Many of us know what it is like to be burnt out, either from our jobs, screens, everyday stressors, or life in general. The feeling of being overwhelmed can take a negative toll on our lives, leading us to bottle up emotions and deal with them in an unhealthy way. So what can we do to combat this?
Introducing Farina Ghanie, founder and CEO of wellness retreat, Arise. Hailing from the UK, Farina decided to create Arise after leaving her corporate job in April earlier this year to help people of all ages and fitness levels become the best versions of themselves through breathwork, meditation, sound healing and more.
SG Mag caught up with Farina to find out more about why she decided to create Arise, why she chose Sofitel Spa and Hotel at Sentosa for the location of the retreat, and her newest addition – a men’s only retreat on Aug 26.
What made you decide to leave your corporate job in April of this year? When did you realise you wanted to create Arise?
As a product strategist, I helped transform billion-dollar brands by bringing them to life through human-connected experiences, using IoT (Internet of Things), APIs (application programming interfaces) and SDKs (software development kits), and real-time data; I loved the work, the people and the environment. However, in 2019, I experienced health issues, and during this time, I didn’t have a platform in Singapore to help me manage my emotional, physical and mental well-being.
I started to self-heal by using breathwork, sound, movement, qigong, and meditation – these experiences were a big milestone in my healing journey, and I realised I could also help others in my situation.
I always knew there was a bigger purpose in my life, to give back and to be of service. I love people, and I love a good chat. In Singapore after Covid, I could see a real shift in people’s personalities; the dynamics had changed and we became more inwards. Mental health issues were on the rise and people wanted experiences and human contact, done in a safe way, where they could connect to help release emotions they had suppressed over the years.
Walk us through the creation process of this retreat. How were you able to choose what to put into the retreat and what to eliminate? I’m sure there are many different ways of relaxing, rewinding, and connecting with oneself.
Based on my own experiences, I have created a unique and transformative One-Day Wellness Retreat in Singapore to restore inner balance and health, calm the nervous system and support deep relaxation.
At Arise, we are bringing people together from all industries and ages, by changing the conversation on health, wellness, and behaviour change. I have created tools and techniques using movement, empowerment coaching, breathwork, meditation and mindfulness from trained facilitators.
Not only that, but we are creating change by allowing you to explore a new level of freedom and capability, which is possible when we break old and unhealthy patterns by choosing consciously to be a better version of ourselves and to finally be part of a community and group who will help support you throughout your journey of self-discovery.
Where did you learn how to coach mindfulness, meditation and breath work to others?
Growing up with six brothers and having 17 nephews and nieces under the age of 23 years was no mean feat. You needed patience, understanding and compassion. Life is not easy, there is no manual, but help is available. There are tools and techniques to make life just a bit sweeter, softer, and a lot brighter.
I did ballet and contemporary dance as a child; I understood the importance of energy, movement, and how to connect with the body, mind and breath. To be in the present, and to remove the noise and clutter from the outside world, is so powerful and allows for stillness and inner peace. Through my own experiences, I have incorporated these ancient techniques and traditions by bringing them to life with a modern twist, which is accessible to all ages and all levels of fitness.
Why did you choose Sofitel at Sentosa as the location for your retreats?
With the soothing touch of the gentle breeze and lush greenery enveloping you, it feels like you are on holiday. It is the perfect destination to embark on your transformative experience. By leaving the concrete jungle and the hustle and bustle of the city, you are surrounded by nature’s panoramic views of the South China Sea. You can also unwind at Sofitel Spa’s steam room or take a dip in the pool, and use the two waterfalls to complete your wellness journey.
From your experience, how do men deal with their mental health? Is there a difference between how men and women handle it?
From an early age, men are conditioned to be tough and resilient and to hide their emotions and struggles of daily life behind a facade of strength. But the truth is, concealing emotions and feelings can be incredibly detrimental to your mental health. Women are often viewed as “sensitive”, and so, it is socially acceptable for them to express their feelings.
What inspired you to create this all-men’s retreat on Aug 26? What can men expect out of this experience and what do you hope for them to gain after finishing the retreat?
I have seen firsthand the impact of men suppressing their feelings over the years, how detrimental this can be to their health, and well-being and how it impacts their careers and relationships. I want to create an environment of trust where they are allowed to be themselves, to help them find strength in the community, and to know they are not alone, explore their individuality, and help foster emotional wellness.
Can you share more about the teachers and their qualifications who will guide this retreat with you? How will they enrich the experience as a whole?
The Arise retreat is one-of-a-kind, and the only One-Day Retreat in Singapore designed to provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Ashley Tan is a certified and accredited sound healing practitioner, who is passionate about sharing sound as a natural therapy and strongly believes that sound and frequency vibrations heal and unblock hidden emotions. Jin Li is a barre, pilates, and yoga instructor and understands the transpersonal psychology that elicits the experience and power of stepping into flow and movement. And Daven Wu is a certified Master Teacher in the Usui System of Reiki and will serve as a conduit for healing energy to promote deep relaxation.
The retreats are centred around the concept of elements and energy, where each element represents a season, emotion, and energy. The five elements – Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth – are interconnected and found within both the Earth and ourselves.
Farina Ghanie’s tips on how to take care of your mental well-being
|
For more information about Farina Ghanie, Arise, or to book a retreat, visit arise.care
