I set out on my journey to the Greek island of Amorgos with no clear intention of what I wanted to get from it, other than to ‘relax, reset and renew’ (as per the name of the retreat). And perhaps to have some time for deep spiritual connection.  I did, however, have a sense that the Universe might have a little surprise up its sleeve for me and so I stayed open to what this journey was about.  

In many ways, this journey felt more like a pilgrimage.  There were 12 stages to get to the secluded hotel where the retreat was being held.  (Not to mention an unexpected diversion of a 12 hour boat crossing to Athens on the way home.)  Maybe not as tortuous as some pilgrimages but, for someone who has suffered with travel anxiety in the past, if felt like this was a real test of my mettle and my devotion to the practice of Kundalini Yoga.

These are the three main things which I learned from the retreat:

Learning #1: You are strong

The yoga retreat took us on a journey through the chakras.  Each day focused on a different energy centre, sensing where we were in alignment and out of alignment.  As we began on the root chakra, I had my first realisation of what this journey was about for me.  

I recognised the strength which I already had, the progress I had already made.  I connected through my root chakra more powerfully than ever before.  The journey over had tested me and I had passed!  I also had time and headspace to reflect on life and the happenings of the past few years and how I had come through some deeply challenging events.  

It was time to rest a little easier in that feeling of inner strength.  

Learning #2: Remember the power of human connection

For the past few years I have been largely focussed on spiritual connection. Whilst the retreat did give me the opportunity for that, it also made me remember the importance of a much more human form of connection.  Something I realise I have resisted on some level in my working life. 

Spending time with 9 wonderful women who were prepared to bare their souls, make themselves vulnerable and risk the unknown in order to transform reminded me of why I love doing the work that I do.  We are all here to support each other on this journey of life. And for me, it’s time to start doing this more on the front line.  

The message I received is that I need to live out my own mission and purpose more through creating and sharing with others on a larger scale.  Through more face-to-face connection and through shifting from a ‘Me’ to a ‘We’ mindset. 

So, the next phase of my business which this yoga retreat has prepared me for is about reaching more people.  Starting with the completion and launch of my first book next year, followed by a new group coaching programme. 

Learning #3: There is nothing else to wait for

I also realised from this journey that there is nothing else to wait for.  No major blocks or resistance I need to release at this point in time.  It’s time to acknowledge how far I have come and all the work I have done to get here.  

I had to travel to this remote little island in the Aegean Sea to discover this.  I needed to be taken out of myself and my normal routine to hear the guidance which was no doubt there all along but I was neither ready nor willing to listen to.

I declare here and now to start playing bigger, to step further into my own true power, and, as my wonderful yoga teacher Kathryn encouraged, to ‘turn up the fire in my belly’ to make things a reality.  

THE TIME IS NOW.  I AM READY.