At first, the retreat seemed liked such a daunting prospect - spending three days with a group of strangers in the wilderness. But it has had such a positive impact, and my time with Mind Over Mountains has taught me so much. I went with the intention of coming away healed (a big ask, I know!) and I left with clarity and patience - which I believe has allowed me some inner peace, a form of healing, without the pressure. 

The weekend was a chance to connect with people - a group of sensational individuals, who were so awe-inspiring - and it was an amazing atmosphere to be part of. We were able to express our thoughts and emotions openly in a non-judgmental, structured environment, which allowed us to learn about one another, as well as ourselves. Everyone was in the same boat, just paddling with a different oar. Listening and watching the confidence in others grow was the true highlight of my weekend. 

The benefits from the retreat I will carry throughout my journey, if not my life.  

I now know for sure, that I am not alone. Even in the moments when I feel I am the only one experiencing what I am feeling, I know there are at least 15 others who can totally relate to my emotions. It was a true honour to have met them.  

On reflection, 3 days in Dartmoor was never going to heal me but it allowed the space for me to consider what it is that I need. I arrived feeling that I needed to ‘let go’ of all the negative emotions - the hurt, pain and guilt - and that until I’d let go, I wouldn’t be able to move forward. What I learnt was that I in fact needed to let go of the whole concept of ‘letting go’. I don’t need to do anything until I am ready. I just need to be patient and allow time to heal. I no longer feel pressured to return to my ‘former self’. Life experiences change us so I will never be who I was before. After all, we grow through what we go through. We evolve and learn from those experiences to assist us in the future.  

I am now so optimistic for what the future holds, with no time pressure, just a newly formed sense of inner kindness. When I am ready, the next chapter in my life will begin only looking back, to see how far I have come.  

Thank you Mind Over Mountains for providing the opportunity to gain clarity and perspective. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have cleansed my mind which enabled a reset in life. It was exactly what I needed.