There are moments in life that seem to be gently stitched together by grace. SoulTreat 2026, created by The Wellness Universe at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC, was one of those experiences for me.
Nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort once again welcomed us with its peaceful beauty, sweeping views and sacred tranquility. This was my second visit to the Art of Living Retreat Center and there was something deeply comforting about returning to a place that was already familiar to my soul. The mountain air seemed to whisper: “Breathe, you are safe here.”
From the moment I arrived, I felt eased into a magical experience.
Our SoulTreat 2026 theme was “Living My Magical Life” and it was absolute magic.
The breathtaking view alone invites you to slow down and be present. Early mornings shrouded in mist, birdsong wafting through the trees, and sunsets painting the mountains a soft gold created the perfect backdrop for reflection, connection, and renewal. Every corner of the resort seemed to be relaxing.
And then there was the food.
Nutritious Ayurvedic meals prepared with such care and attention have become part of the therapeutic experience itself. Each dish felt grounded and intentional, providing not only nourishment for the body but also comfort for the soul. Sharing meals together has become another way to build connection and community, something SoulTreat does so beautifully.
But for me, the real magic of SoulTreat was never just the location or even the workshops and experiences. It was people.
There is something special about meeting friends online after years of virtual connection. Hugs came naturally and easily. Conversations felt deeper. Laughter came freely and genuinely. And somehow even the quiet moments together made sense.
SoulTreat made for authentic connection in a world that often feels rushed and disconnected.
I was also delighted to meet new beautiful souls whose paths crossed mine in divinely orchestrated ways. Those heartwarming conversations, shared tears, spontaneous laughter, and moments of vulnerability have become some of the retreat’s greatest treasures.
One of the most meaningful parts of my SoulTreat experience was leading a magical gratitude circle.
For over a year leading up to SoulTreat, I thought and repeated the mantra, “I have a magical life.” It became more than words. It became a call to trust in life, trust in divine timing, and trust in the invisible support that surrounds us. I knitted it at the Enchanted Ratitude Circle event.
As someone who often feels nervous before stepping on stage or leading a meeting, I noticed something unusual this time. For the first time, I did not feel my stomach before going on stage.
Instead, I felt calm and centered, but alive with purpose.
guidance
was held.
I felt like I was moving in a divine flow rather than trying to force or control the experience. It was as if a mantra was woven into my nervous system, reminding me that I didn’t have to perform. I just needed to show up with love.
The enchanted circle of gratitude became a sacred exchange of presence, meditation, and heartfelt connection. Watching participants open their hearts to gratitude for themselves and their journey was incredibly moving. There were tears, smiles, deep breaths and moments of silence that words can barely describe.
I was deeply moved by the journalistic magnificence of the audience they embraced and the sacred and heartfelt exchanges they shared, each truly monumental and deeply meaningful.
We shared a beautiful song at the end, led by my dear friends and fellow contestants, Leah Skurdahl and Laurina Anderson, which felt like whipped cream, nuts and cherries on top of a rich time together.
That evening reminded me that gratitude is truly transformative. Not just being thankful for what we have, but being thankful for who we are becoming.
Another profound moment during SoulTreat was opening my card pieces for the first time.
Holding the finished deck in my hands at SoulTreat felt surreal and emotional. What started out as little whispers of inspiration, journal entries, prayers and intentions of love eventually turned into something real. Each card is created as a gentle offering of encouragement, comfort and love.
At the vendor table I gave mini readings using the deck and those moments became some of my favorite memories of the retreat.
People sit and often carry an invisible burden, fatigue, uncertainty or sensitivity. Together we drew cards, breathed, meditated and allowed the message to spread. Time and time again, participants would slowly smile or tear up as the exact message they needed seemed to appear at just the right moment.
Those little holy encounters reminded me that sometimes healing comes through simple gestures. A loving word. A quiet stop. A reminder that we are not alone.
I also included a prayer request column at my vendor table. I invited attendees to write down personal prayers, hopes, concerns, or intentions and place them inside.
What happened affected my heart.
Throughout the weekend, people quietly dropped handwritten notes into the tin. Some requests were filled with hope. Others had grief, fear, uncertainty, or longing for healing. Many were deeply personal.
It was an incredible honor to read those prayers with kindness and compassion.
I found myself pausing throughout the event to place my hands gently on the fort and pray for divine alchemy, healing, guidance and orchestration for each spirit represented. It reminded me how much humanity longs to be seen, supported and loved.
One of SoulTreat’s most unexpected experiences was spending time with several professional football players participating in comeback practices. Sitting together on the spa grounds until midnight, talking candidly about our life’s journeys, created such special memories that I will cherish forever.
Despite our different origins and paths, the themes were universal: growth, healing, stress, resilience, self-esteem, and the desire to live authentically. I was reminded that beneath our titles, careers, and accomplishments, we are all human beings searching for connection, peace, and purpose.
These conversations are beautifully grounded, realistic, and divinely orchestrated.
As I reflect on SoulTreat 2026, my heart overflows with gratitude.
Thanks to the mountains.
Thanks for the peace of mind.
Thank you for every hug, conversation, shared meal, brave story and every sacred moment.
First of all, I’m grateful for the reminder that magic is not something we should chase.
This is what we allow ourselves to notice.
It lives in meaningful connection.
It lives in boldness.
It lives in gratitude.
It lives in our manifestation.
And perhaps this is the greatest gift SoulTreat has given me this year: a deeper awareness that I do indeed live a magical life.
You can learn the pieces of the self-realization card deck, 52 divinely inspired messages to calm, support and uplift, HERE.
Visit Janette on her Wellness Universe profile HERE.
Connect with Janet about The Wellness Universe and follow her Facebook and Instagram.
Holy selfishness
This month’s topic: What is Holy Communion and why is it important?
It’s time to fill your cup and restore your power. You pour so much into others; now it’s your turn to accept. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a radical act of love and a way to honor the precious gift of your life and the sacred truth of who you are.
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Meetings of the Holy Angel
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In a world often shadowed by uncertainty and challenges, Janet Stewart emerges as a shining beacon of hope and joy. As an emissary of joy at Angel Angels, a best-selling author, angel practitioner, and victorious pancreatic cancer survivor, her journey represents tenacity, faith, and the transformative power of positivity. Through her amazing experiences and irrepressible spirit, Janette touched countless lives, illuminating the paths to inner peace and healing. He shares deep insights into overcoming adversity, embracing joy, and finding deeper meaning in life’s trials. Joy and gentleness are her superpowers.
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