I have definitely been feeling the positive effects of my experience and I have been inspired to introduce new activities into my life and meet new people. I have been learning and starting to practise transcendental meditation, I have started a creative writing course, I have been given a part in a musical production, and I have joined my local athletics club (and have run personal best times for 5k and 10k since returning!).

Emotions have been coming up, but I’ve been able to easily manage them by noticing them, identifying them, and letting myself feel them until they (quickly) pass. This is very different to before, when I was consumed by them.

I feel more in tune with myself than I have in years and I am trusting my inner guidance to show me the way ahead. I feel like I am fully occupying my body now. I feel grounded and present and able to immerse myself in life, and I feel like I’m being authentic around other people. I also feel safe, which is huge for me.

One of the most profound changes is that my fierce inner critic has quietened and my mind is no longer judging me or attacking me. This has made a huge difference to my ability to enjoy life in the moment. I cannot quite explain how much easier and better life is now that I feel nurtured rather than attacked by myself. I keep feeling an immense sense of gratitude every time I am kind to myself or do something for my wellbeing, and I don’t remember ever having this before.

I have been journalling every evening so far this year and giving myself a score of 1-5 for how I’ve felt each day. Before the retreat, life was really hard and most days I scored myself as a 1 or a 2. Since the retreat, almost every day I have scored myself as a 4 or a 5, as I’ve been feeling so much better. I am confident that by continuing to nurture my connection with myself, this change will be a long-term one.

I have also been continuing to get lots of useful insights each day, and I’ve been writing these down to record them and remind myself of them regularly.

A huge thank you to Joe for guiding me in my journey. It was a beautiful, healing experience and I am so grateful to have felt safe enough to let go and succomb to it.

With thanks,

Melissa
UK