The Power of Community

...to be witnessed and celebrated just as you are

You have likely heard the quote about being the product of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

I was reminded about this today as I listened to The 12- Hour Walk by Colin O'Brady on Audible during a training session on the treadmill.

Colin talked about this idea in relation to 29029 Everesting – as one of the reasons that he quickly got involved with the event series and became a co-founder.

This series began in Vermont in 2017. And what Colin noticed right away (he was invited to participate by the other two co-founders) – was the type of people that had said YES to this wild and crazy adventure to climb the vertical elevation of Everest over 36 hours.

There was camaraderie yes, but there was also a sense of shared mission, shared values, and collective effervescence that emerged on that mountain surrounded by "our people" that has become a hallmark of these events.

Even as exhausted climbers finished, instead of retreating to their rooms to sleep – Colin described how he and others stayed at the summit for hours, cheering on the participants that were still climbing.

He described the power of being witnessed as someone passed you on the trail with an encouraging word, or the support of groups coming together to climb and support one another as they made their way up the mountain.

Being witnessed and celebrated, just as you are. Not for the achievement, but because you showed up.

The energy of the community is honestly one of the reasons I'm so excited to participate in my first 29029 event in Whistler this August.

Listening to Colin share his own experience at the first 29029 event, I was reminded of other spaces and places I've seen the power of community.

Spaces and places that look completely different from the outside.

But all share one important component: allowing individuals to BE who they are…to claim their truth without expectation or pressure to “BE” a certain way.

These spaces and places prioritize and celebrate meeting you where you are.

And celebrating YOU – as you are.

I like to call these places “sacred spaces.” They exist in real life locations and online, and in the little moments of gathering that can pop up anywhere and everywhere.

I'm proud that one of those sacred spaces is at the retreats that I create and lead.

I saw it in Corolla a few weeks ago as the group of retreaters that came together, each with their own intentions – but all with an open heart to set aside the labels of “what” they “do” and embrace their inner truths. Their inner desires.

Let me be clear: being in sacred space doesn’t mean that you have to be “together” all the time.

In fact on this last retreat, one of the truths of our sacred space was the permission slip to ask for and give yourself what you need and want, even if that meant skipping sunrise or a meditation practice because what your heart truly craved was a long slow morning in bed.

I've seen these sacred spaces happen in one way or another at every retreat I've led.

I've seen new friendships be created. I've seen moments of shared understanding. Aha-s. Laughter. And the power of holding space for tears and of emotions.

But perhaps more importantly, I've seen the inner and outer transformation that emerges as people allow themselves to be SEEN, HEARD, and KNOWN by the group.

There is nothing quite like knowing that someone is witnessing you – as you are...without judgment.

It is life-changing.

And it is why so many of my retreaters keep coming back.

Just like so many people who participate in a 29029 event keep going back.

Yes...the "event" itself is a draw. But the mini-moments that happen because of the power of community – are the secret sauce behind it all.

My nudge to you today is to consider: where you might allow yourself to be held in sacred community? To be seen, heard, and known – to be witnessed, as YOU?

And if this idea makes your heart go pitter-patter, consider this your invitation to join us in sacred community on retreat. Because if you are still reading...then chances are good that you are one of "our people."

There are still two spots open in a bunk room to savor all things fall, and just BEING in Maine (October 16-20). My favorite parts of the Maine retreat are:

• The retreat house that overlooks the bay with spaces to linger, rest and explore

• The fall colors that are on display and the charming town of Castine that was recently ranked as a top coastal and small town in the northeast

• Our amazing chef who nourishes us with delicious and soul-filling meals

Or, there are still several rooms and spots available to kick off 2026 and come home to your inner power in Panama (January 3-10). My favorite parts of this retreat are:

• The beachfront location and resort that invites you to exhale even more deeply with it's natural beauty

• The spaciousness built into the schedule for you to REST, PLAY, and BE

• The love and intention that the retreat center was built with by the founders - whose hearts are behind every last detail that will support our group.

My other favorite thing about both of these retreats is he sacred circle of women who gather for these retreats, whether it is their first, their second, or for some – their 10th retreat with me.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about either retreat. And I'd LOVE to welcome you into this sacred community of all things thriving in Maine or in Panama.

xo,

Elena