I had the best time at a half day retreat on a farm in Dengkil. I learned acupressure using durian balls (yes, the spikey massage kind!), soaked in a sound bath, and walked barefoot around the farm while discovering all sorts of vegetables, flowers, and how everything in the ecosystem works together. I also had the most delicious organic breakfast and lunch prepared by Mr. Tai. My goodness – the baked pumpkin was absolute perfection.

I signed up for this retreat about a month ago, hoping to carve out little time for myself. And honestly, I did myself proud. It often feels like I pour so much into the people around me, and I forget to refill my own cup. Sometimes I joke that I’m love deprived. HA! But this day felt like a big warm hug to myself.

We started with acupressure therapy using massage balls – intuitive little tools that deliver pressure to different points across the body along the meridian lines. Each meridian is connected to a specific element and body part. Do I know which point links to what? No, I don’t 😁 All I know is that every bit of pressure felt amazing. By the end of the session, it was as if I’d just had a full-body massage. My body felt light and my mind, calm.

Then came the barefoot walk around the farm. Studies have shown that walking without shoes, also known as earthing or grounding has a host of potential benefits – physical and mental. But one that really stood out to me is this: when we walk directly on the Earth, our bodies absorb free electrons from its surface, which act as natural antioxidants. Don’t get me started on antioxidants!! Okay, I will. These magical molecules help protect our cells from damage, slow down aging, support heart and brain health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. WOW. Imagine all that, just from touching the Earth. Thank you, Earth. You give so much.

We then moved on to the sound bath, a deeply meditative experience that I truly enjoyed. Even though sounds surrounded me, it somehow felt quiet enough for deep reflection. My mind wandered and as it did, all sort of emotions surfaced. To be honest, I’d had a tough morning, and the past few weeks at home had been anything but easy. But in that stillness, I found space to process it all. That reflection gave me a sense of renewed purpose and gently lifted my weary spirit. After letting the emotions pass through, I felt at peace. So much so that I nearly drifted off to sleep. If it weren’t for a few curious ants making their way onto my arms, I think I would have. The sounds of singing bowls, cymbals, chime bars, flutes and the natural symphony of the farm blended into something incredibly soothing, and it was just what I needed to get through life.

A wellness experience led by Nicole & Chee Ling from Time For Yoga at GK Organic Farm, Dengkil.