I co-own a boutique travel business with my long time friend and fellow travel maven, Carrie, where we build unique experiences, rich in culture and adventure the world over. Explore & Expand Retreats LLC is a special labor of love for connection to ourselves, each other and the planet.
At Explore & Expand Retreats, we begin each gathering with a simple yet powerful invitation: bring an item for the altar. This invitation is created prior to our gathering together and guided with support to insure that our travelers feel connected to the activity and that there is some thought and feeling associated with the items that we each bring. We utilize the energy and content of our retreat location to further help inform the theming of our altar space and what we hope to share or bring forward in our travels. Some folks bring a stone from their hometown, a seashell picked up on a meaningful trip, a small piece of art, photograph of loved ones, or even something as simple as their favorite pen. Whatever the choice, we hope that it is deeply personal and represents something in their life that they would like further focus, energy or support around. When we come together, these individual offerings become part of a collective altar that holds the heart of our retreat. As with ALL things, this is purely an invitation and as sacred and special as the individual makes it for themselves.
A Symbol of Connection
The group altar isn’t about decoration, it’s about connection. Each item brought carries a story, an intention, and personal energy. When we place them together, we create a visible reminder that we are part of something larger than ourselves. The altar becomes a living mosaic of our group: unique individuals woven into a shared experience.
A Center for Intention
Retreats are full of moments of discovery, insight, and transformation (and a helluva lot of fun!). Having a central altar gives us a place to ground those experiences. It becomes a touchstone, reminding us why we came and what we are opening to. My hope is that when you look at the altar throughout the week, you don’t just see your item, you see the intentions, hopes, and strengths of everyone around you.
A Practice of Ritual
Many traditions across cultures use altars as sacred spaces. They are places of offering, reflection, and presence. By creating one together, we step into that lineage in a way that feels inclusive and accessible. No matter your background, the altar is a shared ritual of honoring what is meaningful and sacred to us in this moment.
Returning Home with Meaning
At the close of the retreat, you’ll take your item back with you. But it will no longer be the same. It has been infused with the stories, laughter, tears, and breakthroughs of our time together. It becomes a talisman, a reminder that you are supported by the circle you were part of, and that the retreat’s magic continues to ripple out into your everyday life.
✨ The altar is one of the ways we transform a group of travelers into a circle of companions. It’s a practice of weaving community, honoring individuality, and grounding our time together in something tangible and sacred.
Are you interested in learning more about our retreats and what makes us #notyouraverageyogaretreat? I’d be honored to speak to you about all things travel! In the meanwhile, please feel invited to check out our website www.exploreandexpandretreats.com
