“Let’s be honest about our modern-day social lives.  Busyness, overstimulation, automation, pressure to produce and disconnection run rampant in our adult routines. We are saturated in experiences of being partially present, moderately engaged, or half-heartedly committed. We are so focused on getting things done, exchanging information, or making decisions, that it’s hard to connect to ourselves, much less build resilient connections with others. We can be so focused on taking care of or trying to please others that we forget who we really are and what we really stand for.”

Dr. Krystal White, Check In

Retreating is an efficient way to discover some of your essential truths. Periods of seclusion, intentional rest, and focused attention on the “internal world” are well known to boost our physical, social and emotional well-being. Today, Chris and Krystal discuss why many successful individuals, especially men, still struggle to “retreat.”  Although we want more space and time to reflect, concentrate our own energy and focus on ourselves, actually taking it does not come naturally. We offer individual and community bases guidance for making retreats more accessible at the psychological and relational level.

Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia Chris developed a deep connection with exploring nature and finds passion in being Dad, mountain biking, yoga, photography, continuing education and making positive profitable. He is a technical Program Manager by day and renaissance man by night.  It’s hard to tell what he is up to, but you can bet it’s well organized! He co-founded Tampa Bay Tiny Homes, recently launched The Integrated Man 2020 and is currently developing The Retreat at Four Winds Farm; an educational camp and living library of permaculture principles in Western North Carolina.