One thing I have learned from this retreat: If I want to step deeper into my life and my work, I have to step out of it for a while.
I have been back from my retreat for five days. This was the most extended amount of time I have taken off from my healing practice in twenty-two years. I meditated for hours at a time, several times a day and I only looked at my phone when I absolutely had to. No Facebook, Instagram, emails, news, calls or texts. I am still amazed at how profoundly clear and relaxed I still feel.
Meditation was the focus of this retreat, with group meals and engaging conversations that created an intimate, supportive community. If you have read my blog, you know that I am a big fan of community, and I find it necessary for doing long-term spiritual and energetic work.
After sleeping for the first three days, I suddenly needed much less sleep. For two nights in a row, I only managed to sleep two hours each night and never felt tired the next day. That was wild. I had heard when you meditate for long periods of time you don’t need as much sleep, but I didn’t believe it until I experienced it. My overall energy level now is significantly higher than before the retreat. Since I am meditating daily for longer periods of time, I hope this continues.
My meditation teacher is Supriya Whittemore, and she teaches The Ishayas Ascension. Supriya is a gift to this planet. Creating meditations retreats like this one is a profound service to the world. This is from her website:
“We design our spiritual retreats from the intentions of our participants. What we do is provide the environment for you to recognize and nurture the experience of God within you. We implement a state shift that opens up for the next six months following the retreat. This is achieved by design, the community group dynamic, the practices, and listening for the Life that presents Itself when we discover and navigate together.”
“Listening for the Life that presents Itself” I love that line.
Berkeley also has a fantastic time and experienced snow for the first time. He also got a lot of meditation time in. 🙂

Jeri Lawson has a full-time healing practice in the Temescal Area of Oakland, California. She is available for Healing Touch, Reiki, Distance Healings and Clarity Breathwork 10 am to 6 pm. 510-601-9632
Jeri thank you for sharing your thoughts and moments from the retreat! xoxo 😘
Debbie! I can’t wait to see you on the next one! 🙂
Dear Jeri, Thank you for always exploring and inspiring all of us to do the same! Berkley is so adorable and looks quite regal in his snowy meditation retreat! I’m inspired by every step of your journey. Years ago you suggested I embrace my anxiety. I can say now…some 9 years after that idea came out… I have grown with, through and beyond anxiety each and every day! Namaste Dear Jeri and Berkley