A Weekend of Self-Discovery, Empowerment, and Lasting Friendships

Last fall, I did something I never thought I’d do…

I invited a woman I had never met to fly to town to spend a day and night at my house.

Why, you ask?

A couple of reasons.

First, Carmen and I had attended dozens of Inner Fitness sessions on Zoom, and we’d grown fond of each other. Second, with COVID restrictions finally lifted, we were excited to attend the first Inner Fitness Project Retreat. I planned to drive to the retreat and invited Carmen to ride with me.

I picked her up at the airport on the morning of September 15th. When we met, it was like seeing an old friend after a long absence. We swapped stories, shopped, and ate delicious food before finally going to bed around midnight.

We got up early the following day and enjoyed homemade quiche before jumping in my car for the drive to Boone, NC.

Even though I had been working for The Inner Fitness Project since July, I attended the retreat as a full-fledged, paying participant.

Why, you ask?

Because I wanted to enjoy the whole experience of having dedicated time to connect with and learn more about myself.

To me, it felt like Christmas morning. I was eager to see what awaited us at the “How to be (with) Your Self” retreat.

And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. My time at the retreat exceeded my expectations…

I expected that meeting everyone for the first time would be exciting but awkward.

I thought it would be difficult to dig in and do the work of self-exploration AND then be able to share my truths with others.

And I imagined the retreat’s effects would wear off after a few days or a week.

However, to my surprise, none of those things happened.

For instance, instead of feeling awkward, I immediately felt genuine comfort and warmth with everyone I met.

I was also surprised that the initial exercises made it easy to look within and share what I discovered. And as the weekend continued, my fears about opening up vanished.

As expected, the initial highs of attending the retreat eventually wore off. However, I soon made a surprising discovery…

The work I did at the retreat had become ingrained in me. So, whenever I notice that I’ve fallen back into an old pattern, I do something I learned there to turn things around.

My weekend in the North Carolina mountains was such a phenomenal experience that I look forward to returning to this year’s retreat.

If you’re curious about what you might get out of attending, here are five of the things I loved the most about my experience:

• Rediscovered Me: The "How to be (with) Your Self" gave me three precious gifts: dedicated time, thought-provoking questions, and a safe space for self-exploration.

Although the online Inner Fitness Workouts were terrific, nothing compared to what I experienced by actually being in the room with everyone. The discussions and exercises were innovative. And the healing energy and sense of transformational shifts were palpable.

As the sessions progressed, I gained invaluable insights into who I am. I also rediscovered who I wanted to be, how I wanted to feel, and what to do moving forward. It was an exhilarating journey of Self-discovery and new possibilities.

• Guided by an Effective, Enthusiastic, and Entertaining Master: Tina embodies a remarkable combination of profound wisdom, practice, and humor. Her compassionate presence created a safe environment that fostered self-acceptance, empowerment, and transformation.
  

• Developed Enduring Friendships and Community: A diverse and inspiring group attended the retreat. Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, I formed connections that are still going strong. Sixteen of us continue to nourish and support each other through the bonds we forged that weekend.
  

• Cultivated Inner Well-Being: The atmosphere in the room nurtured our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The exercises and discussions helped me find balance and inner harmony. I left the retreat feeling aligned and rejuvenated. And as a bonus, I knew how to respond to life's challenges more resiliently.

• Set in a Conducive Environment: The majestic mountain views at the Art of Living Retreat Center provide the perfect backdrop for introspection and growth.

I awoke to birds singing in the trees outside my open hotel windows each morning. It helped me start the day with a sense of joy and peace. And walking the labyrinth and hiking trails allowed me to unwind, recharge, and connect with nature.

As I eagerly anticipate this year's retreat, I cannot help but feel excited about its potential for all of us.

And guess what?

Carmen feels the same way. So, she’s coming for another visit, and then we’re heading to Boone again!

If you're seeking an inner transformative experience, I wholeheartedly recommend reserving your spot for the upcoming September 22-24 retreat.

I hope to see you standing beside us as we embark on this journey to Self together.

Now, it’s your turn. If you attended last year’s retreat, share your experience in the comments below to help others determine if the How to be (with) Your Self at the Art of Living Retreat Center sounds like a good fit for them.

Krista Jones High is passionate about achieving wellbeing by thinking from the inside out. She has worked in personal development for the past 20 years, including writing for Nightingale-Conant and working for Bob Proctor for six years. Krista is a Wellness & Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She combines her training from IIN, her work with Bob Proctor, and her zeal for inner fitness to help clients navigate life's challenges by looking at things from a different perspective so they can see new possibilities. Book a one-on-one coaching session with Krista here for assistance in getting out of your own way and more OR meet her at this year's retreat!