Why I Always Take a Solo Trip at the End of my Retreats

Every Detour is a journey of self-discovery and growth.

I find that the best way to maximize the impact of the work I do with the group is to take a solo trip to reflect and integrate my learnings.

My solo trips are a way to process what I’ve learned and deepen my understanding through reflection. When I take the time to be with myself, I can really listen to the quiet, still voice that often falls beneath the noise of my full days while leading a retreat. I can see the moments of clarity and connection that I’ve gained during the retreat more clearly and have the space to integrate them into my life.

On these end-of-retreat trips, I love to mix in some adventure but also make sure to do things that nurture my body and spirit. 

I usually choose a metropolitan area where I can explore the culture and the people of the city. I try to take some time to be still and find my own Detours experiencing the city. I love finding little-known, off-the-beaten-path places that show the local culture in its most authentic form. Other than that, it's always fun to meet some new people and learn about their stories!

By taking these solo trips, I allow myself to savor the Detour experience and be fully present in my own journey of self-discovery and growth after a retreat. I’m so grateful for the lesson of Compassionate Comedown that my friend Bunny Love-Schock shared with me and ever since, have been integrating it after every trip.