I’ve always been really interested in fear.

It’s the reason I took up surfing, rock climbing, and skiing at 36 years old.

I had spent the last eight years pregnant, breastfeeding, or both. I had been taking care of five babies and put myself on the back burner. I found myself exhausted, numb, and totally disconnected from myself.

When I started surfing, I became addicted pretty quickly. I was addicted to the feeling of being alive. I had felt so numb, that all I really wanted was to feel something again.

Let me qualify this. I don’t take crazy risks. I’m not reckless. I’m interested in low-risk, high-fear activities. I love feeling activated, but not flooded. Everyone has their own sweet spot for this (and I want to make sure that you don’t think you need to do what I do to find yours!). Hanging off of a rock at 200 feet is definitely not for everyone.

The point is this: Have you thought about how and when YOU feel most alive, engaged, and present?

Creating space for this and engaging in adventure—whether that’s rock climbing, meeting new people, or meeting yourself by being still—should be prioritized, and is much more powerfully done in community.

This adventuring in community is the inspiration behind our NUSHU Retreats.

There is something very different about facing your fears, both inside and out, when you know you will be held with compassion and gentle support. It feels much more like discovering your aliveness.

I hope you’ll let us support you in this way.

Love,
Vanessa