They say home is where the heart is, and that sentiment holds truest when referring to my beloved Jamaica. Recently, I embarked on a transformative retreat to my home country, seeking solace and rejuvenation amidst the mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Little did I know that this journey would become an immersive experience, reviving my spirit, energy, and mental well-being and even touching the depths of my soul. From cooling and healing river baths to grounding barefoot encounters on lush grass, and the nourishing embrace of organic fruits, every moment felt like a resuscitation of my very being.
On June 28th, 2023, I picked up my luggage from baggage claim and stepped from the cool environment of Sangster’s International Airport, Montego Bay, into the heat of the Island sun. I felt a rush of emotions hit me all over–joy, laughter, overwhelm, tears, and then the sadness of the longing I had been feeling for the last three months–why did I stay away so long? Decades had flown by since my feet last touched the soil of this land. At that moment, I could have chosen to allow that sliver of sadness to take me down a journey into all the reasons and whys – but instead, I immediately pushed that emotion to the side, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. My spirit danced as I breathed in the essence of home!
Reconnecting with Nature’s Embrace:
The next day, as I arrived at the river’s edge, I felt an immediate sense of calm wash over me. The crystal-clear water glistened in the morning sunlight, inviting me to immerse myself in its healing embrace. I couldn’t resist the temptation to dive into this natural sanctuary, shedding my worries and inhibitions with each stroke. The coolness of the water against my skin was invigorating, washing away the stresses of daily life and leaving me feeling rejuvenated. Every moment spent bathing in the river felt like a soothing balm for my body and soul, healing me from within.
Grounding Moments with Nature:
The following morning, I awakened before sunrise to witness the magical transformation of the world as darkness slowly gave way to the golden hues of dawn. My spirit spoke to me, and I made my way to the grassy area of my friend’s Airbnb. I eagerly kicked off my shoes and let the grass caress my bare feet. It was an electrifying sensation as if the Earth itself was recharging me, drawing out any remnants of fatigue or negativity. As the sun peeked over the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors, I felt a profound connection with nature and a renewed sense of purpose. It was as if the energy of the Earth flowed through me, grounding and revitalizing my spirit.
Nature’s Bounty:
Jamaica is renowned for its abundance of organic fruits, and during my retreat, I made it a point to indulge in their nourishing delights. Each bite of the sun-ripened mangoes, naseberry, and pineapples felt like a burst of vitality, infusing my body with essential nutrients and natural goodness. The flavors were so intense, so vibrant, that it seemed as though the fruits themselves were a manifestation of the vibrant Jamaican spirit. Not only did they nourish my physical body, but their freshness and purity also seemed to deeply impact my mental and psychological well-being, leaving me feeling revitalized and whole.
Resuscitating the Spirit:
Reflecting on my retreat experience, I realize it was much more than a vacation. It was a journey of self-discovery and inner healing, where every aspect of nature played a vital role. The cooling river baths, grounding encounters on the grass, and the healing properties of organic fruits all contributed to the complete resuscitation of my spirit. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and gratitude for the simple things I took for granted. It was as if Jamaica had breathed life back into my soul, reawakening my passion for life and leaving me with an indelible imprint of serenity and contentment.
Traveling to my home country for a retreat was a decision that profoundly impacted my life. My experiences all contributed to renewing my spirit, energy, and mental and psychological well-being. Jamaica, with its enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, was the perfect backdrop for my journey of self-discovery, self-love, hope, joy, peace, and rebirth. It reminded me of the intrinsic connection between nature and the human soul. It reinforced the importance of taking time to nurture and heal ourselves amidst the beauty that surrounds us.
If you have read to this point, it means you are next. It may not be Jamaica, but it may be a place where you can revive your spirit and soul to tap into your destiny and divine assignment. Overwhelm and burnout are products of the rat race, the hustle, and the grind. But it is terrible for the overall well-being. Sometimes one has to stop, drop everything, and decide to revive their inner man. I am excited to help you. I invite you to join me and my team for The Power of The Pen Retreat VIP Day. I may not be able to get the cooling river waters or the sunlit beaches to you, but we can re-enact the grounding experiences and create a safe space for self-discovery, self-love, hope, joy, peace, rebirth, and your destiny purpose.
Care to join me? Check it out here https://thepowerofthepen.live
P. S. Don’t forget to join the Books 2 Business and Beyond Facebook group! When you get there say hello and tell them Joan sent you!
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