Coming out of a 10 day silent vipassana meditation course, I was glad to find I still know how to string words together somewhat coherently (on paper anyway). But I must confess I felt overwhelmed when I first sat down to write this post.

The challenge is that the topic feels intense and profound by design, because the experience was both of those things. But it was also many small moments of humor and joy. In the end I decided to try a handwritten, more visual approach (let me know what you think!)

In hindsight it makes sense that this retreat is how I would wrap up 2017, a capstone to a year where nothing big changed on the surface, but where there was progress at a more fundamental level—emotional awareness and expression, conviction in my values, the strength of my closest relationships.

It’s a privilege and no small commitment to carve out 10 days to learn a new way of seeing the world. Having experienced it, I really believe it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those around you.

Wishing you self-compassion and laughter in the new year!