The Power of a Reset

Regardless of who we are, what we do, or how stressful life is, everyone benefits from a reset.

Whether it helps regulate our over-stimulated nervous system, allows for much needed rest, or creates space for creativity to return, the power of a reset cannot be denied. Time away from our daily routine and life’s constant demands provides nectar for our soul. It invites our busy minds to pause, preparing space for the new.

Resets can be short or long. They can be done right where you are, or you might have an opportunity to “get out of Dodge” and experience a deeper retreat. At times these resets may deliver exactly what we desire, though frequently they don't. Often, the Universe has an entirely different plan in mind. Instead of finding peace, we end up questioning what we thought to be true. We may even discover ourselves at a crossroads, having no idea which path to choose. Whatever happens, know that what we receive is the perfect medicine for our soul's growth and evolution. Somehow, the Divine knows what’s best. We just need to trust.

For my birthday, my mother graciously invited me to a retreat center outside of Tucson, Arizona. Did I need a reset? I can’t say. I didn't feel stressed or energetically blocked before I went. But then again, I’m not always in touch with what I require. It's human nature to muscle through the highs and lows in life, neglecting to regroup and self-nurture. My tendency is to do more, sometimes even take on others’ responsibilities. While well-intentioned, these behaviors can be depleting, especially when my cup isn't full.

Most of us have no idea how off balance we become. An intentional reset is one way to replenish our reservoir, helping us find better alignment. It’s when we regain equilibrium that our perspective shifts and the world feels brighter. We may even sense a surge of energy or unexpected optimism as we return to our true essence. It can be a beautiful rebirth of sorts.

So, how do we reset?

There’s no cookie cutter approach to this intentional withdrawal from daily life. Some people do best by powering down and going inward while others thrive from adventure, exploration, and stimulation. Deepening my spiritual practices and leaning into the physical, mental, emotional, heart, and spiritual bodies helps initiate my reset. More of a retreat girl than an adrenaline junkie, I prefer to immerse myself in meditation, yoga, and energetic practices. This helps to remind me what’s important, let go of what’s not, and gently guide me back to my true self.

Four days away at a “mindfulness resort” was a beautiful opportunity to reset. And as I head home to Bend, I have no doubt my soul needed a slight kick in the ass to remember what’s important. I’d gotten stuck in the weeds, caught in the ego, and focused on the wrong stuff.

This reset showed me how good it feels to bathe my eyes in sunlight shortly after awakening and how moving my body first thing in the morning lubricates my joints. These two simple things, combined with nutritious food, limited screen time, informational sessions, and countless opportunities to unwind and relax, encouraged a softening within. While I hadn’t realized it, my body—and mind—needed to relax. For the first time in a while, I felt at peace.

But this reset entailed more than R & R in the mountains outside of Tucson. I nudged myself to try new things. A private TM (Transcendental Meditation) session topped the list. Truthfully, I struggle with meditating. My mind’s constantly on … analyzing, wondering, planning, and creating. It’s difficult to quiet these thoughts. While I’ve tried countless forms of meditation, I’ve never experienced anything like TM. Maybe it was the amazing instructor who beautifully explained this practice, or perhaps it’s the private mantra he gave to me. Let’s just say that for the first time, I’m committing to sitting for at least ten minutes each day, repeating my mantra.

I also participated in an archery workshop, something totally out of my comfort zone. During my last attempt with a bow and arrow, I was too weak to pull back the bow’s string. But this time, I could, both dissolving a limiting belief and discovered a new joy in something that once intimidated me. Actually, I surprised myself by showing more prowess than I thought possible.

But there was more to this reset. It was time away with my mother, meeting new people, refining existing skills, and learning new ones. I had in depth conversations with a woman who after this trip would begin treatment for her third cancer diagnosis. I was told by a magical healer that if I wished to be free, I must learn to love and accept my fears. And I discovered that others see things in me that I’m now ready to recognize and honor.

While I will not always have the privilege to indulge in such a luxurious getaway, I know there are other ways to reset. Simply taking a day off, canceling plans and activities to do nothing but nourish ourselves works. So do long walks in nature without scrolling or listening to a podcast. Maybe your reset is making a cup of tea—or having a glass of wine—and calling an old friend, just to catch up.

Yes, a prolonged period away fosters this process, but with practice, we can learn to bring ourselves home. And the more frequently we remember to regain our internal equilibrium, the less “out of balance” we’ll become. Unsure when I’ll have another opportunity for a retreat like this past one, it’s important for me to remember these pauses and return to center.

Maybe you’re wondering what happens after the reset. That’s exactly what I’m contemplating on the flight home. While impossible to replicate this past week, I’m committed to starting my day with movement, sunlight, and meditation. Also, I’m intent on learning to love and accept my fears. While there are no guarantees—not once was there an offer of a refund if following these practices did not work—I fully believe there’s a shift ahead. But here’s the thing. I have no idea that change will be. All I can do is show up, do the work, and trust that the Universe has my back. When we remember and return to our true essence, we learn to love who we are. And only then can we fully love others, helping to foster a world grounded in acceptance, truth, and peace.