Go on a wellness retreat

“But, honestly, what made up for a large portion of this healing experience and the newfound happiness I brought back to New York with me was the time I spent alone—and by alone, I mean by myself and away from my technology, completely disconnected from my constantly buzzing iPhone. For five days, I was fully present in the moment—my moment, not someone else’s. I woke up each morning (at 6am!) and turned my alarm off to get ready to meditate, do yoga, and eat breakfast, and left my room with nothing but my key and a notebook. For the first time in a long time, I sat down and ate breakfast without scrolling through my news feed while simultaneously chewing. In fact, I ate in complete silence each morning (a rule at Kripalu), reflecting on my surroundings and eating at a normal pace. The free time I had? I spent reading a (physical!) book in a quiet sun-filled room boasting mountain views, quietly baking in a sauna, or working on my meditation practice. I never once felt bored or had an urge to know what everyone else was up to. There was no FOMO to be had.”

“I would say this was the point when we entered the glitch in the matrix. For the next several minutes, as each of us gave our stories I have never felt so vulnerable and open in my life. I believe the rest of the participants felt the same. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried during my turn. As I looked at my card before my turn, something stirred inside of me. When it was my turn, the waterworks just gave way, in full force. I felt like I was digging up repressed feelings and thoughts as I translated them into words. Again, I experienced the healing that can happen when you get to have someone to listen to you, making you feel seen and validated. It has a very powerful effect.”