Reconnect to Rejuvenate
For someone who really loves to write, I often wonder why I have never caught up with writing blogs. Probably because, I didn’t know exactly what it is lol. Or how do I go about to do it. Is there a specific structure to it? Then I realised that I have been writing my instagram and Facebook posts like blogs! I have to really try my best to shortened it. I truly enjoy pouring my authentic thoughts out. My “discoveries” of my learnings and the magics of the exciting yet complex human experience. No, I’m not one of those who claim that life is easy. Because it is not. Definitely not a fan of toxic positivity. We all are going through our unique experiences that make us the unique individuals. Our own set of strengths, traumas and insecurities while trying to get along well with each other. But I do really believe that life is beautiful and a miracle. So here I am, I got a feeling I’ll be writing pretty more often here. Now that I’m so comfortable in my own skin and words, and frankly, don’t need perfection nor much validation to show up. The freedom is real! I’m truly love being me. But that is for the next post :)
For starters, I am reposting and adding to an article I wrote in 2020 on LinkedIn as yours truly is hosting a wellness retreat in May! I am so excited!! Hosting, wellness and creating experiences are my favourite things. They bring me so much joy! This one, I felt it in my blood and bones. Ah, I cannot wait for you to experience it!
So when covid hit the world, I caught myself rushing even more through my work as I expected a lockdown anytime. I was worried and overwhelmed especially that I'm doing everything on my own and I am running two businesses. I hated that I'm back in the RAT RACE. In 2014, I left my previous job after a decade, to have a more balanced life. 4.5 years later, back in Singapore after 14 years hiatus in Dubai, there I was again on the verge of stepping back to square 1! I knew then my RETREAT time has arrived( I do it annually at different spots in the world since 12 years ago).
I had a strong desire to totally DISCONNECT and go deep within and be truly present solely for me and my inner wellbeing. Cos really, when was the last time that I did that. All the retreats I went to, were amazing but I still was with my phone! The more I thought of how much more work I have as I have to move everything online, the more I desire to disengage. Even though the world had slowed down and people were complaining that they did not have much to do and feeling bored, I found that it was a more noisy place, with the extra work, worry of survival, fear, so many panic of isolation, social media getting even MORE ACTIVE and all the moaning and complaints around. More than ever, it was the best time to totally reboot. And I also knew that once the mind is clearer and calmer, we will be more productive and creative.
I dropped everything and two days later went on my own SELF RETREAT. I cut out any form of connections for 5 days. It was just the silence and me. And my BREATH in my own space. For the first time in my life, my phones and laptops were all switched off. It was the longest 5 days of my life! But it was also the most valuable. It felt so good to be away from noises and everything else. Simply feeding my soul and my well-being. I felt so calm and gain so much clarity. I was made aware of many things that I was not of myself and those I was expecting to arise, did not. This self isolation IN THE MIDDLE OF WORLD'S ISOLATION is possibly the best thing I have done for myself. Turned out that the most beneficial retreat for me was in my own place and costed me nothing. I felt stronger and calmer in the 'cave'. I can't be more grateful.
If there is anything most important that I am going to prepare for this trying period, is my MENTAL WELL-BEING. So should anyone really. During this very vulnerable time, anyone can be easily triggered with or without our conciousness. YOUR FEELINGS ARE VALID. Very important that they are acknowledged, and equally important is to know HOW TO NOT LET IT CONSUME YOU.
HUMAN CONNECTION is very important factor of being human. And especially during this time. However be aware of what you absorbed. There are so many unhealthy, unproductive things or habits that can be detrimental. Do things that makes you happy. Do everything in BALANCE.
This whole pandemic is asking us to slow down and to go deep within. To realised the real importance of living. What truly matters? Pay attention to your loved ones, people around you and most importantly those parts of you that you have neglected. Reassessed your goals. Are they adding value? Just to you or to the society too? How can you create a balanced life of MIND, BODY AND SOUL?
No one has got it all together and heck I certainly don't. But very often I've put myself in positions of DIS-EASE to avoid DISEASE. As that is where I believe that you learn the most. WE ARE SO CAUGHT UP with work, phones, material and more. Ask yourself, when was the last time that you are truly, simply PRESENT for your well-being and not attached ourselves or our values to anything EXTERNAL.
After writing this article, I was asked to facilitate wellness retreats few times. However, I could not find a place in Singapore that really expands my heart with joy and calmness these last few years. Even Bali was too noisy when I visited it last year. But then, I made my first trip to Bintan Island, Indonesia. It knocked me off my feet! It is the perfect, tranquil and peaceful place. Beautiful nature of all sorts. I was so pulled to its magic. Better still, I found the perfect villa resort for it.
Everything happens at the right time. Now that the world is back to the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect self care you need. I designed it specifically for the busy, for all the stressors and for the post traumas of covid and the losses we have had. Be it still alive or not.
https://www.ryanayusoff.me/retreat
Love, Ryana x