Events That Change Us

Life-altering events can shake us to our core—but they can also shape us in powerful ways. In this post, I reflect on two major turning points in my life: the loss of my business and my divorce. Both left me disoriented and hurting. But through extended retreats—first at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and later through plant medicine—I found perspective, healing, and a path forward. If you’re navigating a personal upheaval, this post offers insight into the psychological toll of big change and the quiet power of stepping away to reconnect with what matters.

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

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