Could a surfing retreat in Morocco conquer my fear of the sea?
The process of learning to catch a wave is an all-consuming activity that can prove to be a powerful therapeutic tool
TL;DR
- The author developed a significant fear of waves, exacerbated by nearly two decades as a journalist reporting on traumatic events.
- To address this fear and burnout, the author attended a week-long trauma surfing retreat in Morocco organized by Resurface.
- The retreat integrated morning surf lessons and yoga with afternoon group therapy sessions utilizing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).
- EMDR therapy aims to help the brain neurologically process and store traumatic memories, reducing associated distress.
- While initial surfing attempts were challenging, the author found the experience of being in the water and the shared therapy sessions to be deeply healing and restorative.
- By the end of the week, the author managed to stand up on a wave for the first time, a personal triumph celebrated by the group.
- The retreat provided a sense of hope and connection, restoring the author's faith in people after years of exposure to negative events.