by Shae Marcus 

Greetings, fellow wanderers of the soul. As the publisher of Natural Awakenings South Jersey and the founder of the Holistic Health & Healing Expo, I’ve always believed in finding balance in our busy lives. Amidst catering to partners, children and careers, we often forget to give ourselves the love and care we deserve. So, like a self-proclaimed part-gypsy with an insatiable wanderlust, I embarked on a quest to create a retreat where we could refocus, recharge and maybe even find ourselves laughing along the way. 

In May, the stars aligned and our first beta retreat to Costa Rica took flight. Twelve of us brave souls, united in our desire for a holistic escape, set forth on a journey of self-discovery. And boy, did we find it. 

Our adventure began with a Temazcal ceremony. (For the uninitiated, think of it as a holy hotbox of introspection.) As we collectively steamed and sweated, I felt like my mental limits were being pushed, but it was nothing short of amazing. Of course, we had our challenges; one of our spirited ladies grappled with severe claustrophobia and briefly exited, but she returned to conquer the heat and emerge victorious. 

Next up, we decided to take Mother Nature head-on with a hike to a waterfall and a thrilling overnight stay in a cave. Now, before imagining bats and eerie shadows lurking, rest assured this experience was (thankfully) bat-free. Though the rain poured down, we trudged on, five miles of determination leading us up the trail. Some of us feared the cave, others doubted reaching the top, but together we prevailed, cheering each other along the way. 

As if that wasn’t enough, we dared to dip into the icy depths of ice baths and soar through the air on zip lines. Trust me, nothing brings people together quite like shrieking in harmony while flying through the treetops. 

But our retreat wasn’t just about adrenaline-pumping escapades; we delved into the realm of introspection and self-exploration. Sharing circles and journaling sessions brought forth raw emotions and genuine connections. And the early morning moments of solitude, listening to the jungle’s chorus and the enthusiastic calls of howler monkeys at 4:45 a.m. (every single morning), gave us a profound sense of calm that had been dormant for far too long. 

As we laughed, cried and supported each other, it became crystal clear that this experience was meant to be shared. The 11 11 Experience was born. And from July 6 to 12, 2024, we’re heading to the mystical land of Peru for more soul-searching and laughter. 

So, for those that find themselves in need of a dose of adventure, self-discovery and belly-aching giggles, I invite you to join us. We’re not just travelers; we’re soul-seekers, explorers of the heart, and we’re ready to embrace every moment of the journey. Because in the end, it’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about finding ourselves along the way. 

As the saying goes, “Not all who wander are lost.” Sometimes, we’re just on the most incredible journey of all—the journey back to ourselves. 

Until we meet on the road to self-discovery, keep laughing, keep exploring, and above all, be kind to everyone. Adventure awaits. 

Shae Marcus is the retreat leader of The 11 11 Experience. For more information or to register, email [email protected] or visit www.The1111Experience.com.