7 Ways a Wellness Retreat Creates Community

Community and shared experiences help create a sense of belonging, purpose, and increased happiness. A wellness or yoga retreat is an enjoyable way to establish new friendships, expand your network, and truly feel connected. Joining a yoga retreat is the perfect time to share a room instead of getting a private. Read on to learn why!

As a yoga teacher and retreat leader, it's my honor to bring together humans like this. I get to create the space and watch the magic unfold, gently guiding it in ways that let each individual shine where they feel powerful and be held where they need some support.

Here are 7 ways that attending a wellness retreat can create community and valuable friendships.

1. Shared experiences - We are social creatures (even if you identify as introverted) that need human interaction. Shared experiences boost our sense of belonging and self-esteem. We remember them better, too!
2. Family meals - Doesn't sitting down to eat together feel like family? Some of the best spontaneous conversations and revelations come up around a table of nourishing food shared together. It's a bonding experience. (Plus there are no dishes to be done on retreat).
3. No distractions - Ever catch yourself saying "If I only had more time" or feeling that you don't have space in your life to create new relationships? On retreat, you've got the time, space, structure, and a super cool crew of like-minded people to connect with. Focus on being present with others while you don't have the distractions of daily life.
4. Extra support - You know you are valued when you have an army of cheerleaders to hold you through the struggles, encourage you when you're stuck, and celebrate when you reach a breakthrough. At a retreat, you not only have the support of the retreat leader, but also of all the participants there with you. Some of the deepest 1:1 conversations happen in the shared rooms away from the rest of the group.
5. Lasting memories - It's said that we should spend our money on experiences, not things. It's also true that we remember shared experiences more profoundly than solo experiences. Shared memories are valuable and can be carried with you for a lifetime.
6. Broadened perspectives - When we share experiences with people from different generations, geographical locations, lifestyles, etc, it challenges our thinking, offers new ideas, and opens new possibilities.
7. Community is healthy - Studies have linked associations between meaningful relationships and helping to navigate loneliness, positive cognitive and physical health, and lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia. A retreat is literally good for your health!

Nourish Retreat 2022 brought together a mastermind group of women that became instant friends. Our WhatsApp group chat is still active with words of encouragement, recipes, and genuine connection. You could be part of that rich experience by attending Nourish Retreat in Mexico this November!
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What is your favorite part of being in community and sharing memories? Share in the comments!

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sharing tacos and margaritas in Cerritos Beach

shared rooms are a great way to make new friends

community meals that you don't need to cook or clean up

lots of spaces to gather together or for 1:1 conversations

lounge by the pool or watch the sunset together

arrive as stranger and leave as friends

If you're ready for new friendships plus a luxury vacation, join me in Baja, Mexico this November 3-8, 2023 for Nourish Retreat. The retreat includes 5 nights/6 days at the stunning Topia Boutique Retreat, daily yoga, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks and water, tarot reading, taco tour, a smudge stick workshop, a 60 minute massage or Reiki, an excursion to the Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos, and more!