Finding gratitude in the moments we pause
From Dalbir’s Desk
As I sat writing this week's Substack, I found myself reflecting deeply on the retreat and the powerful shift that happened—not just for our attendees, but for me as well.
It became abundantly clear that in our busy, often overwhelming lives, there’s a deep and almost universal need for time to pause, reflect, and simply be. In this fast-paced world, we’re constantly told to do more, be more, and achieve more. But what about the moments where we stop to celebrate who we are and all that we’ve accomplished—no matter how big or small?
The most moving moments of the retreat were when attendees spoke about the relief they felt from being able to just be with themselves—without distractions, without deadlines, and without the pressure to meet someone else’s expectations. And I realised something in that moment: we are often far too hard on ourselves, focusing on what we haven’t done, rather than recognising the countless things we’ve already achieved.
In my Substack this week, I dive into a personal reflection on why self-gratitude—taking the time to truly appreciate ourselves—is so often overlooked. I explore the lessons I’ve learned, and how we can all begin practising more self-compassion in our everyday lives. Read my full reflection here: What the Santalan retreat taught me about self-gratitude.
Take a deep breath, pause, and give yourself credit for everything you've achieved. You truly deserve it.
Until next week,
Dalbir x
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This week at Santalan
Best of the retreat
This January at Wilderness Reserve, we welcomed an extraordinary group of women for a transformative retreat experience. Each day blended mindful movement, breakthrough coaching sessions, and moments of genuine connection that sparked new perspectives on career and life balance.
The days flowed from morning yoga to enlightening workshops. Chef Robbie crafted exceptional meals using local ingredients, while breaks were enriched with specialities from Left Field Kombucha and wines from Flint Vineyard.
Amy Cottrell's insightful session on gut health and brain connection resonated deeply with attendees, complementing our coaching sessions where women reconnected with their power and purpose. Every element was thoughtfully designed to support both professional growth and personal wellbeing.
Unveiling: The Santalan Supper Club
What an unforgettable launch night! In partnership with The Modernists Club, we hosted our first Santalan Supper Club at The Other House in London. Led by our founder, Dalbir Bains, the evening focused on '2025 Goal Setting', creating an intimate space where ambitious professionals came together to map out their vision for the year ahead.
The magic of the evening came alive through purposeful discussions and shared aspirations, all while enjoying exquisite food and meaningful connections. This marks the beginning of regular gatherings designed to empower and inspire our community. Each Supper Club will focus on different aspects of personal and professional growth, creating a unique blend of learning and networking in a relaxed setting. Here's to many more evenings of inspiration ahead!
Building personal brands at Babington House
What happens when you bring together ambitious women in the stunning setting of Babington House? Pure magic. This week, Santalan founder Dalbir Bains and our personal branding coach Becky Hall led an enlightening session that left everyone buzzing with inspiration. From mastering the challenges of personal branding in 2025 to discovering how to align your image with your values, the session was filled with expert tips on presenting yourself with impact and confidence. The energy in the room was electric!
Empowering Fashion Founders event
With 30 years in the fashion industry, Dalbir Bains knows firsthand how challenging it can be for women to launch and scale their businesses without the right support. That's why we brought together an incredible group of fashion founders, creating the space they need to raise their voices, secure investment, and build thriving businesses. The energy was electric as these women shared experiences and uplifted each other - exactly the kind of community we're passionate about building at Santalan.
Highlights that got our attention
Why 2025 is set to be the year of ‘The Great Detachment’
Discover how professionals are reimagining career transitions by exiting gracefully. Focusing on wellbeing while maintaining key connections, this trend is opening new doors in an ever-changing job market.
15 Gratitude journals to practice mindfulness this year
Explore how maintaining a gratitude journal can shift your mindset, reframe negative thoughts, and enhance overall wellbeing. This article highlights various journal options to help you find the perfect fit for your mindfulness practice.
Empower yourself with rest: The human right to recharge
In a society that equates success with constant hustle, rest is often seen as a luxury. This article argues that rest is a fundamental human need and a powerful act of defiance against systems that profit from our exhaustion.
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