During the pandemic, like many others, my husband and I were prompted to re-evaluate our priorities, particularly in relation to our health and well-being. We decided to invest in ourselves by attending a wellness retreat — a profound experience that allowed us to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with our inner selves.
My journey with wellness began long before this retreat, back in my teenage years when I was introduced to yoga. While my practice has ebbed and flowed over the years, certain aspects of yoga, particularly its meditative components, have always resonated deeply with me. One of the most meaningful aspects of my practice has been savasana — that final pose of relaxation at the end of a yoga session. Truth be told, it’s often what I’m working towards, not only during yoga, but also in my daily life.
There’s something about savasana that connects me to a power much greater than myself. This connection is beyond my full understanding, but it’s deeply comforting. It’s what helps me rise up every day, see the beauty in the world around me, and sometimes even recognize the beauty within.
During savasana and meditation, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing what some refer to as “the gap.” It’s a powerful and transcendent state of being. I struggle to explain it, as it can make you feel like you’re teetering on the edge of sounding a bit “out there.” Because of that, when I meet others on a similar journey, I often ask if they’ve experienced the gap. If they have, we delve deeper into the conversation. If they haven’t, I simply wish them the experience one day because words alone don’t do it justice.
With wellness retreats now a regular part of my life, I’ve found myself longing for another one. Earlier this year, I had hoped to attend a summer retreat, but life had other plans. Now, as another retreat looms during the upcoming election season, I’ve contemplated attending. Being there, cleansing and connecting with something bigger than myself, feels like a timely escape from the noise of the world.
In the meantime, I stay connected through daily meditation using Chopra’s app. It has become a reliable tool, grounding me as I daydream about my next retreat. I also immerse myself in learning, continuously seeking to deepen my education and investment in self through reading, watching, and following wellness experts.
If you ever find yourself with a moment, I encourage you to explore what Chopra has to offer. If you ever take the opportunity to invest in yourself and participate in one of their wellness retreats, talk to Merwan! Perhaps it might help you experience the gap for yourself.
