The Mindful Leader Retreat was nothing short of mesmerizing, offering us a perfect blend of personal reflection, creativity, and deep connection. We kicked things off with a song-based icebreaker that was as fun as it was unexpected. We used a Spotify blend to guess each other's song preferences within the Spotify blend, and this sparked a lot of laughter. It turned out to be a great way to break the ice and get to know each other’s musical tastes while setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.

One of my favorite moments was waking everybody up in the mornings! I had so much fun rallying the group, and I couldn’t wait to start each day. With every wake-up call, I was filled with excitement for what was coming next—whether it was meditation, yoga, or bonding time over meals.

Meditation and journaling were particularly powerful. I didn’t realize how much I needed that time to reset until I was deep in it. Professor Ram Mahalingam led us through an enlightening session on meditation techniques that allowed us to reconnect with ourselves and find peace in stillness. His guidance was calming and exactly what we needed to leave our daily stresses behind. Afterward, journaling gave us space to reflect on these moments, capturing our thoughts in a therapeutic way.

Artistic expression became another unexpected highlight. The retreat offered us the chance to experiment with watercolor and acrylic painting. It was incredibly fun and freeing to just create, without worrying about the end result. The joy of the process was the focus, and the artwork we produced was a testament to the creativity within us all.

Yoga and tai chi were equally rejuvenating. These activities helped us slow down and let our bodies relax. It was a surprise to realize just how much tension we had been holding. The balance of movement and mindfulness during these sessions added a wonderful layer of calm to the retreat.

On a more introspective note, Laura Lee Smith led us through an insightful discussion about social identities. It was a great opportunity to explore not just our own identities, but also to understand how others see the world. The conversations sparked by her session were eye-opening and created a deeper sense of connection among us all.

The emotional bonding was profound. Every night, we stayed up late, sharing stories, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. I’ve never bonded so quickly with a group before. The energy in the room was undeniable—we couldn’t get enough of each other, and that sense of community will last long after the retreat.

I also want to take a moment to thank my wonderful coworkers, Linh Tran and Elizabeth Borg, as well as Shea Ankers, who were all indispensable throughout the retreat. Their support, energy, and positivity helped create such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with.

Even the dining staff added to the experience. They were exceptionally kind, and each meal felt like an extension of the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the retreat. The food was delicious, and the dining area became a space of connection and joy.

In the end, the Mindful Leader Retreat was far more than a weekend getaway—it was an enriching journey that allowed us to relax, reflect, and bond in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Whether through creative activities or meaningful conversations we all came away feeling recharged and more connected than ever.

- Christian Loza is a Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience and Sociology double major at LSA. After graduating, he is planning to go to graduate school for a PhD in Psychology to either work in clinical settings or do private practice. He is also a member of BLI’s Leadership Certificate program Cohort #3.