Events That Change Us
Events That Change Us
When Life Changes Everything
Hey friends,
I was listening to an episode of Hidden Brain recently called Moments That Change Us. It got me thinking about a couple of big moments in my own life—events that didn’t just shake things up, but changed who I was and how I saw the world.
First: The Business Collapse
The first was the collapse of my business. It was humbling. I’d poured everything into it, and when it unraveled, I was left disoriented and ashamed. I didn’t know what to do, so I left the country. I spent months in retreat at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Australia. It was quiet, disciplined, and gave me space to reflect. I started to see that the failure wasn’t just about the business—it was about how I was relating to pressure, control, identity. That time in silence helped me recalibrate.
Then Came the Divorce
The second was my divorce. Anyone who’s been through one knows the pain. It’s not just the loss of a partner—it’s the unraveling of a whole way of life. After the split, I signed up for two plant medicine retreats in one year. Both helped me move through the grief and the questions—Who am I now? What do I want? What really matters?
What These Retreats Gave Me
I’m not the same person I was before those experiences. And truthfully, I’m better for them. Not because they weren’t painful—they were—but because of the wisdom I gained through them.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
If you’re going through something life-altering—or if you’re still carrying the weight of something from the past—I want you to know that retreats can help. They helped me. Whether it’s through meditation, shadow work, plant medicine, or just the space to breathe, reflect, and be real… there’s something powerful about stepping away to tune back in.
We’ve got a few retreats coming up this year. If you're feeling the pull, reach out. I’d love to hear what you’re navigating and talk about whether one of our retreats might support you.
Wishing you clarity, healing, and whatever next step feels right for you,
Mark
Answer the Call
Maybe you're in a hard season. Maybe you’ve just been through one. These moments change us. But healing doesn’t happen automatically—it takes space, support, and a willingness to face what’s real. If you’re ready to process a loss, rediscover your direction, or just breathe again, I invite you to join me at a retreat or reach out for a conversation. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever gone through something that changed the trajectory of your life?
Most of us have. The key isn’t to avoid these moments—but to find meaning in them and grow.
What helped you move forward after a big loss?
Time and space. Being still. Doing the inner work. For me, that looked like retreating—first to a monastery, later into plant medicine work. That’s where clarity began.
Are you still carrying a loss that you haven’t fully made peace with?
If so, you’re not alone. You don’t have to keep carrying it by yourself. There’s support, and there are ways to turn pain into perspective.
