Finding Stillness, Clarity, and Courage in the Polish Mountains

Last month, I did something a little out of character.

I left behind the to-do lists, the school runs, and the crochet hooks (who am I kidding - of course I took these with me!) and flew to the Polish mountains for a retreat called Strategy & Serenity, led by the wonderful Paula (@magictadzik) and Layla (@holystic_space).

I knew it would be a chance to step back and refocus on my business - but I didn’t realise just how deeply it would shift something inside me.

The retreat offered a powerful blend of business grounding and soul nourishment. Think vision-setting, honest conversations, slow walks in nature and meditations to begin and end each day. And while I’d love to tell you I was excited about the meditations from the get-go… well, I wasn’t.

The truth is, I’ve never been particularly good at meditating. My brain tends to fill up with random thoughts like “What’s Jared Leto doing now?” or “Did I lock the car?” I’ve always felt like I was doing it wrong - like I couldn’t quite switch off my monkey mind.

But something clicked for me on this retreat.

With Layla’s gentle guidance, I started to understand that meditation isn’t about silencing your thoughts - it’s about breathing through them. Letting them come and go like clouds, while staying anchored in your breath. That simple shift in mindset opened something up.

In the very first meditation, I saw myself climbing out of a deep, dark hole. Above me, a red kite soared in a bright blue sky, and as I crossed a bridge, I felt a deep, quiet certainty settle over me.

I knew I was on the right path.

By the end of the retreat, something truly extraordinary happened.

During our final meditation, I lay on the grass in the garden, surrounded by birdsong, the babble of a stream, and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.

I felt completely present - still, open, safe.

And then I saw it: a golden light so bright, I honestly thought the sun had come out.

But my eyes were closed. What I felt in that moment wasn’t just light - it was peace. Pure, glowing, undeniable peace.

I came home changed.

Not in a dramatic, overnight transformation kind of way. But in a steady, rooted way.

I brought back a sense of calm, clarity, and commitment - not just to my business, but to myself.

I started mapping out the next six months of work with a new kind of energy. One that feels joyful, sustainable, and full of possibility.

There are exciting things ahead: new classes (including a brand-new amigurumi course I can’t wait to share), upcoming pattern releases, and meaningful collaborations that feel aligned with where I’m heading.

But perhaps the most important thing I’m planning?

Rest.

I’m building it in, on purpose.

Because I’ve realised how vital it is to keep my own inner fire burning if I want to keep showing up for others.

I’ll be honest - I didn’t know how much I needed this retreat until I was in the thick of it.

Being surrounded by heart-led creatives, sharing stories and space, reminded me that business doesn’t have to be a hustle.

It can be intentional. It can be kind.

So, when Paula offered me the chance to become an affiliate for the next Strategy & Serenity Retreat, I didn’t hesitate.

If you’re:

• Feeling stuck or scattered in your business,
  

• Craving space to reconnect with your purpose,
  

• Or dreaming of a few peaceful days to recharge and recalibrate…

…I wholeheartedly recommend checking it out. You can explore all the details and secure your place via my affiliate link here. (It's a special link, meaning I receive a small "thank you" from Paula if you decide to book through it - a gesture of appreciation for sharing this beautiful opportunity).

Whether you’re just starting out or years into your journey, this experience will meet you where you are.

Strategically, emotionally, spiritually - it’s all connected.

And if you have any questions about what it’s really like, just drop me a message. I’m more than happy to chat, share what we did, what to pack, or what to expect.

Here’s to courage, clarity, and community,

Jen x