How Five Senses Retreats was Born

A little over a year ago, I hit "Post" on a LinkedIn update that I nearly deleted. I shared that I had quit my job, a decision that was long overdue, without any plans for what to do next. At the time, I was operating at 50%. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, caught in a cycle of constant comparison and a desperate need to prove I wasn't a nobody.

The Decision to Step Back

I chose to take myself out the demanding work environment in the U.S. to find rest. Even though I knew then that it was more about the mindset than the physical location, I need a change. That journey led me to Finland, the world's happiest country for nine years running now.

Finding Clarity in the Finnish Landscape

Living in Helsinki, I discovered that nature is never more than a few minutes away. When I first moved here, I frequently went on long runs in the forest and along the bay. I filled my lungs with fresh air and exhaled my anxieties, rediscovering a sense of contentment that I had forgotten. The nearly two years of sabbatical that I gave myself taught me that life is about more than just productivity. Sometimes intentional rest is just as, if not more, important.

Restoration Without the Resignation

I started Five Senses Retreats because I realized that we shouldn't have to quit our jobs and put our lives on hold to find our breath again.

I wanted to create a space where busy professionals, or anyone simply looking to reconnect with themselves, could experience the same restoration I found in the Finnish forest.

You don't have to be at a breaking point to deserve a moment of stillness.

The Five Pillars: A Sensory Journey to Wellness

Our retreats are designed as an investment in your wellbeing, anchored in Finnish traditions that celebrate silence and nature. We engage the physical world through five distinct pillars:

• Touch: Grounding through yoga and the gentle heat of a traditional Finnish sauna.

• Sound: Listening to the soothing vibrations of the Kantele (a traditional Finnish string instrument) and the stillness of the woods.

• Sight: Forest bathing in the ancient Nuuksio National Park, letting your eyes rest on the varying shades of green.

• Smell: Deep breathing in the forest air, which carries memories like pine, damp earth, and woodsmoke.

• Taste: Exploring symbolic and literal "flavor" through Nordic tasting experiences.

Your Invitation to Reconnect This April

Our next immersive experience takes place from April 23–26 at Haltia Lake Lodge. Recognized as the Best Sustainable Hotel in Europe in 2022, the lodge serves as a sanctuary just 30 minutes from Helsinki.

This isn't just a "break." It is a guided journey back to yourself. As I learned during my sabbatical: your future self will thank you for making room for rest.

Finding Your Own Rhythm

Taking an extended sabbatical was helpful for me, but I know that a total life-reset isn't always an option for everyone. That is why Five Senses Retreats exists: to provide a practical, sensory-based bridge between the noise of the modern workplace and the clarity of the natural world.

Whether you are looking for a burnout recovery or simply want to sharpen your focus and appreciation for the present moment, I invite you to join us in the forest. Let’s work together to move from going through the motions to living life more vividly.

What is one thing you do to find balance when life gets overwhelming? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, or feel free to reach out if you have questions about our upcoming retreats.