Recently, one of my close girlfriends called me up clearly overwhelmed with her current state of well, life.  She was burnt out from work, stuggling with her spirituality, running her body sick and just spiralling down into what seemed like a dark abyss.  She was contemplating quitting her job and moving to another country.  And I felt for her, not only because she’s a friend, but because, as I began to tell her, I’d been there.

A few years ago, I found myself in a similar place where I had given and given for so many years, mostly through my career in the not-for-profit world, and really had neglected to find balance and care for myself physically and even moreso, emotionally.  My ability to handle stress the way I’d always been able to was wearing thin and the people around me began to notice.  I remember plenty of mornings when getting out of bed was the hardest thing to even imagine doing, where I didn’t want to eat anything or talk to anyone and would start arguments with my boyfriend, just to feel some sort of emotion.

On the worse day of all, I literally threw some clothes into a bag and jumped into my car and began driving.  It was like my old neanderthal brain was telling my body “you must flee from danger!”  So, I went as far as my budget could take me.  I drove to the ferry terminal and as I sat in line, I googled  local retreats or spa holidays on Vancouver Island.  This is how I accidently found the Ocean Resort in Oyster Bay, BC.

First of all, even though it was early Spring, Vancouver Island gets something like a third of the rain that Vancouver gets, so I was fortunate to arrive on a nice clear early evening after driving about 2 hours from the Ferry in Nanaimo.  The Ocean Resort is a breathtaking, peaceful space that really strives to bring the natural elements into their common areas and rooms.  From stone counters and walls to wood floors and panelling to light, fresh decor, one cannot help to immediately feel happier upon entering the resort.  I honestly had no idea what to expect when I booked my stay here after only seeing a few pictures and reading some reviews online, but I quickly realized that this was exactly what I needed.  Really, just getting away from the competing demands of work, relationship duties, family and old settings and patterns did part of the trick, but The Ocean Resort is really a place for inner healing.  After checking in, I went downstairs to look at their spa menu and to wait for dinner (dinner is served in a common dining room, although I believe I was assigned a personal seating time).  I also booked an appointment with one of the resort’s visiting massage therapists and was very much looking forward to that for the next day.  After my raw food dinner (which was surprisingly delicious), I wanted to stay outside until it got dark, so I sat on the edge of the water and just breathed in the fresh air, already feeling slight rejuvination.  Oh, I forgot to mention that prior to this weekend, I was glued to my cell phone (how many of you can relate to that), but I had made a decision to focus on myself 110%, so that night I went to bed completely with that in mind and not turning on my cell phone, at all.  That was a huge message to myself that I was worth the time and complete energy.  The next day, I woke up too late for breakfast, so I remembered that the staff had recommended that I make use of their beautiful labyrinth of driftwood and to spend some time walking it and meditating.  So before lunch, I did just that.  And it was strangely peaceful and allowed me to focus on my breathing with each footstep I took.  There were definitely moments when I felt emotional, as well, and that was ok.  After lunch, I went into the sanctuary to see what it had to offer.  Luckily, no one was there when I entered, so I was able to really focus on what I needed to do – I had an appointment with my Creator.  The sanctuary respected various faiths and belief systems, which I thought was cool, but I knew why I was there and I began to do my thing.  It was in this place that the most spiritually transformative thing happened to me that I still remember vividly to this day.  And all it took was for me to be still, be honest and just let everything out.  I finally had nothing to distract me from doing that and when it was done, I felt a thousand pounds lighter.  The last highlight of my getaway was my appoinment with my massage therapist.  We started the session unlike any other I had before.  She started by sitting across from me and asking me what brought me to the resort and what I’d like to gain from my time there.  I opened up to her and she nodded with empathy and then began her treatment.  The treatment she provided involved imagery and as she massaged the key areas, with the final stretch of my arms and shoulders (where I carried all my weight and tension) she asked me to imagine that I was a butterfly spreading my wings and could now fly and soar anywhere it chose.  It was a beautiful analogy that needed no further explanation as we ended the session.

So, getting back to my friend.  Needless to say, I sent her the link to The Ocean Resort and recommended that she clear everything off her schedule and just go.  As far as I know, she still hasn’t done that, but I truly believe that while it didn’t “cure” me of the root problems I was manifesting, it was a step in the right direction.

For 3 nights, including meals and accommodation, I spent about $450, plus a massage for about another $100.  All in all, if anyone is looking for a place to get away to to focus on themselves, whether as a desperate attempt at healing or as a preventative or proactive thing, I’d highly recommend booking yourself in to The Ocean Resort.  I have never dwelled upon the money that I spent during those 4 glorious days, yet what I gained still positively affects me today.

Stay tuned for an update on their popular Spa and Raw Food Weekend schedule for 2012!