Embrace the Hermit Within:  Retreats For Your Evolution

Our world is full of inspiration. I think life is always inviting us to reflect, evolve, and lead with greater wisdom.  And I like challenging myself and those I coach to expand their perspectives and references.

And it hasn’t gone unnoticed that this is the year of the Hermit, in Tarot terms.  Which also makes me think of the courageous change agent, the Hermit crab.

Both offer a unique perspective on the power of retreats—essential for those who seek clarity on how they are to contribute and lead in this new era.

The Hermit Archetype – Leadership Through Reflection

Have you ever explored the insights of Tarot?  Here’s an example of how I have used them in the past with leadership.

Born from the Renaissance, these centuries-old cards represent fundamental human experiences and traits. And speak to how we navigate change and complexity.

Numerologically 2025 reduces to the number 9, which corresponds to The Hermit.

Just looking at the figure, we can get a feeling that the figure represents inner wisdom and self-reliance. The Hermit reminds us that leadership often requires us to walk our own path. And that we can and must illuminate the way for ourselves and others.  We understand that the most profound answers will come from within. That it is important to step away from the noise to cultivate deeper insight. And that we will need moments of solitude, silence and contemplation, to gain patience and perspective.

Ancient wisdom also connects The Hermit to Cronos, the god of time, reminding us that time is our most valuable resource. That this human body has a finite time on earth.  Leaders who recognize this truth learn to discern between urgent distractions and meaningful, lasting impact.  And in that, The Hermit embodies the classic wisdom: “Grant me the courage to change the things I can, the grace to accept what I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Which brings me to our prehistoric wise beings who have such a good sense of timing…

Hermit Crabs – Knowing When To Evolve

Hermit Crabs know about timings.  Role models of resilience and courageous creatures of change, they have existed since the Jurassic era.  And they know when it’s time to ditch their shells and step into something bigger.

As they grow, they remodel their shells to be more comfortable and at a certain point, they move out of their existing one, into a larger one.

We can drawn on nature’s metaphor to reflect on how as leaders, we often find ourselves in situations where our existing frameworks, strategies, roles or habits no longer serve us. Like hermit crabs, we must recognize when it’s time to transition. To ‘find that new shell’ which will hold our next growth spurt.

This transition can feel vulnerable, but it seems it is unavoidable if we are to grow.

Delight in watching this BBC clip with David Attenborough, and see if it stirs your own self reflection:

• Am I aligned in mind, body, and soul?
• Am I moving toward something meaningful, or simply moving away?
• What structures, habits, or roles no longer fit my evolving leadership?
• Do I have the bandwidth to envision my future, or do I feel stuck in the present?

And as you see, hermit crabs don’t transition alone. They turn up for each other! They gather, support one another, and exchange shells—a beautiful example for us individually and collectively.

The Power of Retreat – A Strategic Imperative

The Hermit certainly understands the value of stepping away from the day-to-day to gain perspective. True leaders do the same. Retreating is not an escape—it’s a strategic pause, a recalibration that enhances well-being, decision-making and vision.

When we retreat, we:

• Shift from reactivity to intentionality
• Reset our nervous systems to operate from clarity, not burnout
• Reconnect with ourselves and our relationship with the world
• Explore new perspectives and possibilities
• Strengthen our ability to lead with authenticity and wisdom

Online learning and virtual connection have their place of course. But nothing replaces the depth of in-person retreats—immersed in nature, engaged in meaningful dialogue, and free from daily distractions and demands.

And for Earth Converse with its whole systems, mindful and nature based approach, retreats are a crucial part of how we work and how we collaborate.

Retreats For Your Leadership Evolution

For the Hermit within, here are a number of Earth Converse retreats this year (including those in collaboration) to choose from.

All have the common thread of being immersive experiences providing a container for deep self-inquiry, expanded perspectives and life-affirming leadership.

Retreats

🌱 Earth Converse Spring Reset | 14 – 16 March (Mallorca) – it was fabulous!

🦋  Immersive Coaching Retreat | 11 – 18 May as part of a 6-month Earth Converse Coaching Journey (Mallorca)

🌿 Advanced Coaching Retreat | 13 – 15 June (Sussex, UK)  – please register your interest here

🍄 Path of the Visionary Retreat | in partnership with Gateway To Your Essence | 25 – 31 August (Mallorca)

🦋  Immersive Coaching Retreat | 20 – 27 Sept as part of a 6-month Earth Converse Coaching Journey (Mallorca)

🍄 Path of the Visionary  | in partnership with Gateway To Your Essence | 5 – 9 Nov (Mallorca)

These retreats are designed to provide you with the space, guidance, and transformative practices needed to embody a more conscious, connected form of leadership. One that is in service of people and planet.

If you feel the call to step into your next phase of leadership, step into your next shell, come join us!