I have always been an avid traveler. Journeying to new places and meeting new people allowed me to look beyond the teachings of my upbringing and uncover what truly exists beyond the familiar. Travel broadened my understanding of the world—moving past what I was told and what I had read. To me, travel is like an experiment. My methodology might not always be strategic, but I approach each trip with a sort of null hypothesis, free of expectations or preconceptions. It’s always a win-win. Traveling with an open mind has helped me grow immensely as a person.
Take, for instance, my time living in Himachal Pradesh for over two years. That chapter was transformative, taking the phrase “strong, independent woman” to a whole new level. People often ask me, “Why Himachal?” My answer has always been simple and consistent: I went there to see if my business ideas could make a difference. But, as I later realized, it was about much more than professional aspirations.
I went to Himachal to just be.
And I did just that. In the mountains, I met both the best and worst kinds of people. I stepped out of my comfort zone, doing things I never imagined doing, simply because I had to. But the most profound experience was stumbling upon my own definition of love. Don’t get me wrong—I didn’t meet a soulmate or have a cinematic romance. Instead, I discovered what love meant to me.
I understood why conventional notions of romance never excited me and why I wasn’t easily impressed. It wasn’t about having too many expectations but rather realizing that even basic expectations seemed hard to meet because most people focus on receiving rather than giving first.
The Birth of Mind Your Wellness
This reflection on my personal growth journey became the foundation of Mind Your Wellness (MYW). I realized the world could be a calmer, happier place if people were encouraged to explore themselves in a meaningful way.
Aaron Beck, the father of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, once said, “A man has the capacity to solve his problems within the scope of his awareness.” At MYW, I aim to expand that scope for participants. This isn’t just a travel retreat. It’s a space where people visit new places, meet new people, engage in adventures, and play games—all while exploring themselves in the process.
The retreat is designed to help individuals recognize and break free from limiting patterns. It’s not about therapy in the traditional sense; it’s about self-discovery through evidence-based techniques and activities.
Mindfulness as a Cornerstone
A key component of Mind Your Wellness is mindfulness. Mindfulness, at its core, is a state of non-judgmental, present-moment awareness marked by acceptance. It has profound neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral effects, which are well-documented.
Mindfulness practices, particularly meditation, encourage individuals to focus on the present moment. This allows them to gain insight into the reality of existence, particularly in terms of impermanence, non-self, and dissatisfaction—concepts that underpin Vipassana meditation, though the intensity in MYW retreats is more approachable for beginners.
Research supports the impact of mindfulness on psychological well-being. For instance, a meta-analysis by Andrew S. McClintock et al. (2019) demonstrated that mindfulness retreats can significantly increase mindfulness and overall well-being while reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, neuroscience research has shown that mindfulness can promote neuroplasticity, influencing brain regions responsible for attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness (Santarnecchi et al., 2014; Tang et al., 2009, 2015).
However, many retreats fail to integrate mental health professionals, limiting their effectiveness. This is where Mind Your Wellness excels. With retreats led by an experienced psychologist, participants receive guided, evidence-based support throughout their journey.
Why Combine Travel with Therapy?
You might wonder, Why travel for self-discovery when you can go to therapy and achieve the same results? The answer lies in the nature of therapy itself.
Therapy is a commitment. Achieving profound self-awareness often takes months, if not longer, through regular therapy sessions. Mind Your Wellness offers a starting point—a space to dive deep into self-discovery in a condensed yet intensive format.
Think of it as a “starter pack” for therapy. By the end of the retreat, you might find clarity on whether you need therapy or understand your reasons for seeking it more deeply. Alternatively, some participants may find the tools they need to move forward independently.
Unlike traditional therapy, which tends to focus on structured, targeted treatment over time, MYW provides a slower-paced, holistic approach to wellness. It combines self-care, relaxation, and adventure, making self-discovery both fulfilling and enjoyable.
What Makes Mind Your Wellness Unique?
At MYW, the experience is immersive. You’re not just sitting in a room discussing your thoughts—you’re actively engaging with the world around you while delving into your inner self.
The program includes activities like kayaking, hiking, art therapy, yoga, and sharing circles. These experiences are carefully designed to encourage reflection, foster resilience, and build connections with others. But it doesn’t stop there—you also get to explore places beyond what a regular tourist would.
Mind Your Wellness takes you off the beaten path, introducing you to hidden gems and immersing you in local culture. These unique explorations deepen your connection to the environment, offering a fresh perspective that goes far beyond sightseeing. By stepping into spaces rarely accessed by the average traveler, you create memories that are as transformative as they are enriching.
Moreover, the retreat isn’t just a break from routine—it’s a step toward a more mindful way of living. By the end of the program, participants walk away with practical tools and techniques they can integrate into their daily lives.
The Science Behind the Magic
A New Way to Explore
In essence, Mind Your Wellness is about exploration—both external and internal. It’s a space for individuals to step out of their routines, challenge themselves, and discover new perspectives.
So, why not take a journey with us? Whether you’re seeking clarity, growth, or just a break from the chaos of daily life, Mind Your Wellness offers an opportunity to reset and reconnect with yourself.
It’s time to explore. It’s time to grow. It’s time to embrace the journey within
