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Dear Friend
How are you today? Isn’t this sunshine just absolutely fabulous?
I feel like I’ve been away from Substack for months. The last post I wrote was on Friday and today is the first opportunity I’ve got some time to write.
This past weekend, I had the privilege of hosting therapeutic journaling workshops at the “Mindset & Mountains” retreat organised by the one and only Dr Jo Watkins - a true superwoman. Jo is on a mission to give medics and other health professionals, the confidence to start, build and scale their own business or develop a personal brand alongside their career.
What started as a group of strangers quickly blossomed into a kindred tribe, bound together by our shared desire to explore, create and rediscover our authentic selves.
For three glorious days, we surrendered to the simple pleasures of life - hiking through breathtaking landscapes with the ever so lovely
, storytelling round the fire, journaling our thoughts and dreams, practicing yoga at sunrise, dancing with abandonment, swimming in crisp mountain lakes and feasting on lovingly prepared meals. Over thirty medics without agendas or masks, together created a sacred container where they could all be radically vulnerable and curious.One of the most powerful aspects was the space this retreat created for self-discovery and introspection. Through therapeutic journaling exercises, I encouraged each guest to peel back the layers and excavate parts of themselves that had been buried beneath life’ demands as healthcare professionals. I was so humbled by how each individual gave voice to their deepest yearnings and allowed themselves to envision the changes they craved.
I was blown away by the majestic presence of the mountains, more so because I’m a coastal chic at heart. However, it became clear that we were all on a continuous journey of unfolding and within hours of arriving we started to blossom into our most brilliant selves. Even for me, this retreat was a potent reminder to prioritise this expedition inward and nurture the callings of my soul. Hiking up a mountain, swimming in rivers, taking in the views, the wildlife and Mother Nature was such a welcome tonic.
As we parted ways after three very transformational days, I witnessed the innermost essence of each guest had been rekindled - I felt confident that they would all head back home with more authenticity and intention. We arrived as strangers and left as friends, as co-conspirators encouraging each other to live a more self-expressed and vibrant life.
If you find yourself craving more aliveness, creativity and connection, I cannot recommend enough the experience of attending a retreat like this. Especially if you’re in the healthcare industry, give yourself the gift of unplugging from the hustle and remembering who you are at your core. I encourage you to let the mountains be your church and the journey inward your most self loving act of devotion and care.
In the meantime, here are a few therapeutic journaling prompts to help you take your mind to the mountains and give yourself a few minutes to ‘pause for thought’.
1. Describe a mountain landscape that feels sacred or powerful to you. What does it look like, smell like, sound like? How does it make you feel as you envision being there?
2. If the mountains could speak, what wisdom would they share with you? Write a dialogue between yourself and the ancient peaks.
3. Make a list of all the qualities you associate with mountains - strength, permanence, serenity etc. Then explore how you can cultivate those same qualities within yourself.
Whether attending a transformative mountain retreat or using therapeutic journaling to transport your mind to those sacred peaks, making the time for self discovery amidst nature’s beauty is a magical experience. I encourage you to take 10 minutes to unplug from the daily grind, reconnect with your hearts’ desires and simply pause for thought. I hope you’re able to find inspiration in my writing, and I’m always here if you’d like to connect.
Until the next time,
Take care and stay safe xxx
Coming Up This Week…
The Big Retreat Festival - I’ll be hosting IRL “Rage on a Page” workshops alongside a mega lineup of wellbeing experts and creatives such as Ruby Wax, Gail Porter, Simon One, Dr Alex George and Gaz Oakley just to name a few. There are tickets still available, and I would love to see you there!
Friday - Journal with Ease - 2pm in the Mind Space Tent
Saturday - Rage on a Page - 2pm in the Mind Space Tent
Sunday - Rage on a Page - 1pm in the Mind Space Tent