This retreat was life changing. I've segmented this review into three sections: The Team, The Place, and The Medicine.
The Team: Vee, Kevin, Sita, Abi, and Ari are an amazing and supportive team - they eased any concerns I had and were patient with my anxieties around plant medicine. The groups are kept small which meant there was always someone available for support if I needed it. This ratio contributed to deeper connections with the team facilitators as well as among the group participants.
The Place: The retreat is beautiful with both ocean and forest views. I felt connected to the surrounding nature which proved to be an important part of my own healing process. I loved that the yoga and breathwork sessions were held outside and next to the ocean. There is a calmness in the environment that is particularly soothing, especially if you come from a big city like I do.
The Medicine: Plant medicine has awakened me to a new way of living, with significantly reduced depression and anxiety, and on a higher vibration. I wish this had been available to me decades ago. I learned that plant medicine is deserving of our upmost respect and humility – it will guide you to answers but it is also hard work with beautiful rewards.
One difference between One Retreats and the other plant medicine retreats I researched; Indigenous practices pertaining to plant medicine are baked into the entire experience, and I left with a newfound respect for non-traditional approaches to mental health and for the plant itself. Other retreats seemed sanitized and disconnected from the indigenous roots of plant medicine. I understand that I am still a tourist but somehow at One Retreats I did not feel that way.
I am truly grateful to One Retreats and the wonderful connections I made there. I am looking forward to my next visit – I don’t think one experience there was enough.
