Embracing Transformative Travel: A Four-Week Solo Sabbatical for Women in 2025
In a world that often demands women to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, prioritizing self-care and personal growth can feel like an elusive luxury. The concept of a traditional sabbatical, typically spanning six months to a year, may seem unattainable for many. However, a new approach to personal transformation is emerging, offering a condensed yet impactful four-week solo sabbatical designed specifically for women, drawing inspiration from ancient Japanese psychology and the rejuvenating power of travel. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Monika Lewicka, founder of empowered.travel, aims to empower women to navigate life transitions, combat burnout, and rediscover their inner strength.
Lewicka’s own extensive travel experiences, including a two-year cycling journey through Cuba, fueled her passion for the transformative potential of solo travel. Influenced by renowned concepts like Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy, and principles of regeneration, Lewicka recognized the unique challenges women face in balancing their personal and professional lives. Driven by a desire to empower women to prioritize their well-being and realize their full potential, she developed the four-week solo sabbatical model, integrating ancient Japanese psychological principles to provide a structured framework for self-discovery and personal growth.
The four-week solo sabbatical is structured around four distinct stages, each designed to facilitate a specific aspect of personal transformation. The first stage emphasizes deep rest and the practice of ‘ichi-go ichi-e,’ a Japanese idiom that encourages appreciating the present moment without distractions. This involves disconnecting from technology, finding a peaceful retreat, ideally in a familiar and accessible natural setting, and embracing solitude and silence. This initial week focuses on allowing the mind and body to unwind, creating space for introspection and self-reflection, setting the stage for deeper exploration in the subsequent stages.
Following the week of deep rest, the second stage introduces the Japanese concept of ‘ikigai,’ which translates to ‘reason for living’ or ‘what gets you up in the morning.’ This stage involves engaging in self-discovery exercises and activities designed to identify one’s purpose and passions. The guided framework provided by empowered.travel offers tools and resources to navigate this introspective process, helping participants clarify their values and identify what truly motivates them. This stage can be completed at home, allowing for continued reflection and integration of the insights gained during the initial week of rest.
The third stage emphasizes constructive action and exploration. It encourages participants to venture beyond their comfort zones, immersing themselves in new cultures and environments. This could involve staying in hostels, engaging with local communities, or exploring unfamiliar landscapes. This stage promotes resilience through ‘gaman,’ the Japanese concept of enduring hardship, and ‘wabi-sabi,’ the acceptance of impermanence and imperfection. By embracing new challenges and experiences, participants develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Further, the practice of ‘omotenashi,’ or selfless service, encourages participants to connect with others and contribute to the communities they encounter during their travels. Suggested destinations range from the Slovenian Alps to the Western Balkans, offering diverse opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth.
The final stage centers around integration and implementation. Returning home, participants spend five to seven days reflecting on their experiences and identifying key takeaways. This involves reviewing relationships, hobbies, and other aspects of life to determine what aligns with their newfound sense of purpose and what no longer serves them. This stage culminates in the development of five actionable and measurable goals to implement over the following 12 weeks. This process draws upon the Japanese concept of ‘kaizen,’ emphasizing continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. By incorporating these insights into daily life, participants can sustain the positive momentum generated during the sabbatical and create lasting change.
The four-week solo sabbatical approach combines the restorative power of travel with the wisdom of ancient Japanese psychology, offering a unique framework for personal transformation. By prioritizing self-reflection, exploration, and integration, women can gain clarity, reconnect with their passions, and develop actionable strategies for creating more fulfilling lives. This condensed sabbatical model offers a practical and accessible pathway to personal growth, empowering women to prioritize their well-being and embrace their full potential in the year 2025 and beyond. The integration of Japanese principles anchors the experience, providing a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, fostering a more mindful and intentional approach to life.
