Rounding: A Catalyst for Personal Transformation and Growth
- Rounding Retreats are for meditators seeking personal transformation.
- They combine meditation, yoga, knowledge talks, and social interaction.
- The retreats offer a supportive and transformative environment.
- Participants experience improved mental and emotional well-being and a sense of renewal.
If you’re a meditator who loves to schedule transformative and restful experiences into your year, a 4-day Rounding Retreat is the perfect annual reset.
As a Vedic Meditator, I thought a Rounding Retreat was no different than the dozens of yoga and silent meditation retreats I participated in the past.
However, after attending a retreat led by Thom Knoles, I was completely blown away by the experience.I felt the benefits of that deep, nourishing experience for months to come.
In this post, we’ll talk about what Rounding is and how it leads to personal transformation.
Here are five things that surprised me about my first Rounding Retreat:
1. Camaraderie
The Rounding Retreat I attended was in Arizona, a beautiful retreat location that felt like entering another world. Thom has an international audience, so I got to meet dozens of other Vedic Meditators from all over the world.
Despite coming from different backgrounds, the shared experience of daily meditation brought us together in a profound way. I was surprised at how quickly I felt at home with everyone, since we all shared a bond of having a daily meditation practice that took us to a deep inner layer of consciousness.
The energy of the retreat was very different from any yoga retreat, where there can often be a sense of competition or comparison. Where everyone may have an eye out for the most flexible or knowledgeable yogi. Instead, there was a sense of support and understanding that made the experience all the more transformative. Everyone in the group was interested in each other’s journeys and inclusive to each other.
Now that I have been a teacher for many years, I enjoy hosting Rounding Retreats in beautiful and peaceful locations, usually close to Los Angeles or New York. The groups that have undergone the powerful personal transformation process of Rounding together have formed a sweet community. We always look forward to seeing each other.
2. Deep Wisdom
Rounding Retreats are unique in that they are not silent, serious, or difficult. Every day we would do multiple ‘Rounds’ of light stretching, breathing techniques, meditation, and lying down. We would eat Ayurvedic meals together and enjoy knowledge talks in the afternoons and evenings, including very helpful Q&A sessions.
At the retreat I attended, the evening knowledge sessions provided a new level of understanding on how to approach life with perspective, settle into my own superpowers, and create a life full of bliss and joy.
Listening to Thom Knoles share his deep wisdom on a range of topics related to meditation, consciousness, and personal growth was nourishing and expansive. I was surprised at how much I learned and how much I was able to apply to my own life. Ultimately, I was inspired to step into the role of a personal transformation coach by becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator, and it brings me such joy to see others experience the benefits I’ve seen.
In the Rounding Retreats I host, we will gather each evening for similar discussions. You’ll leave the retreat feeling empowered and inspired to continue your meditation practice and apply what you learn to all areas of your life.
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ATTEND A FREE INTRO TALK3. Engagement, Interest, and Zero Boredom
Before attending the Rounding Retreat, I was a bit apprehensive about the idea of endless meditation and Rounding for hours. Unlike a silent retreat or a concentration-based meditation retreat, the Rounding Retreat was peaceful and easy. I was pleasantly surprised to find the experience enjoyable and even relaxing.
The process of Rounding involves a series of yoga postures and breathing exercises that are designed to release deep-seated stress and tension from the body and mind. I found that the longer I practiced, the more I was able to sink into a deep state of relaxation and meditation.
There were plenty of breaks throughout the day for snacks, socializing, taking walks in nature, journaling, or just being alone. I appreciated the balance of activity and rest, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the practice without feeling overwhelmed or bored.
We’ll always incorporate that balance of activity and rest in our Rounding Retreats near LA and New York. So, you can expect to enjoy a relaxing experience that won’t demand extra willpower, focus, energy, or discomfort.
4. Strength and Clarity
We don’t often think of meditation retreats as mental and emotional health retreats, but that’s exactly how a Rounding Retreat feels.
One of the most surprising outcomes of the retreat I experienced was the sense of strength and clarity that I felt upon returning home. Without the stress-induced brain fog that had been clouding my awareness, I was able to see my life and my priorities with a newfound sense of clarity.
I felt more present, well-rested, and confident than I had in years. I was able to approach my work and my relationships with a renewed sense of energy and purpose, and I felt more equipped to handle the challenges that came my way. It was a truly transformative experience that has had a lasting impact on my life.
I love hosting Rounding Retreats now to see my students blossom and rejuvenate over the four-day period.
Here’s what one student said about a retreat I hosted recently with a great friend of mine who is also a meditation teacher, Patti Quintero. I’ve seen stories like these many times in my students, but her quote is among the best personal transformation examples:
“Patti and Susan’s Rounding Retreat changed my life. I have come home and, each night, I look forward to the next morning’s round, where I still taste the sweetness of Topanga and the safe place I found within myself.
My memories are the smiling faces of the new friends I made…as we opened our eyes from a profound meditation…as we passed each other on the walkways to and from The Nest…or in the many wonderful talks we shared.
Patti and Susan were incredible teachers, letting the wisdom happen to us and unfold inside us day by day and asking us what our experience was, and gently offering feedback. My meditations weren’t always pleasant or easy and I learned the beauty of going Round after Round and letting the layers of accumulated stress and grief fall away from me. It’s like I have a new nervous system.
On the longest day of rounds, I felt like my consciousness was so expanded that I couldn’t find my personality 😂. I didn’t want to talk to anyone that wasn’t in our retreat. But, to my surprise, when I got to the airport, it felt so good to be amongst so many people. I found that conversation with my friends and my partner was especially fulfilling.
My whole way of taking in the world has softened. I’m finding ways of working that don’t exhaust me. The power really is in the practice. Returning to the peace.
Thank you, Patti and Susan!”
– Sarah B.5. A New Version of Myself
Perhaps the most surprising outcome of my first Rounding Retreat was how it transformed me on a deep, inner level. After just four days of practicing rounding, I felt like years of fatigue and anxiety had been lifted from my body and mind. I slept better than I had in years, and my chronic insomnia disappeared for good.
I felt more in touch with my own inner wisdom and intuition, and I was able to approach my life with a newfound sense of ease and grace. It was as if I had shed an old version of myself and emerged as a new, shinier, brighter version. It was a truly life-changing experience!
Another participant in mine and Patti’s Rounding Retreats shares this story:
“One of the most beautiful and deeply transformative experiences I’ve had. Susan & Patti created such a safe and supportive environment for us to go deep into meditation and relaxation, and to unwind all the stresses we accumulate in our day-to-day life.
The knowledge talks were fascinating and deeply illuminating as to the “why” behind our practice and how we can understand our role in life through the Vedic worldview.
I left the retreat feeling like I had come home to myself and like I can handle anything that life throws my way. I have such deep gratitude for these incredible teachers and I can’t wait to attend more of their retreats in the future!”
– Whitney D.Attending a Rounding Retreat was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you have any questions about joining us on our Fall Rounding Retreat to forward your own personal transformation journey, email me at hello@meditatewithsusan.com or schedule an Intro Talk here.