Reboot Your Mind

The very first retreat came to life spontaneously. That summer of 2018 I was trying to get a job with the company which does wilderness therapy for troubled teenagers. I really liked the idea of personal development facilitated by nature, because I knew firsthand how powerful it can be.  Long story short it was not a good fit for me. I didn't appreciate their approach. As I was complaining to my close friend about everything I didn't like about the program, she asked me a very good coaching question: What would you do with a group of people on nature to help them grow? I took some time to think and as an answer created the program of my first retreat.

Over the years of my experience, I have discovered that after a good adventure in the mountains, I would  look at my life with greater optimism. I wanted to share how simple and yet powerful it is to draw inspiration and energy from the mountains, how it is possible  to strategically combine rejuvenation, broadening horizons, and personal development. 

The program was designed for physically active individuals who enjoy movement, for those who like to combine travel with personal growth and are inspired by conversations with like-minded people. 

The first group got together in matter of weeks and we had our trip in the end of September 2018. I chose an amazing place  -  Southwest Colorado, San Juan mountains and the high desert of Four Corners. The season was also very special - beautiful mountains during that unique time when a sea of golden aspens highlights the dark green of firs and the whiteness of the first snow on distant peaks serves as a backdrop.  

Although we hiked a lot it was not just a trip for sightseeing. The entire program was designed like a very long experiential coaching session. On the first day, everyone selected their own intention they wanted to focus on during the trip. Each day that followed became a fresh perspective through which participants viewed their chosen situation, seeing it from a different angle, with a new mindset. By the end of the trip, they gained insights and clarity around what changes they want to make in their lives and committed to first steps. 

It's almost like restarting a computer, which works faster and better after a reboot. The purpose  of the trip was to reconnect with nature as a source of energy, strength, inspiration, and creativity; to reconnect with oneself, transform one's perspective on current situation, and gain clarity and answers from within. 

One of the days we travelled to Mesa Verde National park. It's known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.  There is something magical about being here, and I have a personal story with this place. When I moved to the US from Russia for years I felt uprooted.  The first time I visited these dwellings I finally felt connection with this land, as if they were my ancestors as well.