Switching Off – the Right Way

In spring, I spent three weeks in Korea. This trip was special – not just because I discovered fascinating places, but because I also rediscovered a part of myself. I was in awe, I laughed, I sweated, and I collected moments that continue to resonate deeply. I traveled with a group of like-minded people, all on the same wavelength – united by shared training, mutual respect, and a strong inner mindset.

And: I passed my 5th Dan Taekwondo exam while I was there – a milestone I’ll never forget. Not just because of the certificate or the achievement itself, but because of the inner clarity I felt. In my body. In my ability. In my story.

Back home, one thing became crystal clear:

This wasn’t just a regular vacation. It was a true time-out – one that deeply nourished me.

The True Meaning of “Vacanza”

The word vacation comes from the Latin vacuus, meaning empty. But empty for what? So that something new can enter. Sounds simple, but it’s not. Because not everything that looks new actually is new.

Maybe it’s because we often confuse vacation with distraction,  a way to escape our everyday lives instead of truly returning to ourselves.

This emptiness is actually open space which quietly asks:

👉 What do you want to allow to grow within you?
👉 What truly nourishes you, not just for a moment, but in a lasting way?

What We Often Confuse: New vs. Renewing

A new place, a new hotel, new experiences – sure, that’s nice. No doubt about it. But new doesn’t automatically mean renewing.

A place only truly renews you if you feel alive and connected there, with yourself, with life. If you want to return, not because you “didn’t see everything,” but because you were fully able to be there.

This is Why My Trip to Korea Was So Enriching

It wasn’t just the delicious food, the temples, the sights, or the varied outdoor training sessions that lit me up. It was the mix of depth, community and true presence.

I was fully there – body and mind. No scrolling, no pressure despite a full schedule. More like: “I’m curious what’s coming next.”

Breathing. Sensing. Being in awe.

What I Realized

Vacation doesn’t automatically mean recovery. And not every break is actually good for us.

A time-out only becomes truly restorative when it gives us the feeling of coming back home – to ourselves.

3 Things That Turn a Vacation into True Regeneration

1. Connection

Traveling alone can be healing. But being on the road with a group that shares your passion lifts your spirit, sparks meaningful conversations, and creates a sense of community and understanding.

✔ Tip: For your next trip, seek out people who uplift you and spark your energy with their positivity.

2. Physical Presence

I trained almost every day – without pressure – and my body felt more awake, not more tired.

✔ Tip: Make space for movement that strengthens you rather than stresses you. Whether it’s walking barefoot, stretching with Kimoodo (Korean Tai Chi), or simply going for a walk – the key is: feel yourself again.
In Budo (body-mind disciplines), the goal is to come home to yourself – in your posture, your breath, your gaze.
Even a vacation can become a training ground for that.

3. Lasting Impressions

Many people today are looking for the next thrill and the ultimate selfie moment on vacation. But what remains is often just an overflowing photo bank and the feeling of being ready for another vacation.

✔ Tip: Less dopamine, more serotonin. So less rushing around, more real moments. Depth instead of speed. Instead of quickly consumed and forgotten, something that lasts a long time. What you really retain is the quiet, lasting joy and memories.

💡Every day, look for a moment of stillness with depth, savour the view of an old building, a mountain, a bird, a quiet moment – something that amazes and touches you.

A good vacation is a form of self-care. Not “doing nothing,” but doing the right thing to rejuvenate yourself.

My trip to Korea gave me exactly that. And yes – the unforgettable moments, the 5th Dan, the sweating and laughter while eating kimchi are all part of it. But what remains is the feeling: I was completely there. In myself. In the moment. In life.

Vacation as a way to return to yourself

If you only step out for a short time but never truly connect with yourself, your life and your body, you will never feel truly rested.

So I wish you what I experienced:

A time out that is more than just a vacation, but a reconnection with what makes you strong, calm, and alive.

You can also experience this depth in our camps and group retreats. In these off-sites, we create spaces where body, mind, and presence come together, not for self-optimization, but for reconnection. With yourself. And with what truly sustains you.

Curious? 

If you want to experience for yourself what clarity, movement, and inner peace can feel like, then join us at one of our boot camps, off-sites, or group retreats.
You can come alone or even organise an event for your team.

Contact me for further details. And for a little taster, you can sign up for our Kimoodo sessions.