My Eat Pray Love Experience

Have you ever had one of those years which turned out to be a major turning point in your life? A time of great change and upheaval? A time when you felt stuck and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel?

February, 2009 was that year for me!

I was working in stressful corporate telecommunications role. I was responsible for managing teams of 50+ staff members as well as multimillion dollar accounts. I remember calling my boyfriend at the time in an emotional mess, just wanting to quit. I’m sure you’ve had those moments 🙂

My love life wasn’t that great either, we were constantly on again off again. I was over that too.

The very next day, I was called into a meeting with my boss and HR. The minute I walked in the room, I realised the universe was granting me my wish; I was about to be made redundant. What a great feeling of relief!  In that moment my life changed. Despite my fears, I knew it was time to follow my dreams and get my business up and running.

Getting clear on exactly what the first step be wasn’t easy. Furthermore, I was still in a destructive relationship and I couldn’t seem to break free. I was stuck. My ex had this hold over me, and every time I tried to leave, he would pull me back in. Does this sound familiar to you?

Seven long, crazy, emotionally frustrating months later, I finally gathered the courage to take that first step, I just realised it was over. Having made my decision in my heart and mind, I took a last minute trip to Queensland to visit my relatives and my dearest grandmother, to clear my head and get some space.

I came back with a clearer mind, I booked myself an open ticket to India and looking back it was the best thing I ever did. Three weeks later I was on my way.

Let me tell you… India is one of those places that heals your soul. Chaotic, vibrant, noisy, crowded Delhi…I really wasn’t looking forward to living there. My last experience of Delhi was dirty, loud, overwhelming and I just couldn’t imagine staying there. However, I was determined to make it work. There was no plan B.  I found a nice place to live, with a wonderful room mate, who would become my soul sister and Mantra Wild business partner. Another small piece of my dream was falling into place.

The locals call Delhi, Dilli (Dil means heart), and after a few months, that’s exactly what it became, my heart. I fell in love with Delhi and its people.

I travelled quite a lot, I did the retreat thing – and yes I had my own eat pray love experience. I was emotionally exhausted from my last relationship. My work had burnt me out and I still had no idea how to get my business up and running.

India gave me space to heal.

Enjoying Holi Festival on our rooftop

India was a challenge.. even simple things like negotiating with a rickshaw driver. However, In a couple of months, I learnt the tricks of the trade and pretty soon I was being treated like a local, and even getting local rates!

India taught me that anything is possible…I took the biggest risk of all, leaving behind everything I knew to follow my dream..

My  Essential Elements experience proved to be my personal journey of enlightenment.  I created this experience to heal my soul and in the process, I created an experience that encompassed the true essence of India. Many travellers go to India and visit retreats and ashrams to heal, to find themselves, but my healing happened on my Essential Elements journey.

This transformational journey included a 3 week experience including the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. The wilderness areas of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, the beautiful Kama Sutra temples of Khajuraho, the Holy Ganges and my most favourite sacred site Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Kama Sutra temples of Khajuraho

Banks of the Ganges, Varanasi

And to top it off, I spent my final few nights at Swaswara in Karnataka. It was a reconnecting experience, just what I needed! This time allowed me to reconnect with my inner-self, eat delicious organic food as well as experience heavenly massages, an Ayurvedic consultation, enjoy moonlight yoga classes and enjoy a nature hike. It was a beautiful end to spectacular journey.

Gorgeous food at Swaswara

Swaswara

My own private villa at Swaswara

After this, I just knew my journey was coming to an end. I could feel the healing that I so sorely needed was done for now and when I returned to Sydney, more pieces fell into place.

Fast forward to now, my dream business is off and running and I recently married the love of my life. I met him just 3 weeks after I got back to Sydney in 2010. Another sign that I had truly healed through my magical India journey.

Our wedding day, 26 Januar

I guest what I’m saying is that while some may believe I was avoiding and running away from my issues, I believe that I needed to take myself out of my current environment in Sydney, and create a new experience, new breakthroughs and a new story to help me forward.

It took more than just a stay in a retreat or ashram for my transformation to happen. I experienced the richness of life in the best place of all. India, the perfect place to push you out of your comfort zone. It gives you an experience of a lifetime, chews you up and spits you out, but you’re forever changed because of it.

Have you had a life changing experience? Have you travelled to a place like India to heal?

Are you interested in getting out of your current environment and experiencing something new? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and share this story if you can relate.

Travel on Purpose,

Reena xx

If you are interested to know more about Essential Elements click here, you can also read about this experience in the Sydney Morning Herald. Click here to read the story. 

Reena Tory is the Founder and Director of Mantra Wild Adventures. We craft inspiring wilderness and wellness journeys that peel back the layers of India. A country we know and love.