Stories
Anders' story: out of the black hole
Anders was 25 and at a low point when he came to his first retreat at The Magic Garden. Six months later he came back for a second one. Here he tells you how the days slowly got better – and he is honest that it does not work out every day. Anders is not his real name.
A low point
Anders' own words
Before I arrived at my first retreat, I was at a low point in my life, where I had lost the desire to try anymore.
There were more bad days in a week than good ones, and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life anymore.
In an attempt to dig myself out of the black hole I was in, I sought The Magic Garden.
After the first ceremony
Anders' own words
After my first ceremony, I remember how, for the first time in a long while, I relaxed more, and how the world didn't seem as dark as it used to be.
This didn't mean that everything was perfect, but every day was certainly better than it was before. For me, this meant that I could start thinking about long-term goals and create an overall plan for what I wanted to achieve, instead of just focusing on getting out of bed in the morning.
Six months later
Anders' own words
After six months, I went to my second retreat, as I felt mentally ready to dive deeper into myself.
My second ceremony was intense and had a powerful impact on me, which was hard in the moment but wonderful afterward.
Routines in everyday life
Anders' own words
It gave me peace of mind to build very strong routines for my everyday life, as well as the mental energy to do what is right and not just what I feel like in the moment. It doesn't work every day for me, but I have seen a clear improvement afterward, which has helped me stop and limit behaviors that have negative consequences for me and those around me.
And I met a lovely girlfriend!
Grateful
Anders' own words
I am personally very grateful for what The Magic Garden has given me, and if it weren't for these experiences, I'm convinced I would be in a worse place than I am now.