Sonja Thayer

There was a moment years ago — sitting at a small cafe in Italy, jet-lagged, notebook open , when I realized I hadn’t heard my own voice clearly in a long time. Not the voice that manages logistics or takes care of everyone else.The quieter one. The curious one. Travel gave me that voice back. Creativity helped me listen. Fast forward to today and this is one of the reasons I host retreats. Not to teach people how to write or make art “better,” but to create the conditions where something...

The holidays don’t need more doing.They need more being . In Italy and Greece, self care is woven into daily life. Meals are slow. Beauty is noticed. Rituals are simple. Community matters. Rest is not earned, it’s expected. Let these 12 days be a gentle return to that way of living. Day 1: Light the Hearth Fire (Ancient Greece – Hestia) Hestia, goddess of the hearth, ruled over home, warmth, and inner steadiness. Ritual: Light a candle and place it in the center of your home. Sit...

Holiday gift guide 2025: Support women-owned small businesses with artisan gifts, handcrafted oils, natural skincare, yoga packages, and luxury wellness retreats from ROM Soul Escapes