Transformed

How One Week in the Country Changed This HSP Forever 🧘‍♀️

Hello, Beautiful People! 👋

I’ve missed you all, dear readers, and hope that you’ve been well.

And, a big “welcome” to all of the new subscribers who registered during my break from Substack; I am so glad you’re here.

Yesterday, I arrived home from a transformative experience — a one-week stay at a beautiful lodge in a country setting about two hours from my home in Ontario, Canada. The week at the lodge was billed as a “writers’ retreat” though I concentrated on creating fine art more than writing.

Welcome to the Circle! Muskoka chairs shared in various colours forming a circle in the backyard of the lodge.

In many circles, terms like “self-care”, “transformation” and “off-grid” are thrown around. I am on board with all of it. But, for me, as an HSP (as well as a mother, full-time employee, partner, home-owner, etc. etc.), it is extremely difficult to fully disengage on a holiday or otherwise and feel free and relaxed.

I am pleased to share that this past week was one of the most relaxing weeks of my life! 🤲 Why? Here are some parameters that helped:

• I’m proud of myself for not letting my anxiety or strong sense responsibility get the best of me. I told myself that rest and play was okay — nay the main focus! — So, if I wanted to nap in the middle of the day, I did. If I wanted to attend the yoga/meditation offered at 6:30 am, I did that too.

• My fellow retreatists were/are very cool people and that we all got along well. However, we also spent a great deal of time alone, working on our writing or art project during the day and sometimes in the evenings. Quiet was mandated from 6 am and 5 pm in the lodge and on the grounds so that people could concentrate on their projects.

• While I limited my phone/device/WiFi use, I didn’t put undue pressure on myself to not to check my phone occasionally - I wanted to make sure there weren’t any emergencies or urgent matters happening while I was away.

• I listened to music on my headphones much of the time. As a music lover, that set the tone so well. Noah Kahan ended up being the theme of the week!

I’m an astronaut, you’re the moon…

Here are some of the artworks and photographs that I worked on while at the lodge. My favourite is the mixed media piece focused on the two kids running through the sprinkler (which appears unside down here unfortunately). I also wrote poems and worked on a YA novel about twins — one of which is a Highly Sensitive Person.

Art, flowers and sunny skies

The weather was perfect for the most part — sunny and warm but not too hot during the day (the lodge is not air conditioned) and cool at night.

I didn’t have my car there but my fellow retreatists did; one day I went to the beach with a woman I met and another day we all travelled about 30 minutes outside of town to take in a “symphony in the barn” which was joyful and unique (despite the flies in the barn and birds in the rafters who occasionally pooped on people during the performance 🐦🙃).

Symphony at the Barn (July 2026)

Everything was close to perfect — honestly!

Birds chirping, bees buzzing, breeze blowing.

The retreat was indeed the perfect scenario for an indie film or short story.

Unfortunately, my diverticulosis was acting up and I had a few horrible stomach aches while there and ended up eating only canned peaches for the last two days (we had to bring our own food) so that was not a fun part of the experience though I didn’t let it affect me too much.

Have you ever attended or plan to attend a transformative retreat, program or trip? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

I’m hoping to write to you again soon — as well as share a poem I created while at the lodge focused on the idea of how other people stomp on our unique feelings and needs as Highly Sensitive People.

Until Next Time, Creative HSP — Be Well.

Lisa