It’s being hailed as the “Great North American Eclipse.” The longest since 1806, in fact, the best since 2017 and the last until 2033 in Alaska, and 2044 in Montana and the Dakotas.
Can surfing help heal emotional trauma? Finding emotional peace in Atlantic waves along the wild Moroccan coast
18.03.2024 - 17:33 / cntraveler.com
I’m splashing around in the Atlantic, having fallen off my board for what feels like the thousandth time this morning. The water is beautiful, the sky clear and immense, and the Atlas mountains loom behind me. But despite all this serene beauty, I am boiling with frustration: who knew learning to surf would be this hard? Thankfully, psychologist and psychotherapist Josh Dickson is on hand to help me resolve my conflicting emotions. Having been in a severe midlife depression for seven years, I have decided, in my mid-forties, to join the pioneering surfing and group therapy Resurface retreat that is his brainchild.
Dickson specializes in positive psychology and how we can increase our contentment. He’s also an expert in addiction and EMDR—eye movement desensitization and reprocessing—a groundbreaking way of processing trauma. These Resurface retreats combine his passions: positive psychology, working with trauma, group therapy—and surfing. He runs sessions primarily in Morocco, as well as Devon, Bristol, Portugal, the United States, and Sri Lanka. I have joined one on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a short drive north of Agadir.
Our motley crew of three men and three women—all midlife professionals working in media, coaching, and the corporate worlds—convenes in Tamraght, a small, quietly touristy town full of surfers. Our home for the week is Riad Dar Haven, an authentic Maghrebi guesthouse, its traditional lantern-lit courtyard garden replete with fruit trees and fountain. From depression to work woes and relationship troubles, we are all carrying loads that need shedding. After surfing in the mornings we have lunch, then go on excursions or head back to the riad for intense group therapy sessions. There’s also a hammam and spa for massages and relaxation treatments after days of pushing our physical and emotional boundaries.
As the week draws on, my surfing ability graduates from clumsy toddler to passable beginner under the guidance of Youness Ahrbi, an affable, and very patient, former Moroccan surfing champion. I’m able to relax more, and after managing to lie on the board for sustained periods, I can feel the sense of peace and connection to the water that surfers rave about. I forget myself, the fraught thoughts about my life back in London rumbling a little less noisily in my head. Splashing in the sea, I allow myself to feel like a child again, living in the moment and surrendering my self-critical perfectionism. The joy of water and the perspective offered by nature’s scale allow for more vulnerability and honesty during therapy.
In the group sessions, I begin to explore my deepest emotional issues. Dickson utilizes HeartMath, a tech-assisted relaxation program, and we use the app and its
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
breakingtravelnews.com
04.04.2024 / 07:51
VIRGIN ATLANTIC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INDIA CONNECTIVITY
This week, Virgin Atlantic launched flights to the start-up capital of India, Bengaluru, a key destination for US customers connecting onwards via London Heathrow from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Seattle, and more. With average connection times of one to two hours, the route promises optimal connectivity for those traveling for business or enjoying a vibrant city stay in India’s third most populous city.
atlasobscura.com
04.04.2024 / 00:09
The Atlas Obscura Crossword: April Themeless
Atlas Obscura’s weekly crossword comes to us from Natan Last, a writer who also helps develop policy and digital products for refugees and asylum seekers. His work can be found in The Atlantic, Los Angeles Review of Books, The New Yorker, and other publications, and he’s currently working on a nonfiction book about crosswords.
skift.com
03.04.2024 / 20:01
Virgin Atlantic Bets Big On India: More Flights and Local Crews
Virgin Atlantic is best known for linking Britain with the United States, but there’s another market that is increasingly important for the carrier.
insider.com
03.04.2024 / 19:31
A startup wants to fly passengers in its supersonic plane by 2029, but high costs and unproven technology have some experts raising their eyebrows
Colorado aerospace company Boom Supersonic is building the world's latest faster-than-sound passenger plane, called the Overture.
traveldailynews.com
03.04.2024 / 12:22
Wave season sales increase for American Marketing Group agencies
Cruise Booking Growth Especially Strong for Non-Traditional Itineraries
traveldailynews.com
03.04.2024 / 12:12
North American hotel brands increasingly move toward sustainability certification to strengthen commitment to environmental well-being
Major hotel companies are in collaboration with Green Key Global, as AHLA and HAC solidify partnership deal to expand further into U.S. and Canada.
travelandleisure.com
01.04.2024 / 19:33
American Airlines Just Made It Easier and Cheaper to Fly With a Pet — What to Know
American Airlines is making it easier to travel with pets, changing its policy to allow travelers to bring a free carry-on bag in addition to their furry friend.
insider.com
01.04.2024 / 17:23
I flew 2 European airlines across the Atlantic in economy. The seats were similar, but the food was night and day.
I recently flew back-to-back on two countries' flag carriers in Europe: British Airways and Finnair.
breakingtravelnews.com
01.04.2024 / 06:41
Experience Vibrant Acadian Culture With The Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024
The gateway to Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia is set to host The Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024. Taking place in the South West of the province, from 10 – 18 August 2024, the international event will celebrate over 400 years of Acadian culture over nine days of festivities featuring outdoor concerts, culinary experiences, family reunions, music, and heritage. Discover opportunities to celebrate Acadian joie de vivre. Enjoy a bonfire overlooking the beach or a lively kitchen party where everyone is not just welcome but encouraged to join in the celebration. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the area by exploring local museums, join a walking tour, or savour the authentic flavors of the region featuring lobster and traditional Acadian dishes. Come discover the warm and welcoming people of this rural corner of Nova Scotia, as well as the tastes and traditions of the region.
breakingtravelnews.com
01.04.2024 / 06:41
Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic Comes Back to Miami
The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic has announced the return of its D.R. Tourism Trade Show in Miami, FL. Scheduled for April 3 at the JW Marriott Marquis, the Tradeshow is set to showcase the Dominican Republic’s undeniable allure and adventurous offerings, further establishing its position as a premier tourist destination.
thepointsguy.com
28.03.2024 / 14:47
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card refresh: Overwhelmingly negative changes
American Express is at it again with credit card changes for its cobranded Hilton cards, but this time, the changes target the business version.