When guests leave our retreats the important step of reflection and integration begins. We like to practice what we preach by also spending some time as guides reflecting on the experience.
We are writing to you with full hearts after facilitating our 7th Same Summit retreat this past weekend in the rolling hills of Mendocino county. Despite a heat wave, we were tucked comfortably inside our climate-controlled yurt while nine courageous souls journeyed throughout the weekend.
It’s always challenging to put the staggering amount of human connection and shared wisdom we witness on these retreats into words. Clare, Nick, and I all feel that these retreats are the most sacred aspect of the work we do, mostly because of the magic and power of the group.
Something synchronistic happens as a retreat group starts to assemble. Threads of commonality and mirrors are held up for every attendee. “Wow,” everyone thinks, “I thought I was the only one who felt that way.” “Incredible, I no longer feel so alone.”
Our eldest attendee in human years noted on the final morning after experiencing a profound, psychedelic life review, “It’s hard at times, but it’s all beautiful and, more importantly, it’s all okay.”
Here are our individual trip notes from this past weekend:
Clare’s reflections: “It’s allowed to be easy.” Despite a 100° heat wave and an unexpected flock of sheep grazing nearby, some things are allowed to be easy. I want to bring this lesson into my day-to-day living, which is that ease is an option, even when there are moments of challenge.
Nick’s reflections: “I feel 100 pounds lighter.” I’m always so blown away by the power of allowing ourselves to take some time out from the habitual life patterns. The magic that ensues when a group of strangers comes together with similar intentions, and the threads of connection that are created. It always brings me back to the knowing that it’s really not so much about the psychedelic medicine, it’s about the magic of our human souls and how good it feels to connect with people at a deeper level than typically available to us.
Nadia’s reflections: “Comfortable silence in group.” There was this moment on the last night together where we were clinking glasses of fresh lavender mocktails with the moon slowly rising over the horizon. The night was warm allowing us to have dinner outside for the first time ever on a retreat. One guest emerged from her massage, was handed a lavender mocktail and spontaneously exclaimed “I LOVE MY LIFE” which elicited big laughter and cheers all around. There were also moments where everyone was gathered in contented silence. A happy, warm, familial feeling that is so rare to experience with a group. We had all felt what needed to be felt and said what needed to be said. We felt seen, witnessed, heard. There was a gentle feeling of stillness and warmth that emanated from everyone while we were sitting. These moments of connectedness without words are so rare. I feel tremendously grateful and changed to have been a part of it. I notice my heart feels clearer and more convicted this week as a result. I touched into what truly matters and a moment stripped bare to the truth of our human existence. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
