Breath- the gift we receive 22,000 times a day

Hello Dear Friends,

Did you know that we breathe an average of 22,000 times each day?

In Genesis 2:7, we read:

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”

Without breath, there is no life.

I recently learned something beautiful about the Hebrew name of God, Yahweh (YHWH), meaning I AM. Some scholars suggest that it was not so much spoken as it was breathed. Its pronunciation mirrors the sound of inhaling and exhaling. In a way, every breath becomes a reminder of God's presence. It is the first sound we make when we enter this world and the last sound we make when we leave it.

That reflection felt especially meaningful as Heather and I returned from our Breathe in Budapest Retreat. We were blessed to witness the deep exhalations of relaxation, rest, and healing among our participants, as well as within ourselves. There is truly nothing like a retreat to help us reset, reconnect, and remember what matters most.

A September of Connection and Adventure

My September journey began with a wonderful week in the Chicagoland area, where my love tank was filled by family, friends, and especially my adorable littles.

From there, I traveled to Romania, spending time in Bucharest, Transylvania, Brașov, and Oradea before making my way to Budapest for the retreat.

In Romania, I explored the vibrant capital city of Bucharest and spent a day in Transylvania visiting the famous Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. I also toured the magnificent Peleș Castle near Brașov, one of Europe's most stunning royal residences. Later, I flew to Oradea to reconnect with dear friends I had met in Cappadocia, Turkey, earlier this year. Along the way, I enjoyed delicious Romanian cuisine, including bone marrow and the beloved dessert papanasi, while experiencing the warmth and generosity that Romanian hospitality is known for.

Breathe in Budapest

Our journey culminated in Budapest, a city once known as the "Queen of the Danube." Divided by the majestic Danube River into Buda and Pest, Budapest offers a captivating blend of history, culture, beauty, and tranquility.

For the week, our home was the beautiful Ensana Thermal Spa, nestled on Margaret Island, a lush oasis in the heart of the city. Surrounded by nature yet only minutes from Budapest's vibrant energy, it provided the perfect setting for introspection, renewal, and deep rest.

Throughout the retreat, we explored a variety of yoga practices, from gentle restorative sessions to energizing yoga sculpt classes. We also learned practical breathing techniques designed to support us through the many situations and seasons of life.

Our days were enriched with unforgettable experiences, including guided city tours, an evening cruise on the Danube, and optional excursions that allowed participants to follow their own curiosity and sense of adventure.

Of course, we also savored Hungary's culinary delights, including goulash, lángos, fresh fish, strudel, palacsinta, and plenty of fresh bread and butter. Our enthusiastic local guide brought the city to life and introduced us to the charming towns of Visegrád and Szentendre.

Yet the true heart of the retreat wasn't found in the sights, activities, or even the food. It was found in the connections we built. We laughed together, shared stories, supported one another, and formed friendships that will continue long after the retreat ended. Those moments of genuine connection made this experience truly unforgettable.

Click here to relive some of our favorite memories.

Looking Ahead

As one adventure ends, another begins.

Our next retreat will be in Argentina in March 2027, and it is already more than half sold out. If you've ever wondered about joining us but haven't taken the leap, I would love to connect and hear what's holding you back. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to move from "someday" to "I'm in."

And if you're ready now, don't wait.

Sign up today and reserve your place.

With all my love,

Hanan