Reflections from Retreat
Two years of planning and saving for what would become the best ten days of my life later, I found myself in Rome, Italy, with my partner- underground in a metro station, wanting to strangle him. We had hopped on the wrong bus and were trying to find our way when a kind stranger stopped to help, doing her best to get us back on track. When we finally emerged from the metro, we found ourselves standing right in front of the Colosseum- a monument that would soon hold even deeper meaning for me.
The following days were a whirlwind of exploration and exhaustion- The Vatican City, espresso at sunset, miles of walking, and endless wonder at the history surrounding us. Then, on our last day before heading to the retreat center in Umbria, everything changed. Among the ruins of the Roman Forum, with the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine in view, my partner proposed.
I can’t remember a time I’ve felt so much at once- shock, joy, disbelief, gratitude. Tears fell faster than I could process them. Even now, a month later, I’m not sure it’s all truly sunk in.
The next day, I arrived at the retreat feeling physically tired but emotionally full- ready to slow down, live in the moment, and soak in the stillness I’d been craving. I’d shared the news with our closest friends and family, and now it was time to simply be.
When I first booked this retreat over two years ago, I knew I wanted to travel, to experience Italy fully and then immerse myself in yoga, home-cooked meals, community, and self-discovery. I couldn’t have imagined how much my life would change before I even arrived. Those two years brought uncertainty, endings, and new beginnings. Through it all, yoga was my constant.
This retreat felt like the culmination of everything my practice has taught me- especially these last two years. It reminded me that yoga isn’t just what happens on the mat- it’s how we move through life. It’s what helps me return to myself when I feel lost, what fills my cup when it’s empty, and what renews my hope and courage when the path feels unclear.
During our opening ceremony, Carrie invited us to create a sankalpa- an intention or resolve, for the retreat. Mine began as, “I am happy, doing what I love.” Over the days that followed- through meditation and movement, herbal workshops, shared meals, and even climbing to the top of an ancient Etruscan pyramid- that sankalpa began to shift. I realized that what I was seeking was already within me. What I truly needed to remember was: I am enough.
This retreat reminded me that courage doesn’t always look like bold action- it can also look like slowing down, asking for help, or sitting in stillness long enough to listen to what’s already inside.
If there’s one thing I took away, it’s the power of the pause. Rest isn’t a luxury- it’s a return. In a world that pushes us to constantly go, do, and achieve, retreat offers us the radical act of stopping long enough to remember who we are.
Even though you can find stillness anywhere, there’s something transformative about stepping away from daily life and immersing yourself in the rhythm of practice, nature, and community. If you ever have the opportunity to go on a yoga retreat, I can’t recommend it enough. Just like your yoga practice, the experience is deeply personal- it can be described, but it can only truly be known through your own experience.
Stay tuned for details about our studio’s next yoga retreat—I’d love for you to come along and experience the magic for yourself.
“Retreat reminds us that stillness isn’t found- it’s remembered.” -Unknown
Here is a photo from our retreat excursion to Orvieto. The view was absolutely stunning!
The front of the Duomo of Orvieto! Us retreat-goers got to tour inside with a fabulous and very informative guide, then enjoy a wine “tasting” with a view of the outside. (Let’s just say it was a thorough tasting). Just one of many special moments from this trip.
Bonus Photo! If you read the full blog and scrolled all the way to the bottom, thank you! Here is the moment my partner asked me to marry him. To the left you can see part of the Colosseum and to the right is the Arch of Constantine. It was such a special moment. Thank you for reading!