A wellness retreat in the Utah mountains offered a skeptical journalist an unexpected lesson in vulnerability. The Lodge at Blue Sky, located just outside Park City, hosted the event led by spiritual self-help guide Gabby Bernstein. Despite her skepticism, the author attended the gathering to experience the “Fundamentals Cultivating Joy” initiative, which focuses on emotional openness and connection.
Auberge’s Philosophy of Awe and Connection
The Auberge Collection emphasizes a wellness philosophy rooted in four tenets: awe, connect, excel, and nurture. The newest initiative, launched at the beginning of the year, was already woven into the brand’s operations by the time the author arrived. The property spans over 4,000 acres of mountain land, offering a secluded environment for guests to disconnect from daily stressors.
Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, the VP of Wellbeing at Auberge, greeted guests and outlined the weekend’s approach. She clarified that the schedule was not designed to be packed. Instead, the goal was for participants to choose activities that “called to you” and spend the remaining time as they pleased. This philosophy allowed the author to balance structured events like yoga and meditation with unstructured moments, such as reading on a private porch or watching the Wasatch Range light change from day to night.
Conversations in the Arena
Each morning, forty participants gathered in the Arena, a former horse-riding space, for a two-hour workshop with Gabby Bernstein. The author initially expected formal lectures but found the sessions to be intimate conversations. The group included small business owners, jewelry designers, and teachers, all united by a belief in Bernstein’s ability to guide them through personal challenges.
During these sessions, the participants engaged in journaling, visualizing, and listening. The author felt emotions surface that are usually avoided, noting that a 20-minute meditation felt like a blink of an eye. While the author remained quiet during these specific moments, they engaged with the property’s other offerings. This included visiting the rescue horses on the property, hiking without a phone, and receiving a massage at the Edge Spa.
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The Sweat Lodge Experience
The unique aspect of this retreat was the inclusion of a traditional Shoshone Sweat Lodge. The author found themselves sitting on the ground in complete darkness, surrounded by hot stones. Chief Darren Parry poured water over the stones, creating steam that filled the space. This environment, combined with the natural setting of the Wasatch range, created a stark contrast to the author’s usual skepticism.
As the session progressed, other participants shared painful stories and hopeful visions. The atmosphere encouraged a level of vulnerability the author had not anticipated. The physical discomfort of the heat and the emotional weight of the sharing combined to break down barriers. In this moment of shared experience, the author joined the circle and shared their own feelings.
More Than Just a Story
For many, the value of such a retreat lies in the quiet moments that follow the structured activities. The author noted that the physical surroundings—the purple mountains, the deep green foliage, and the glow of a personal fireplace—acted as a silent partner in the healing process. The absence of a packed itinerary meant there was space for genuine reflection, which is often difficult to find in a busy schedule.
The experience of the sweat lodge illustrates how physical discomfort can be a gateway to emotional release. The heat forces a person to slow down, and the darkness removes the ability to hide. When the author finally spoke, the barriers that usually protect the self fell away. The retreat demonstrated that vulnerability is not a weakness but a necessary step toward a deeper connection with oneself and others.
The author’s experience at the retreat was a turning point in their understanding of vulnerability. They realized that it is a necessary step towards healing and connection. The retreat provided a safe space for the author to open up and share their feelings, and it was a truly transformative experience.
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The natural beauty of the surroundings played a significant role in the author’s experience. The mountains and foliage provided a sense of calm and tranquility, and the fireplace added a sense of warmth and comfort. The author felt a sense of peace and relaxation that they had not felt in a long time.
The retreat was a unique experience that allowed the author to connect with others on a deeper level. The author met people from all walks of life, and they shared their stories and experiences. The author felt a sense of community and belonging that they had not felt in a long time.
The experience of the retreat has had a lasting impact on the author. They have continued to practice the techniques they learned, and they have noticed a significant change in their life. The author feels more connected to themselves and others, and they have a greater sense of purpose and meaning.
The author’s experience at the retreat is a sign of the power of vulnerability and connection. It shows that even in a busy and stressful world, it is possible to find peace and tranquility. The author’s story is a reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a necessary step towards healing and connection.
