Thoughts and Things 009
Peace!
We recently enjoyed a mini retreat! As I mentioned in my last post, we had to postpone the Inspire retreat at Sonora Jungle Retreat Center. Nevertheless, about a month ago, I organized a mini retreat for two creatives. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of taking time to recharge, recenter, reflect, seek respite, and gain clarity. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our roles as artists, teachers, employees, partners, parents, and more, that we don’t realize the need to pause, find stillness, immerse ourselves in nature, and welcome new perspectives—fresh air!
As a valued member of my mailing list, you're the first to hear about our upcoming retreats! We're excited to announce an ALL MEN'S RETREAT in Spring 2025. Save the date! More details, including early bird pricing, will follow soon. While there are many retreats out there, all men's retreats are a rarity, and we're thrilled to offer something unique.
Interested or have questions? Simply reply to this email!
We've also received inquiries for:
Silent Meditation
Couples Retreats
Women’s Retreats
Retreats tailored to specific arts and specialties such as Writers, Dancers, Chefs, Entrepreneurs, and Doulas.
Remember, our retreats aren’t just getaways; they equip you with practical tools for your personal journey.
During our last mini retreat, I was struck by how central communication is to human interaction and relationships.
The biggest communication mistake is assuming it's happened when what you said may have been filtered through the listener's experiences.
Growing up as an immigrant child born in Nigeria and raised in the United States, I learned firsthand the sacredness of communication. Having a parent for whom English was a second language posed challenges I didn’t fully grasp at the time. Certain English words held entirely different meanings in Igbo and Nigerian culture. These challenges deepened my understanding, perception, and compassion, teaching me the importance of asking the right questions and communicating in ways that foster deeper understanding, regardless of language.
I'm grateful for the diversity of my immigrant and first-generation friends and family. They have enriched my communication and relationships.
Communication is key.
I advocate for finding effective ways to communicate with everyone in our lives—co-workers, family, romantic partners, friends, and most importantly, ourselves.
Here are a few tips for effective communication:
Listen actively: Give your full attention, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Show that you value what they are saying.
Be clear and concise: Express your thoughts directly. Avoid complex language to ensure your message is understood.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper conversation for more insight and understanding.
Be mindful of non-verbal cues: Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Practice empathy: Understand the other person’s perspective and feelings.
Define your words: Clarify the specific meanings of your terms to ensure shared understanding and avoid misinterpretations based on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.
I share more thoughts here about Communication:
Please like, share, and subscribe as I continue learning about consistency in content creation. Eventually, I hope to automate video posts alongside my newsletters. Any advice or knowledge you have on this front would be greatly appreciated.
That’s it for now.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for existing.
Thank you.
xoxo
Oge