoga in a softly lit room, inducing profound calm. Contrary to expectations, prolonged poses prompted Kest's guidance: "Simply observe your breath," emphasizing its perpetual connection to the present moment.
In the serene ambiance of Kest's yoga class, his tranquil voice delivered a poignant revelation: "You don't let go of your thoughts; your thoughts let go of you." Through consistent yoga practice, he asserted, thoughts relinquish their stronghold on the mind. Overwhelmed by a wave of emotions, tears unexpectedly flowed, prompting introspection on the ambivalence of my sentiments—grappling with the blend of joy for the present and sadness for the unattended aspects of my life.
Despite initial nervousness about the group dynamic, having felt like an outsider in recent years, optimism prevailed. Fortuitously, I encountered kindred spirits, inspiring women whose shared narratives became a source of empowerment and connection.
In a moment of raw vulnerability, a fellow participant declared, "I have to fill my cup first so I can fill other people's cups," echoing the very words that catalyzed my journey towards self-prioritization, spoken by a friend a year prior. It was as if she could peer into the depths of my heart. In that shared sentiment, tears welled up, forming a testament to the collective emotional resonance within the group. Each woman exuded a familiar energy, forging an unspoken bond that rendered our connections profound and effortless, evoking a cascade of shared tears and a deep understanding.
Finding Unity: A Journey of Self-Discovery through Elemental Challenges
Embarking on the second day, inversions yoga presented a heightened challenge, yet amidst newfound camaraderie, I embraced my current self and the evolving person within. The past frustration over mastering yoga poses had transformed; now, surrounded by supportive friends, I could laugh at myself with newfound ease. The evening unfolded with hip-hop yoga—an endeavor that stirred apprehension, marked by a fear of letting loose without the crutch of alcohol. An initial moment of anxiety gave way to resilience as my friend and I, both feeling adrift, crafted our unique flow. Though not in sync with the others, our shared journey offered a sense of unity and diminished solitude.
Rejuvenating sauna at Kohler Water Spa.
I never anticipated forming such strong connections with a group of women in such a brief period. Each of them exudes remarkable qualities, whether it's one's courage or another's serene composure. I am grateful for the divine alignment that brought me into the company of women embodying the attributes I aspire to possess.
The culminating day proved the most formidable, featuring hot yoga and submersion into ice water amidst the frigid Wisconsin winter, perfectly aligning with the retreat's elemental theme, "Fire and Ice." Confronting my apprehension, I navigated through hot yoga, finding unexpected solace in the enveloping warmth that seemed to purge my anxieties through perspiration. The ultimate test awaited—an ice water plunge in winter. Faced with overwhelming fear, I initially contemplated withdrawal.
Terrified at the prospect, I grappled with the notion that my heart might cease in the face of this daunting challenge. Initially deeming it too risky given my existing anxiety, Devon Crahan, proprietor of Michigan's Intentional Yoga, offered a motivating perspective. Inspired by Crahan's four-year journey into breathwork and intentional cold exposure- I thought, "If not now, when?"
Crahan said, "The physiological response to the cold is diaphragmatic contraction, which causes a negative pressure in your lungs that pulls air in; therefore, it's crucial to focus on exhalation because it signals to your diaphragm to relax so you can breathe in again."
I observed floating ice cubes approaching the white tub brimming with ice water. Two courageous women calmly immersed themselves, their composure inspiring me. Stepping in, the singular word echoing in my mind was "exhale." Amidst cheers from those around me, buoyed by the support and the power of breathwork, I found the strength to endure. The ensuing sense of accomplishment and pride was indescribable. At that moment, an overwhelming ecstasy enveloped me, ushering in a peace of mind that had long eluded me. This empowering realization that I could conquer anything with determination was a revelation I never anticipated from the challenging cold plunge.
Ice plunge in February in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Embracing Wellness: The Transformative Power of Self-Care and Connection
This retreat, pivotal for well-being, provided serenity and clarity. Intentional self-care brought sought-after calmness, fostering enduring friendships in a nurturing enclave without competitiveness.
Group yoga class with Jonah Kest.
Recalling Kest's words, "Surround yourself with people who want the best for you," resonated profoundly. The authenticity of these connections, born out of shared aspirations for each other's well-being, was palpable and irreplaceable. This retreat wasn't merely a luxury but a necessity for my overall well-being. The newfound self-appreciation and sense of peace transcended any material value.
As I contemplate Kohler’s Power of the Outdoors Retreat in September 2024 and Vortex Yoga Retreat in Sedona, Arizona in December, the realization strikes: self-care isn't an indulgence but a requisite for nurturing meaningful connections and sustaining oneself. This experience affirmed the significance of wellness retreats for women, reinforcing friendships, fostering strength, and cultivating better nurturers who understand the essence of self-care in preventing resentment and exhaustion. In the pursuit of caring for others, prioritizing self-care emerges as the foundation for genuine and sustainable giving.
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