09/09/2025
ā¤ļø This is a long read, but itās straight from my heartā¦
Iāve just returned from an extraordinary 10-day Vipassana silence retreat ā an experience of living and practicing as Buddha once did. This is the very technique he discovered and practiced to reach enlightenment, spending the last 30 years of his life in peace and harmony. Out of pure selflessness, he shared it with the world so that we too could learn.
Iāll be honest ā it was inconvenient and uncomfortable. Hours each day sitting cross-legged on simple mats, in silence, in isolation, away from all comforts and distractions of the outside world. Meditating 10ā12 hours a day was no easy feat. But thatās where growth always lives ā in the inconvenient and uncomfortable. And in that space, I found deep shifts. I now carry with me a daily practice, a tool to keep evolving, purifying, and moving toward peace and enlightenment.
It was profound to share this journey with 60 strangers from around the world ā from 18-year-olds to women in their 80s. For 10 days, not a word was spoken, and yet when we finally connected on the last day, there was such love, understanding, and shared humanity. Many return every year to immerse again, and I know Iāll be back ā not only to participate but also to serve, because giving back is part of the path.
This year has been one of deep healing for me. My body had shut down into burnout, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia after years of pushing against systems, advocating through trauma, and carrying so much pain. I had to stop, seek out experts, reset my nervous system, and take ownership of my health. With the help of integrative doctors, travel, time with Matt, and immersions like this retreat, Iāve reclaimed my health, energy, and vitality. I feel alive, youthful, and free again ā and so deeply grateful.
Through it all, Iāve shifted my focus. Instead of fighting broken systems, I now pour my energy into creating solutions. Thatās where my Garden of Eden vision was born ā a global movement to build spaces in nature where people from all walks of life can access healing, alternative medicines, and practices normally out of reach. A place where health is a right, not a privilege. Iāve attracted the right people and resources, and itās already in motion.
So much of this drive comes from my own lived experiences. From Carsonās drowning incident ā the moment that changed my life forever ā to navigating negligence in hospitals with Bree and myself, to carrying karmic patterns of tragedy and trauma. And yet, each time, Iāve risen. Iāve refused to be a victim. Iāve turned my pain into purpose and wisdom to serve others, to help end suffering, and to leave legacies that matter.
I am fulfilled and proud of the life Iāve created, the lives Iāve touched, and the legacies already left. And still ā there is more. Thatās why this meditation practice matters so much. Itās another layer of freedom, of purification, of stepping into peace and grace ā for me, for my family, for future generations.
š Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for being part of this journey. And thank you for being here as I continue to rise, heal, and contribute.
With love,
Tammy š
Live the life you deserve & desire ..
Yucan2 Personal Development Workshops
