Ujima Retreat Center

The holiday season carries a familiar rhythm: cooking large meals, navigating travel, spending long hours with extended family, and trying to enjoy it all without becoming overwhelmed. These gatherings can be meaningful, but they can also be demanding. Most families move between excitement and exhaustion — preparing food, coordinating schedules, entertaining guests, and keeping peace in the house. The reality is straightforward: holidays require energy, and even the most lovi

By Shanelle Koroma LPHA, LCSW, Ujima Retreat Center Lately, I’ve been using the natural rhythm of fall, with its cool air, colors, and slower pace, as a way to help my clients (and myself) reconnect to calm. The nervous system responds so well to seasonal changes when we learn to move with them instead of against them. Fall gives us the perfect opportunity to practice slowing down, grounding, and noticing. These are a few simple ways I’ve been inviting both myself and my ther

Wellness is not always a one-size-fits-all journey. For some families it is delicate dance of understanding individual needs and weaving them into a harmonious experience. Whether seeking solace, connection, or rejuvenation, tailored family retreat offerings provide a sanctuary where each soul feels nurtured and valued. Embracing Family Retreat Offerings with Care and Intention Family retreats are more than just a getaway; they are a chance to reconnect, heal, and grow toget

At Ujima Retreat Center, team bonding looks different. Instead of rigid icebreakers or exhausting obstacle courses, we create space for teams to connect in ways that feel authentic, joyful, and lasting. Embracing Corporate Team Bonding Ideas for Lasting Connections Our approach blends nature, wellness, and creativity through: Creative workshops – opportunities to explore new ideas together in hands-on, imaginative ways. Guided games facilitation – fun activities that spark la

There’s a moment in life when your body whispers, slow down. Sometimes we ignore it, pushing through deadlines, noise, and responsibilities. But eventually, the whispers become a shout—stress shows itself in sleepless nights, tense shoulders, and a mind that never seems to rest. That’s when the journey of rediscovering relaxation begins. It’s not about checking out of life, but rather checking back in—with yourself. Exploring Wellness and Stress Relief Wellness is more than y

The world of wellness is evolving. Many people are seeking alternatives to traditional healthcare, leading to the rise of holistic approaches. Holistic wellness focuses on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. By nurturing each aspect of ourselves, we can create a balanced and fulfilling life. What is Holistic Wellness? Holistic wellness considers every facet of our being. This approach emphasizes that all elements of life affect our well-being. Instead of jus

In our fast-paced, stress-filled lives, self-care can often take a back seat. We tend to prioritize work, family obligations, and other responsibilities over our own well-being. However, attending a wellness retreat can be a transformative experience that emphasizes the importance of self-care. These retreats offer a dedicated space where you can recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate. In this blog post, we’ll explore the multiple benefits of prioritizing self-care at wellness re

You’ve been holding a lot. Maybe too much. But you keep pushing because you have to—right? This is your space to pause. To breathe. To check in with yourself. The truth is: Stress doesn’t just go away. It stacks. If you don’t slow down and listen to what it’s trying to say, it starts making choices for you—your mood, your body, your relationships. Stress Reflection: Let’s Get Honest Take a moment to reflect. Answer these questions honestly. Write it down if it helps. Don’t ov

Your retreat space doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Simple changes in your environment can help you reconnect with nature and find moments of peace throughout the day. 1. Incorporate Plant Life Indoor plants improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Try low-maintenance options like pothos, snake plants, or lavender for a soothing effect. 2. Use Natural Aromatherapy Instead of synthetic candles or incense, use naturally derived essential oils, fresh herbs,

When the cold comes through and we’re all bundled up inside, I say, “Let’s make the most of it!” Winter is a time to slow down, connect, and pass on those life skills that keep the family strong. For us, it’s all about balance—creating structure without stress and making memories that warm the soul. Let me share how we’re turning this season into a celebration of faith, creativity, and community. Cooking with Love: A 10-Day Kid-Friendly Menu Cooking isn’t just about food; i

As summer winds down and we transition back into our regular routines, it’s easy to let certain things slip through the cracks. After all, summer often brings a schedule of its own—packed with activities, travel, and perhaps even a bit of chaos. But as you shift gears, there's one thing you can't afford to neglect: yourself. The return to routine can be overwhelming. Between adjusting to new schedules, managing back-to-school plans, and tackling all those responsibilities tha

Let me share a bit of my journey with you. As I pursue my dreams, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. I have a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose driving me forward. But as soon as things start to fall into place, challenges begin to appear, seemingly out of nowhere. At first, I feel discouraged. Why does it seem like every step forward is met with an obstacle? It took some time, but I have began to reframe what we consider "obstacles". Obstacles are trials,

Hey there, fellow seeker of growth! I've been paying attention to spring and it has taught me a thing or two about finding beauty in discomfort. Think of it like this: those tiny seeds buried in the cold dirt—they don’t exactly have the coziest spot, right? But guess what? They push through that discomfort, rising up and blooming into something breathtaking. Just like those resilient seeds, we also have to push through our own versions of dirt and discomfort to grow . It's no

December is a rough month for many of us. Grieving the loss of loved ones, increasing demands at work, and buying people Gifts . Now I know someone reading this is a gift giver, but for anyone whose love language is not gifts, December can feel like a complete drain. People sharing their list can quickly feel like demands that we have to meet. We have to exchange hard earned money to fill the “happy pots” of others, while reflecting on how we struggled throughout the year. Ca

As the days become shorter and the weather gets colder, do you find that you are more likely to feel sad or out of sorts? You’re not alone. Many experience this change in mood in the fall . Consider the following, though, before throwing in the towel and resigning yourself to a few months of misery. The very world outside your window is full of beautiful nature and holds a powerful antidote you can’t find anywhere else. GO OUTSIDE During a significant change in weather, peopl

When we embarked on building a cabin, it was simply an idea that would eventually come to fruition. Sometimes naivety is the BEST thing, because if I had known everything it took I would have probably decided against it. One time I was helping the company I worked for at the time, launch a new program. I personally was responsible for all the operations and building it from the ground up, which was super stressful. THING IS, my boss wasn't stressed at all. He was super laid b

My husband and I did not grow up in the country. We both lived in the suburbs pretty much our whole lives. We actually used to drive on the highway looking at the homes in the fields and say, "I would never live like that!" Never Say Never! What we were actually looking for was a Retreat Center . This is our cabin in the works! It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, living room, fireplace, loft area, and lake view (Urbana, IL). I didn't immediately see a cabin when I firs

Did you ever think you would see Black folk in Urbana living on a farm? We didn’t either and we definitely didn’t plan on it being us. You should see the facial expressions of people when they see us. They ask, “Do you live here?” “Are you the owners?” “That’s not your lake is it?” To be honest, I understand why everyone is surprised. Black folk up North were intentional in distancing ourselves from “country living”. Not too long ago, my Great Grandmother (who is still living