Testimonial relating to Aziza Retreats and

Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love

"Immediately after relocating and changing my career for my relationship last summer I experienced a difficult and unexpected breakup. To ease my heartbreak I drove for three days, leaving on my birthday to avoid the pressure of putting on a happy face, drove to figure out why this relationship pattern always repeats and to think about my next steps. During that time my therapist suggested a physical adventure retreat in July. I also found another retreat online focusing on personal growth that felt right in August. By choosing the Aziza five day Reclaim Your Passion And Verve Retreat I found the answer to my desperate birthday wish entry I’d made just weeks before- a wish to find help to move on.

Laila Ghattas is founder of Aziza Healing Adventures and she facilitates some of her women’s retreats at Louise Racine’s Thirteen Moons Retreat Centre in Ontario, Canada. Although I booked private Reiki and Gestalt Therapy sessions with Laila, I was surprised to receive her support and guidance throughout the entire week during meals, group Expressive Art sessions and free time.

That week was the greatest turning point in my life. What I received from Laila was far beyond my expectations. I became aware, discovered things I had buried deep within me from long ago, received clarity and most of all the tools and guidance towards the life I really want and deserve.

When I was asked what did I want to do now that I am totally free to look at all possibilities, I said I’d like to go on Laila’s Rediscover Your Self in Bali retreat and also to India to volunteer, see the different cultures and have my own personal journey. Louise immediately recommended I read Eat Pray Love. I was amazed by the similarity I had with Elizabeth Gilbert’s struggles and her path to find happiness. I laughed and cried and sometimes thought, this almost could be about me. When it comes down to it, all we really want is to be happy.

This year is now dedicated to my journey towards happiness and I have the stepping stones that bring me closer every day. Since that retreat I ‘m smiling more often and I look forward to my journey ahead knowing there may be tears but this time also tears of happiness."

Caroline, Ontario

Rediscover Your Self in Bali, Jan. 29 - Feb. 7, 2008 Bali, Indonesia