By Kristina Smith
Driving through the rolling countryside of Caledon, Ontario, on a crisp autumn afternoon, I was caught between excitement and a twinge of nervousness. This would be my first retreat, and while I’d been looking forward to it, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
The itinerary sounded like a dream—yoga, meditation, and soul writing? Absolutely. But then there were things like journey dance and nature bathing. I had fleeting visions of twirling barefoot and nude in the woods under a full moon. I told myself to keep an open mind.
Beyond the activities, I had other questions buzzing in my head. Would I actually enjoy being disconnected from my phone? Would I feel out of place? The retreat had a no-electronics, no-scented-products policy, so I decided to add one more thing to the list: no preconceptions.
Stepping Into the Unknown
Upon arrival, I was relieved to be sharing a room with a dear friend—easing into the experience rather than diving headfirst into solo introspection. Our retreat facilitator, Roberta, a shamanic healing practitioner, greeted us warmly and explained that we’d be exploring wisdom traditions that have been passed down for generations.
That first evening, we gathered around a fire for a sacred circle. Smudging rituals and rhythmic drumming invited us to release old energy and welcome fresh intentions. While unfamiliar, these traditions felt oddly natural, as if some part of me already understood their significance.
A Journey Inward
Over the weekend, we embarked on guided meditations and a shamanic journey to meet our power animals—a process that unexpectedly stirred deep emotions for me (mine’s a minke whale, by the way). We also created personal medicine wheels, tools for self-reflection and healing.
There was movement, too. Yoga classes provided a grounding counterbalance to the introspective work, and long walks through the golden-hued forest brought a sense of stillness. The retreat space itself, with its carefully placed stone circles, felt like it had been designed for quiet revelations.
And then there was the food—nourishing, thoughtfully prepared, and, to my great relief, paired with good coffee. Sipping a warm mug in the morning chill before a meditative walk became one of my favorite moments.
Lessons Beyond the Weekend
I had expected to meet like-minded people, but I hadn’t anticipated finding such a close-knit group of vibrant, wise, and hilarious women. In a world of constant digital connection, it was refreshing to bond in a way that felt so deeply human.
Perhaps the most profound realization on this first retreat (of many to come in future) came from the inner work itself: Personal growth isn’t something you achieve and check off a list. It’s an ongoing journey. As someone who loves crossing things off a to-do list, this was a major shift in perspective.
I had come seeking a pause—a break from the busy rhythm of daily life. I left feeling renewed, lighter, and profoundly grateful. If you’ve ever considered going on a retreat but hesitated, take this as your sign: trust the process, step outside your comfort zone, and go for it.