When I reflect on this past weekend’s wellness retreat, the only word that truly captures it is ‘transformative,’ not just for those who attended, but for me as well, in a profoundly personal way.
I came in carrying a bit of anxiety and impostor syndrome so loud I could barely hear myself think. And yet, somehow, through the gentle unfolding of moments, I left lighter. More rooted.
Friday’s Yoga Nidra and Meditation sessions set a beautiful tone for the weekend; soft, grounding, quietly powerful. But nothing could have prepared me for what Saturday morning would bring.
During the Yoga and Movement session, our facilitator, Lisa, asked us to pair up for a guided exercise: one of us would embody our younger self, and the other would speak to that version with compassion and care.
I was partnered with Dr. Yakshen Llindy, who was one of our keynote speakers. We shared intimate, raw pieces of our stories; memories and words we don’t often share in daylight.
When it was his turn to speak to the younger version of me, he didn’t hold back.
As he spoke to my teenage self, he reminded me with such clarity that the space I hold matters, that my value doesn’t need to be proven, especially when it’s already being reflected to me by the community around me.
In that moment, I could feel the anxiety that had left me spinning start to loosen its grip. It’s so beautiful when healing arrives through human connection.
Lisa, thank you. You held such a beautiful, gentle space for all of us. You are gifted.
Thereafter, we gathered for breakfast. Plant-based, nourishing, and honestly, some of the most delicious meals I’ve had in a long time. I’m still thinking about the flavours and textures, and I was left inspired to take better care of myself through food.
Dr. Lindy’s talk followed, titled “Wellness in Dentistry: Thriving Through Adversity.” But what stood out most was how he made it relevant for everyone in the room. He spoke from a place of truth about turning pain into purpose through mentoring, storytelling, and connection. It was both vulnerable and empowering.
Lisa then returned to the stage to deliver her powerful talk, “The Magic Backpack Journey”. A standout moment for me was when she explored how we can change our reality by understanding the mind, regulating our nervous system, and rewriting our stories. She challenged us to reflect on what kind of person we are: the “poor me” type who believes life happens to them, or the creator, the one who sees life happening for them. That shift in mindset? That’s where real power lies.
Dr. Carla Pontes followed with “Stress Reduction and Mental Wellness: Preventing Burnout Among the Dental Team”, referencing Dr. Kyle Stanley’s “Dental Success Trio.” Her talk was practical and deeply needed. “The most effective way to prevent chronic stress from escalating,” she said, “is to actively address stress daily.” It was a reminder that wellness isn’t something we stumble into; it’s something we cultivate.
After lunch—more vibrant, plant-based goodness—we had the option to receive a Kahuna massage. This wasn’t just your average massage. Rooted in traditional Hawaiian practice, Kahuna works across multiple systems: lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive, helping the body release in ways we don’t often get the time or permission for.
Then came Mr. Elton Lau’s incredible lecture. His message was clear: if you don’t write your own goals, you’ll end up chasing someone else’s. His talk also introduced the concept of metacognition—using others’ thinking not to conform, but to seek insight.
We moved into a fun Journaling and Affirmations session with Dr. Vishal Bhikha. And wow—what a radiant soul. He had us dancing to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. It was so simple and so joyful. Then we journaled and anchored ourselves in three affirmations:
I accept myself the way I am.
I forgive myself.
I love myself unconditionally.
By the time we reached dinner, the energy was soft, open, and connected.
But Sunday morning was the highlight of the entire weekend for me.
Lisa (yes, her again—she is that special) facilitated a soul-stirring Cacao Ceremony. It’s hard to put into words. I decided to go all in, to let the medicine of cacao and the sacredness of the moment work through me. I’m so glad I gifted myself that experience. It was a gift to fully immerse myself in this process, granting permission to feel and heal. You truly had to be there to feel the whole magic.
We followed that with a soothing sound bath experience, providing a serene space for a final exhale and realignment.
Dr. Mark Bowes then gave a heartfelt, interactive lecture on the power of story and trust. He reminded us:
“Be humble. Be kind. Be loving. But above all—be loving.”
He redefined success in a way that felt grounded: living a life where health and mental wellbeing are prioritised, time is cherished, financial freedom is used to give generously, and relationships are truly valued.
We ended with one last lecture from Dr. Bhikha: “Integrated Wellness for the Dentist”. He kept it real:
“Shit happens. Every day. To everyone. The difference is how we respond.”
He tied the talk into the significance of Youth Month in South Africa and challenged us to consider how we’re carrying the baton forward—how we’re honouring the youth who fought for freedom by showing up with purpose in our own lives.
The retreat closed with a sharing circle, led by Lisa. Everyone had a chance to reflect. It was honest, emotional, and raw. People spoke their truth. And most of all, they connected.
To everyone who came, you were part of my healing.
In the end, it wasn’t just about the yoga or the lectures. It was about remembering how to feel safe in our skin. And maybe that’s the most radical kind of wellness we can offer ourselves.
If you missed this one, we hope to hold space for you next time. See you at the next one.
