Towards the end of 2022, I was feeling overwhelmed, tired, low in energy and just generally not myself. As a mum and business owner, there is always a lot of pressure and so many daily demands, not leaving much time to relax, reflect and spend time on myself. I knew I needed a detox, a total body reset and honestly just some time alone.
One of my dear friends suggested a wellness retreat, something I had always been interested in but never prioritised. She recommended Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand, a place she had personally visited many times and had some of her most life-changing experiences. 2023 was primed to be a huge year for me – I was launching a business and turning forty, so I decided to give myself an early birthday present and booked a week alone at Kamalaya to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul. Here are some of things I learnt from this incredibly life-changing experience:
- Rejuvenation is essential for healing
Rejuvenation (or rasayana in Sanskrit) is a therapeutic tradition in Ayurveda that promotes longevity and vitality, helping our internal energy, organs and fluids flow in a more balanced way, boosting physical, mental and spiritual wellness. It typically can include a combination of detoxification treatments, nutritional adjustments, yoga, meditation as well as oil massage therapy. Immediate benefits can be clearer skin, mental alertness, more energy and better digestion. Honestly, it is all these things and more.
To experience rejuvenation, I believe you really do need to escape your daily routine, ideally alone and somewhere surrounded by nature. It doesn’t even have to be for a long time, a day could be enough. The week I was away at Kamalaya I completely detoxed – so no coffee, alcohol, sugar, meat or processed food. The meals were prepared with love and care, nutritionally considered with the freshest ingredients. This break allowed my body to heal from the inside out, not only did I loose weight but my skin was literally glowing only after a couple of days. My mind was also clearer and I had so much more energy. You don’t have to go to a health retreat to do a detox, just eat clean for 3-4 days and witness the results on your body and mind. Food is medicine and sadly we often forget this in modern society.
I also took the opportunity to slow down. My typical exercise regime is pretty high-energy including spin, running, weights, with the occasional yoga and Pilates class. I made a conscious decision to take a different approach and do calmer activities like yoga, infrared saunas and walks in nature. Removing this pressure to do high-intensity exercise was actually a godsend and allowed me to relax into the experience even more. I now do less high-intensity exercise, practice more yoga and do Pilates regularly with Play Pilates.
My new motto – be kind to yourself!
- Solitude inspires gratitude
Having time alone to reflect and reconnect was at first difficult. I am a very social person and receive energy from others. However, after a couple of days, I found I was calmer and living with a kind of lightness and softness. At Kamalaya you dine in a communal room with other guests and can choose to eat alone or join others. Many nights I had dinner with strangers and whilst I initially found this experience daunting, eventually I loved meeting new people and sharing a meal (without wine!). I met so many beautiful souls at Kamalaya and left with many new friends.
All the time alone and just “being” was also incredibly empowering. Having time to think and expand my mind meant I came back inspired and full of gratitude for all the people and opportunities in my life. Now, before I go to bed, I write three things I am grateful for that day. It could be as simple as “I am grateful for the sunny day today” or “I am grateful for my healthy amazing daughter”. Trust me you wake up with a totally different perspective the next day.
- Nature is the ultimate healer
Kamalaya is consciously built amid a tropical landscape on the coastline of Koh Samui. The land itself was a powerful part of the experience, as you walk around the property the energy is calming and almost spiritual. There is an ancient cave in the heart of the property, once used by Buddhist monks as a place of mediation and reflection. I would often sit in this beautiful cave, light a candle and meditate. Now obviously this cave had a special energy due to its history however what I took away from this experience is I need to find daily moments of solitude for meditation and reflection, ideally in nature. I would often meditate outside, in the garden or on the beach yet I would never do this at home. There is something so peaceful about being in nature and since returning I try and go for a walk in nature and get some fresh air, it really has the power to reset you mind and body.
I was extremely lucky to be given this opportunity to escape to a sanctuary like Kamalaya. It was truly the most incredibly rejuvenating, transformative and magical experience of my life. You don’t need to go to a wellness retreat to see the benefits of rejuvenation therapy. Simply integrating daily meditation, doing a detox from coffee, alcohol and processed food for a few days or taking regular walks in nature can be extremely reviving for your body and soul. Since returning from Kamalaya, of course the pressures of daily life resurface, however I now try walking a little lighter, calmer and softer throughout my day and remember all the amazing things I learnt. I hope this helps you in some way too.
Love,
Siobhan