return home to the heart: a retreat

reflecting on my year, hosting this retreat was such a highlight for me. my friend sacha and i were talking about attending a retreat together. however, when we couldn't find a fitting one, i jokingly said, let's just host our own.

and then somehow we just did that. we developed the program for some months, everything very intuitively, just throwing together tools and practices that we liked ourselves.

sacha had multiple trainings and certifications in different healing modalities, ceremonies, and has an insane intuition to feel people. in the past, she had also helped me to become aware of my emotions and feel them. i had attended a bunch of retreats and seminars and was part of a men's community where we practiced holding space, taking off masks etc.

we got together 8 people who were interested, we planned the meals, we got an amazing chef and a musician. it was a full success. everyone went through big emotional processes, could let go of the barriers they've built and really connect with themselves and each other.

the aftermovie

we tried to capture some of the energy, the connection, and the beauty of those five days.

the shift

the most beautiful thing to witness was how the walls people use to protect themselves began to break down.

here's what some of the participants had to say:

i always felt very safe, cared for and seen under benian's guidance. his determination and security made me feel safe even in situations where i was scared at first.

benian made me feel very seen. he is able to powerfully combine the right words to inspire and to allow to reflect on my feelings.

the retreat was heart opening. truly connecting. a way to get back to my authentic self.

very heart warming and connecting and a good combination of fun, depth and seriousness. i received so much love and healing in these days. i really felt held and supported in my pain.

benian, i felt so inspired by you, you gave me peace and calmness. your sweet soul and warm heart makes anyone in the room feel heard and valued.

my reflection

seeing everyone on the last day, laying around, hugging… like wtffff. it was so beautiful what we created. just so much love.

people finally allowed themselves to feel. it's hard to describe. this experience was a huge moment for me in realizing how good i've become at holding space, and it felt like an awakening of my own gift. it showed me how much i love to hold space, and lovingly push people, and to stand in my power to create a safe container for transformation.