Dear Susan,
Are you aware of somatic retreats over 50?
Dear Reader,
Oh, how I adore our audience and their questions! You all keep me on my toes and always learning something new. So, somatic retreats — let’s dive in, shall we?
What are somatic retreats?
For those of you scratching your heads and thinking, “What in the world is somatic therapy?”, allow me to enlighten you. Somatic therapy is like that wise friend who tells you, “Hey, your mind and body are on the same team.” Our minds and bodies are like the dynamic duo of our wellbeing. When one is out of whack, the other tends to follow suit. Healthy mind, healthy body. Struggling mentally? Your body might just wave a little red flag in the form of aches, pains, or other mysterious ailments.
In his best-selling book The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, the brilliant psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk puts it perfectly: “Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Being frightened means that you live in a body that is always on guard. Angry people live in angry bodies.” It’s like having a grumpy roommate who never lets you sleep — no wonder we feel exhausted!
Now, to answer your fantastic question about somatic retreats for the over-50 crowd — drumroll, please — it’s a resounding YES! Just fire up Google and type “somatic retreats” and you’ll find a smorgasbord of exotic, serene locations designed to help you release those stubborn stored traumas and emotions.
Here are a few delightful options to consider:
- Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California: Nestled on the stunning cliffs of Big Sur, this retreat center offers workshops and programs focusing on somatic practices, mindfulness, and bodywork. The breathtaking ocean views are a bonus!
- Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Stockbridge, Massachusetts: Known for its comprehensive approach to wellness, Kripalu offers various somatic therapy retreats, blending yoga, meditation, and healing arts.
- Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York: This tranquil retreat center provides workshops and programs in somatic therapy, trauma healing, and body awareness, all set in the serene Hudson Valley.
- Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India: For a more exotic adventure, head to the foothills of the Himalayas. This luxurious retreat combines Ayurvedic healing practices with somatic therapy, yoga, and meditation.
- Kalani Retreat Center, Hawaii: If the idea of healing while surrounded by lush tropical beauty appeals to you, Kalani offers somatic retreats with a focus on movement, breathwork, and nature connection.
So, there you have it, my lovely reader. A treasure trove of somatic retreat options awaits you, ready to help you release those pesky traumas and find a harmonious balance between mind and body. Pack your bags, embrace the journey, and give yourself the gift of healing and rejuvenation. Your body and mind will thank you!
