SimplyAbuDhabi XLVII

Gathering his thoughts for a moment, Gavin fixes my eyes and says, “It has been a life changing experience. I wished I’d done or known of something like this earlier in my life, but then again, I wouldn’t have lived the life I’ve lived for this to impact me as much as it has. I can’t put the words to it, but the experiences here have been above any and all expectations.” For my own experience of this week of transformation, I have distilled some key takeaways from my journal notes: Start with the breath. True connection begins within—by feeling every sensation, not just the pleasant ones. Allow yourself to experience discomfort as well as ease. Discomfort is a signpost, not an obstacle. Resistance surfaces when transformation is near. Don’t fight it—notice where it lives in your body, your thoughts, your reactions. Stay present and breathe through it. Resistance isn’t the end—it’s the threshold to growth. Change isn’t about adding more; it’s about making space. Release old stories and habits that no longer serve you. Let go of who you think you are so you can become who you’re meant to be. Small acts of letting go, done consistently, create profound shifts. Bring practice into life. Integration is where learning becomes living—where insights translate into action. Who do you need to become to live the life you envision? Step into that version—now. This week wasn’t about changing who you are, but remembering and honouring your true self. Let gratitude flow. You don’t need to cling to the experience—just stay rooted in what’s awakened. When life gets loud, return to the practices and intentions. Presence and authenticity are always within reach. The lessons from this experience endure. Love and acceptance start with yourself. Change is a by-product, not the aim. Let go of comparison and the myth of “not enough.” Redirect your attention from fear to what you truly desire—peace, belonging, and joy. You are already whole. Wisdom in Practice Halfway through the retreat, the quote that is the screensaver on Mike’s phone catches my eye. “Ah this… it’s been my home- screen for around two years… it’s by the author Michael Singer.” he says. The quote, from Singer’s The Surrender Experiment , reads: “Do whatever is put in front of you with all your heart and soul without regard for personal results. Do the work as though it were given to you by the universe itself—because it was.” For Mike, this wisdom is about doing work passionately without personal gain. He explains, “It’s a hard thing to do. Even at this event, there are things I’m not doing, things in front of me. It’s tough. We have things that show up in our life; people, opportunities, and if we say no to them, what we’re saying is that, it should not be showing up.” His point here is, the unfathomable design of the universe surely knows better than we do, and so we must trust what is presented to us. He continues, “It’s hard for a person to 298 | Simply Abu Dhabi