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When I first moved out of state, I felt completely overwhelmed. I wasn't just adjusting to a new home—I was trying to figure out how to carry my life's purpose with me. I knew in my heart I wanted to lead a retreat in the magical red rocks of Sedona. The vision was there... but so was the fear. My mind kept whispering, Not yet. The timing isn't right. Wait until next year, when you're more settled.
One of my dearest friends was with me during that season. We had shared more than 30 years of friendship, laughter, tears, and life's many twists and turns. At the time, she was living with Stage 4 cancer.When I shared my dream of the retreat, her eyes lit up. "I want to go!" she said. I smiled and replied, "I'll do it next year, once I feel more settled." She became very quiet. She looked me straight in the eyes and softly said, "I might not be here next year." She wasn't afraid to play what she jokingly called "the cancer card." But in that moment, it wasn't manipulation—it was truth. A truth that cut through every excuse, every fear, and every reason I had for waiting. So... I planned the retreat. As the months went on, her treatments became more intense. The appointments, the protocols, the exhaustion—they all began to take their toll. She started wondering if she should go. Was it the right time? Would she be able to do it? Should she conserve her energy instead? I remember looking at her and saying something that has stayed with me ever since. "You have a choice. You can plan to live... or you can plan to die." Those words weren't about denying reality. They were about choosing how to meet it. She chose to plan to live. She came to Sedona. She hiked. She breathed. She laughed. She cried. She rested beneath the towering red rocks. She soaked in every moment. And before we left, she thanked me for making the retreat happen. But the truth is... I was the one who owed her my gratitude. She reminded me that tomorrow is never guaranteed. That waiting for the "perfect time" often means missing the very moments our souls are longing for. She gave me the courage to stop postponing what mattered most. We all need someone who lovingly nudges us beyond our fear. Someone who reminds us that life isn't meant to be lived "someday." This retreat exists because one remarkable woman reminded me that the time to truly live is now. Thank you Christine, I love you forever and will honor your YOLO spirit for the rest of my days.
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2/16/2026 0 Comments Why go on a Retreat?I recently returned from Tropical Transformation Wellness Retreat, where I had the privilege and honor in leading 22 amazing humans on very mindfully curated experience of expansion, healing and renewal. This year, I needed this retreat just as much!
Deeply nourishing on every level is how I would describe it. It got me thinking… why is it so special to go with community versus go alone? In a world that glorifies independence, there’s something quietly powerful about choosing community. While there is certainly value in taking time alone, attending a retreat offers layers of expansion that simply aren’t available when you go it alone. Whether it’s Tropical Transformation Wellness, SUP with Manatees, Sedona Hiking & Yoga, or Pickleball, Golf & Yoga Getaway (coming next!), here’s why stepping into a shared retreat experience can be more impactful than a solo escape. 1. Community Creates Momentum When you travel alone, your growth depends entirely on your own motivation. On retreat, the collective energy carries you.There is something profound about practicing, learning, and reflecting alongside others who share a similar intention. 2. Guided Structure Deepens the Experience When you plan a solo getaway, you are responsible for designing your schedule, finding resources, and keeping yourself on track. That can be relaxing — or it can become another task to manage. On retreat, everything is curated for you: * Daily practices * Workshops or teachings * Nourishing meals * Space for reflection * Time to rest The structure allows you to fully surrender. Instead of asking, “What should I do next?” you get to ask, “What am I feeling? What am I learning?” Being held in a thoughtfully designed experience allows you to go deeper than you might on your own. 3. Shared Vulnerability Is Transformational Something magical happens when strangers gather with a shared intention. Stories are shared. Tears are shed. Laughter fills the space. When one person opens up, it gives silent permission for others to do the same. You may arrive thinking you’re the only one struggling with fear, burnout, doubt, or transition — and leave realizing your experience is beautifully human and shared. 4. You’re Supported by an Experienced Leader On retreat, you’re guided with an intentionally curated journey. I take so much pride and joy in.. * Building themes progressively * Holding emotional space * Adjusting energy when needed * Encouraging growth without overwhelm Alone, you rely only on your current mindset. On retreat, you benefit from someone else’s wisdom and experience — someone who can see your blind spots and gently guide you beyond them. 5. Pulls You Out of Your Comfort Zone When you go solo or even with your besties, it’s easy to stay in familiar patterns. You may rest, explore, or journal — but you are still within your own habits. Retreat gently disrupts that. *New conversations. *New perspectives. *New practices. *New environments. Growth happens at the edge of comfort — and retreat provides that edge in a supportive way. 6. Lifelong Connections Are Formed Many retreat participants arrive as strangers and leave feeling like lifelong friends. There is something uniquely bonding about sharing sunrise meditations, deep conversations, nourishing meals, and personal breakthroughs. These connections often extend far beyond the retreat itself — becoming friendships, accountability partners, or collaborative opportunities. Alone time can reset you. Community can reshape you. 7. You Remember Who You Are — Together While solitude can offer clarity, shared experience reminds you of your belonging. Retreat is not just about escaping daily life. It’s about remembering your strength, your softness, your voice — and witnessing that reflection in others. There is power in being seen. There is power in seeing others. And there is even more power in growing together. What I learned… Going alone can be peaceful. Going on retreat can be transformational. If you’re craving depth, connection, structure, and support — a retreat offers a container where growth is not only possible, but amplified. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do isn’t isolating yourself to “figure it out.” Sometimes it’s saying yes to community. And allowing yourself to be held while you rise. 🌿 If any of this resonates with you and if you feel drawn… I am pouring alot of time, love and energy into growing this and I invite you to join me :-) Peace, Love and Sunshine, Natasha |
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