Before attending the Restoring the Rescuer’s Art of Rest retreat I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and on the brink of burnout. The constant demands of our profession, the trauma we witness, and the pressure to be strong for our team and community had taken a toll on my mental health.  The profession I love was becoming a burden. During the seminar, I experienced a profound sense of relief and healing. The peaceful environment, supportive facilitators, and the opportunity to connect with fellow first responders who truly understood our unique challenges was a cleansing for my soul. Jaqueline and her team provided valuable tools and strategies for managing stress, processing trauma, and prioritizing self-care. By the end of the retreat, I felt rejuvenated, reinvigorated, and more at peace than I had in years. It was as if a weight that I didn’t realize I was carrying had been lifted from off my shoulders.  I rediscovered my passion for serving as a first responder and realized that taking care of my mental well-being is not just essential for me but for the entire team I lead. I would wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to other first responders because it has the power to transform lives. The grounds at Kripalu provide a safe space for self-reflection, healing, and learning practical skills to navigate the challenges of our profession. Restoring the Rescuer's Art of Rest seminar is a beacon of hope for those who, like me, have struggled with the weight of the job. It’s an investment in our mental health and the well-being of the communities we serve, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact it has had on my life and the lives of my team members.

I would like to take this moment to express how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to attend the Restore The Rescuer Retreat at Kripalu. Jacqueline, Sean, and Lenora lead a great sleep recovery and mindfulness retreat at the beautiful Kripalu facility in the Berkshires. Much of our retreat was spent reflecting, and meditating with practical ways to enhance our sleep and mend the sometimes- extreme sleep deprivation with which we endure in our careers as first responders. The staff, faculty, and wilderness guides were excellent at this facility and truly nothing short of remarkable and very pleasant during my stay. I felt very relaxed all the time and never felt pressured in any way while visiting. For instance, the Kripalu staff went out of there way to accommodate me when I inadvertently arrived a day early, which I’m glad I did because I enjoyed that extra day of relaxation. This experience truly changed my life, my way of thinking, and being more mindful of the present moment. I enjoy being much calmer about things and content on just letting the little things in life, which can sometimes overwhelm us, go. Thank you all!!

Before attending Restoring the Rescuer’s Art of Rest retreat I felt that I was on a journey without knowing where I was headed, or even what direction to go.   I was doing a lot of research on anything and everything health related but wasn't sure exactly what was going to benefit or hurt me.   I have been on a journey for the past 3 years on transforming my mind and body and if I saw anything that was even slightly health related I would add it to my routine.  So a lot of confusion was going on in my mind which frustrated me and eventually led to not having the healthiest relation with my physical or mental states.    During the retreat I experienced so many different ways to heal myself.  Spending time in nature was my most favorite.   It allowed me to feel grounded with the Earth and to realize how much we need to give back to it since it gives us all we have.   I also experienced so many different walks of life.  I have had a very blessed life and have been very humbled by how small of a fraction my life has been when compared to everyone that I got to share this retreat with.   Through all of this I have gained so much knowledge not only in the classroom but also outside of it.  Interactions with nature and my peers has allowed me to gain new perspectives on how I can go about all aspects of my health going forward in a healthy and appropriate way!    By the end of the retreat I felt very excited and calm.   Excited to share everything that I have learned and to put it all to real life testing at the fire house and at home as well.  I felt calm because I have been given the best tools and techniques to be successful in anything I do.    I would recommend this retreat to other first responders because it has allowed me to step outside of the job and focus on me.  Because at the end of the day it is just a job and we all need to be able to walk away from it healthy and happy.  This retreat has allowed me to see that these practices will allow that to happen   in the best way possible.   This retreat is like no other, and will allow other first responders to reset their mind and body, whether they have 1 week, 1 year and 20 years on; everyone can and will benefit from the teachings that the Restore the Rescuer retreat has to offer.

Jacqueline,  I cannot thank you and Sean enough for selecting me to attend the retreat.  The timing was perfect! The equine field trip was an incredible start to the journey for the week.  It really set the tone for the rest of the retreat. The mindful hike was so soothing to my soul.  Being in nature is healing for me and being in nature with the absence of noise (talking) was incredibly insightful.  I was able to hear clearly from the spirit within me about me and what was required of me in order to release FEAR.  I was also able to hear clearly what my continued purpose during this season of my life: SERVE OTHERS!  I was called to be a public servant serving a municipality to still being a public servant serving from a different capacity and different perspective. The sessions were the fire that sparked all of this healing.  Your yoga practice is AMAZING.  Your energy and spirit are FELT!  Jacqueline, I am so grateful for the ministry of healing that lies within you.  I am not even sure if you know just how powerful it is. [….] I have grown tremendously. Thank you.