Clarity call: Found the session v positive and calming
So lovely to speak! Was looking forward to it all week and it didn’t disappoint. Found the session v positive and calming – as someone who lives alone it was great to voice my concerns and fears and get some… non-judgemental/impartial support and direction. Definitely feel as though the knot of fear in my stomach has largely dissipated – and really taken on board you point about reframing things and using this time wisely. Read more “Clarity call: Found the session v positive and calming”
Champneys: Puja gives you time to step away from the outside world, delve deep into what you really want
Before I came on the retreat I can only but describe myself as a very lost soul, I did not know where to go with my current life, what the ?right’ thing to do for me was, I got overwhelmed… very quickly by the littlest of things sometimes preventing me from doing anything at all and I generally felt like I did not know who I was anymore. I had been through quite a bit of life trauma over the last two years and despite having counselling that helped me deal with my problems, I was struggling to get my life back on track in order to move on in a positive way. I had been booked on the retreat by my family as a birthday present and it was the best present they could have given me – I feel like I have the tools to get my life back on the right path and I now see that anything is now possible. Puja has a positive but frank/realistic approach to coaching, she guides you through innovative ways and makes you look at things holistically. Focusing on the present rather than looking into the past or even into the far future was incredibly prevalent with me and stuck with me beyond the retreat. I write my affirmations every morning and evening which help me appreciate the little things in life and take away from any little niggly things that I would have focused on before (e.g. getting rained on or wearing the wrong shoes.) Since the retreat I have made some big life decisions and chosen a path – I finally do not feel as lost. I have got myself into a more structured routine, I am much more mindful including limiting my social media intake. I am fully focusing on myself, researching old and new hobbies I want to pick up and putting them into a routine. I generally wasn’t sure if the retreat would be able to help me as my problems were overwhelming me and I was losing myself daily! Everyone on the retreat was incredibly supportive and that helped greatly on the retreat and after to feel like we were all in a confidential safe place. I feel like Puja carefully put us together based on how we could help/guide each other and that in itself says so much about the retreat itself. Puja just has an incredible way of giving you the self confidence, tools and belief that anything is possible, I cannot thank Puja enough. The retreat was at a spa, also a beautiful location, it was more than life coaching you were getting time to be mindful, yoga and fitness. People buy into people and that cannot sum up more why my whole family thought it was the right retreat for me. They just knew I would get on with you and be able to open up. I have already mentioned this retreat to many of my friends, most of them are in London and get wrapped up in the lifestyle. Puja gives you time to step away from the outside world, delve deep into what you really want, be mindful, is patient and logical. Read more “Champneys: Puja gives you time to step away from the outside world, delve deep into what you really want”
Champneys: Life was busy and stressful with no clear direction
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your time and energy in organising the retreat. Before the retreat, life was busy and stressful with no clear direction about how to meet my goals. I was on… the search for more fulfilling work and better understanding of how to deal with negative people in my personal life. Puja’s calming energy and ability to bring all the ladies together by creating a safe space where vulnerability and healing could occur was one of the best things about the retreat. I was amazed at the speed at which we were all able to transform our ways of thinking. We began by believing there was no hope and ended with a plan! Since attending the retreat I have a clearer vision of my goals, a like-minded tribe of women and renewed hope that the future can be what I hope for it to be. Thank you for your time and effort in putting on this retreat. It was a gorgeous location and included great additional activities like meditation walks which helped to show us how to bring mindfulness in our daily lives. Read more “Champneys: Life was busy and stressful with no clear direction”
Champneys: More mindful, back on course!
Since working with Puja, I had the opportunity to take a step back from things and have a brief pause. Life was getting monotonous but I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. I felt stuck. I… was reminded of things that bring me joy and Puja’s tools were a great addition to helping me get unstuck.
One of the best things for me from working with Puja was that I was able to pause and reflect on my life. The retreat also allowed me to make new friends and got me re-focussed on my goals. I’m now more mindful and feel like I’m back on course. I love writing but I’m going to do it more by hand rather than on my phone so that I can really enjoy it. Read more “Champneys: More mindful, back on course!”
Clarity call: I was left feeling optimistic and positive
First discovering Puja’s complimentary service on an article about losing your job due to Covid-19 I signed up, after the call I was left feeling optimistic and positive. Puja’s calming tone and charm made me feel settled and at ease,… considering I was talking to a stranger. She helped me see sight on a plan that I thought was out of reach and made me feel confident in this. I feel more assured and am now fully investing in my Bali plan! Thanks Puja for your helping hand at a time when I was only seeing negatives! Read more “Clarity call: I was left feeling optimistic and positive”
Champneys: Finding clarity and defining my purpose
I had become overwhelmed by stress and exhaustion due to the high expectations I had set for myself and I was becoming physically unwell in response to the pressure. I had also internalised my paranoia of biased perceptions of me… and how this would impact my prospects.
I knew I needed time away from my busy life, to reflect on and re-evaluate what I was actually trying to achieve. Facing the realities of living by self-comparison and unrealistic targets was tough but necessary. The frank but warm approach to coaching is tailored to the individual, using both practical and holistic methods. The best parts
Realising that the perceptions of me were different to what I had internalised.
Being away from my problems and in stunning surroundings with pleasant company. I now prioritise my wellbeing and I try to live in the present instead of the future. I was constantly on a mission but I now follow a more minimalist approach to daily life. Read more “Champneys: Finding clarity and defining my purpose”
More focused and Confident
The first time I met Puja, before signing up to her coaching, she immediately made me feel at ease. She was able to spot the confidence within me and help bring it to the surface, helping me open up to… the wider group we were with at the time.
Since my coaching with Puja has started, I feel more focused and confident. I was at a very low point due to the end of a life-changing relationship, and she helped me to focus and calm my thoughts through a variety of techniques that I will continue to use in my life going forwards. This was supported by her undeniable ability to find the root of what I’m saying/feeling and present it back to me, for us to work through together. Its not always been easy, but at all times I’ve felt fully supported, and I would highly recommend Puja’s services to anyone looking for help. Read more “More focused and Confident”
The chance to just be me, be true and honest
My best friend told me a few weeks before the retreat that I needed help to sort out some stuff in my life. Although she thought what I was doing was admirable I couldn’t keep trying to do it on… my own. I was booked to go for a boozy weekend in Ibiza but BA’s strike messed that up so I took it as an opportunity to go away by myself. I started googling but didn’t know what I was looking for. I found lots of juice and detox retreats but they weren’t my thing. I found Puja through searching for life coaching retreats and as soon as I read her website I was like “that’s me!” The combination of exercise and coaching was exactly what I needed. I didn’t tell anyone that I’d booked on until I arrived at Gatwick because I didn’t want anyone to influence my decision to do this. It was the first time in a very long time that I was doing something just for me. I had never been on a retreat or experienced coaching ever before so I didn’t have any pre-conceptions. I was immediately struck by how friendly everyone was and you could just tell that everyone wanted to be there, get the most out of it and also support me to get the most out of it too. The group seemed very diverse in terms of age & background and at first I wondered how or if I would be able to share my innermost thoughts with these strangers. The group coaching was the thing I was most worried about as I’m not very good at talking about my feelings with the people closest to me let alone people I’d just met. Puja had a way of putting me at ease – I felt safe, un-judged and supported. The coaching sessions were challenging (some more than others) but actually being in a group was so much more rewarding than being on my own as I realised everyone else had their own s*** going on and it was easier to be open when everyone else was to. I am so glad that events out of my control took me from a weekend of booze in Ibiza to a week of discovery, relaxation, friendship, self-discovery and laughter with Puja and the rest of the amazing group. Thank you for being there at a time when I needed you more than I realised. Your wisdom, challenge, love and encouragement to be a better person will stay with me always. Keep doing what you are doing because you are fab at it! Read more “The chance to just be me, be true and honest”
I can’t wait to do it all again!
Being on the retreat had affected me in more ways that I expected. As a pilates teacher its given me confidence in myself and my ability, its made me want to develop and learn more and its brought me closer… to finding my purpose.
On a personal level its made me realise that his is just the start of a much longer journey to helping myself mend, adapt and grow. I’ve realised some of the things missing from my life or that I need to tap into more so I can get to where I need to be – eg my spiritual side, detoxing my life, more calm/quiet, more time for me. I’ve also realised that it’s ok to be vulnerable and open and that’s part of the journey and allows me to be free and feel supported. The retreat has also surprised me – its made me cry with sadness, empathy and laughter! Its made me hear things about myself that I’d forgotten, its given me a new community of friends connecting on a deeper, more meaningful level than most, its made me not want to leave but also ready to leave at the same time. Its given me thoughts and feelings I’ll never forget. Its made me feel a bit more me again. Its reminded me how beautiful people and nature can be. I can’t wait to do it all again! Beautiful Puja! You are such a wonderful human. Thank you for organising this, for believing in me, for being there for me when I needed it, for being a friend, for your positive energy, for your wisdom, for connecting me with these amazing people, this stunning location and myself. Lastly, thanks for just being! I’m looking forward to my journey ahead and mostly the next retreat! Read more “I can’t wait to do it all again!”
Clarity call: Helped me to lay some foundations down
Thank you so much for the call, you have helped me to lay some foundations down. It was a pleasure to speak to Puja, as someone who feels a bit awkward talking about myself, Puja made me really comfortable that… I can be my true self. She guided me through ways to help my past. She is very patient and dedicated to her work. Not only is she helpful but she is also an inspiration to work to. Thank you again and hopefully I come along to India! Read more “Clarity call: Helped me to lay some foundations down”
Champneys: My size doesn’t define me!
The idea of carving some time for myself without feeling any guilt was very appealing – as was taking some time to actually think and ponder about issues I was facing. I have known Puja for a number of years… and I really appreciate her ?no nonsense’ approach.
The biggest achievement for me was Clarity – reprioritised things. I’m not alone – we all have our own stuff. It’s ok to cry. Know that I can cry, it is ok. I can’t do everything at once. Baby steps.
I left my first retreat feeling very relaxed and also very motivated. Loved meeting the girls and the sharing environment. Great to open up. I liked the small group and how we all gelled. Look forward to the ?international’ retreats in sunnier locations. Read more “Champneys: My size doesn’t define me!”
Champneys: The power of me time
Attending Puja’s retreat gave me time to focus on myself, something that I find hard to do when there are so many aspects of care that I need to give on a day to day basis. Since becoming a parent… 7 years ago I lost my sense of who I am and what my needs are. PUJA helped me to see that self care is at the essence of wellbeing. Puja has a relaxed no nonsense style and she really tries to get to the core of who you are and how she can help. Since attending the retreat I have made time for myself each morning before the rest of the house rises and I also think more mindfully about how I eat and have been trying out different recipes. The retreat gave me focus, time and space to be me. Thank you Puja x Read more “Champneys: The power of me time”
Champneys: Overcoming some challenging fears and anxieties.
My life before the retreat felt like I was surrounded by thick fog, I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty and knew I needed some time out for myself. I wanted to work predominantly on my anxiety at the retreat,… life had almost felt too much and I took all of that with me to work through. I also hoped to untangle some of the thoughts in my mind and gain support from like-minded people. I felt listened to and understood by Puja, I felt like someone was interested in my story. I felt encouraged to make changes that would have a positive impact on my life. The retreat exceeded my expectations as I learnt more about myself than I thought I would, simply by having alone time and overcoming some challenging fears and anxieties. I have been able to achieve a more healthier mind set, I now understand the importance of taking time out for yourself every once in a while. I always regularly “check in” with myself when faced with difficult situations. I would recommend the retreat if you need to take some time out from life, gain some understanding and clear your mind from the anxieties life brings. I would recommend Puja’s 1:1 services because of her authenticity and honest approach to both herself and clients. Puja is a caring, kind and compassionate coach with a great sense of humour and her services are truly life changing. Read more “Champneys: Overcoming some challenging fears and anxieties.”
Clarity call: Felt a sense of calm
Thank you for your time yesterday. It was so great to chat to you and I really felt a sense of calm afterward, so thank you for that.
Clarity call: I felt instantly at ease with you
Thank you so much for taking time out to call me free of charge. It was extremely generous and I was so grateful for your time and your advice. The call was just what I needed. I felt instantly at… ease with you despite knowing I was going to be talking about uncomfortable topics. The combination of practical to-do-now processes and thought provoking well-being tactics left me feeling like I was taking so much away from a 30 minute chat. Again, thank you so much! I have completed my UC application and have used the walking techniques twice already! Read more “Clarity call: I felt instantly at ease with you”
It was a great chapter in my life!
Many things have happened during the retreat in Spain. I didn’t have any expectation except working on my goal to change from a negative mindset to positive. Each day was different and somehow the process was going into a good… direction. At the beginning, I was feeling a bit resistant to exercises and teacher but it has been changing whilst doing the exercise or practice. As the days were going on I was feeling that I am in a good place, I loved how the teachers approached the group. I started to feel the shift inside me from the second day when I was told by the yoga teacher, Elisa that she feels strength with me. I felt inside me that some blockage was removed. As the days were passing on the more magic started to happen. I was happy that nobody negatively judged me that I didn’t come once for a meditation and yoga practice. It was like a balsam for my soul. i noticed that my thoughts started to be more positive each day. I loved the food we were eating, it was very well balanced and nutritious and there was always a second portion for me. The group of people was amazing. Each person brought a unique personality. It was like a perfect palette of colours. And during these few days we created some fantastic and positive moments. I’m very thankful and grateful for meeting these people. I think blessed that I met also the amazing teachers what I have already mentioned earlier. If I could sum up, I would say: Puja – the great communicator and facilitator, Elisa – the queen and wizard of yoga and body, Kate – a gentle touch and spark. Of course that I also experienced some doubt and down moments. But in fact the biggest doubt moment was the first evening after dinner but then the feeling disappeared. I feel happy that I listened to my hear and I chose the retreat over a wedding in Greece. It’s good to listen to your heart. It was a great chapter, let’s see what happens next. Dear Puja, Thank you very much for organising this retreat. It was really magic time that I spent with you and the rest of the people. I admire your work, your organisational, listening, communication skills. I’m super happy that I met you and that I participated in your retreat. I would be happy to participate in your next retreat. Read more “It was a great chapter in my life!”
A most valuable journey
I now have a view of how I come across and some really positive attributes which really gives me more self-belief. This is something I really needed and will help me start to nurture myself. Nurturing and finding spirituality –… these are both things I have found out are and always have been missing and these I need before I can achieve my goals and finding my true self. The care and love and acceptance I felt in the group have been mind-blowing for me. I am just amazed the difference each one of the group has made to me, and how the group dynamic has centred me and brought me so much joy and learning. I have started to learn how to be myself and know I am enough. It has been exactly what I needed so that I can continue what I am already starting but crucially to take it many steps further. I have been challenged, been enlightened, encourages, laughed, cried and embraced my vulnerabilities. I have seen and loved everyone at the retreat – even myself for once! To explain the beauty of the process that I have lived since being on the retreat in this testimonial leaves me short of words but it has been the most valuable journey of my many & ongoing journeys and how I will continue.
Puja is a very beautiful person bringing all her love and beauty to us. I am so grateful for these very special days. Read more “A most valuable journey”
A personable, dedicated and motivated coach
“Working with Puja has been fantastic. She is a personable, dedicated and motivated coach, who truly understands the modern working landscape and changes that need to be made for employees to make the most of their potential. Puja coached 10… of our employees at our company Me:Mo – a digital restaurant agency, each with very different personalities and challenges, and all members of the team left feeling both inspired and motivated.” Read more “A personable, dedicated and motivated coach”
Clarity call: covered a lot of ground, and I felt very energised.
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to me earlier. It was really helpful to engage in a positive and productive discussion around all of the things that have been whirring around inside my head! I’ll make… sure to take a look at the resources that you’ve linked to there in the coming days. In terms of feedback, I can only say positive things! I quickly felt comfortable speaking to you, and the call felt like a good balance between exploring what’s been going on for me as well as providing some direction and practical advice. I was initially wondering what could be achieved in half an hour, but finished the phone call feeling like we’d actually covered a lot of ground, and I felt very energised. Read more “Clarity call: covered a lot of ground, and I felt very energised.”
Clarity call: Feeling positive and inspired even though times are challenging.
I signed up as I found your voice trustworthy and calming and the right balance of assertive and grounded with kind and compassionate. Kind of yin in balance with yang energy and that made me feel comfortable opening up to… tell you about my situation. That said I’m off to implement some of the things we discussed and feel grounded and connected to have you as a positive anchor through this time to move forwards. Your support was practical and left me feeling positive and inspired even though times are challenging. Read more “Clarity call: Feeling positive and inspired even though times are challenging.”
Delighted to meet and get insight
Thank you very much for your ideas and your inputs, I really do appreciate it . I like to meet shiny, honest and special people, who are rare enough. Whilst on holiday, I met with the owner of the hotel… we were staying in and we got to talking about the improvements the hotel could be making specifically focussing on service standards. This turned into a 2 hour consultation where I was able to provide the owner with easy to implement actions the whole team would be on board with. Since working with Andrea, service standards have improved which is evident by their Tripadvisor reviews. Read more “Delighted to meet and get insight”
Clarity call: Our chat yesterday had quite an impact on me
On the feedback front, our chat yesterday had quite an impact on me. I felt it was extremely helpful in making me stop and think about normalised patterns of behaviour and my own reluctance to dig deeper and challenge or… change them. Quite a scary thing obviously so it was great to be given some takeaways and be given a framework within which to explore. Read more “Clarity call: Our chat yesterday had quite an impact on me”
A whole day just for us and our self-care!
“Thank YOU for coming in and taking a day out of your schedule – the team really enjoyed it and it was a very useful exercise and nice for everyone to try something new and take a step back.” I… spent a day with Clarissa and her company of travel marketers working on stress management and motivation. We covered a number of topics in this one day intensive programme and have since created a wellbeing programme that includes workshops and activities the team loves to be involved with. Read more “A whole day just for us and our self-care!”
Champneys: I don’t feel guilty anymore!
What I liked most about working with Puja and the retreat is her gentle but firm guidance, learning from the group, balancing group work with shared activities, meals plus alone time. I realised that time to myself is not a… luxury, it’s a necessity for my mental health. That I need to be authentic to who I am or who I am is not bad/wrong. That it’s ok for the house not to be ?just so’.
Since attending, I’ve been thinking about me first. If I nurture myself, I can care for other people – I will have more love to give. That it’s ok to let things go/feel pain/be challenged. My biggest learning is that I don’t need to be scared. I’ve got this. Look after myself, don’t feel guilty/stop criticising myself, be kind to me, be joyful. Read more “Champneys: I don’t feel guilty anymore!”
Breathing space, a peaceful mind and strength
My experience of this retreat is one I will treasure for the rest of my life. I have felt more confidence in myself and my choices since being here and truly trusting myself throughout. I have made connections with incredible… people individually and felt safe and secure with all members of the group. Learning about my own qualities as shared by the group has warmed my heart and made me feel loved and appreciated for being my true self. The retreat has allowed me to start loving myself, to see and hear what others see in me. I have eaten new foods that 1 year ago would have made me feel so anxious and I have done this because of the support from Puja and the group and also having confidence and trust in myself. I have belief in myself that I CAN feel better, I have the ability to make changes in my life which has been evident which I have already achieved in the last 6 months alone. The retreat has given me breathing space, a peaceful mind and strength I never knew I had. This has been the space I really needed at a point in life where my career had really mentally and physically drained me. I have benefitted from having detached from that intensity. I feel like I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone both physically and emotionally, taking back the yoga and pilates practice and introducing this into my daily life and meditation! To Puja and the whole group, you are all just incredible individuals and have all individually taught me something and supported me so much. I am so grateful for the smiles, laughter and your openness/vulnerability within the group. I will treasure this experience with you all and couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend a week with. Read more “Breathing space, a peaceful mind and strength”
Champneys: Do it slowly but do it for yourself.
Since working with Puja, I now have a 360 life view to see how my perceptions and reality differ. Being on the retreat, I was able to have a detox from responsibilities, demands on my time and things. I also… loved meeting the group and forming a close bond – makes me feel like I can do so and be comfortable meeting new people.
I was new to the coaching process and realised my aspirations/goals are not going to be possible unless I address the underlying issues. I reassessed the drivers of unhappiness and negativity and vowed to improve them. I also had a lightbulb moment of seeing my own rumination and self-doubt and challenged it.
Since meeting Puja, I’m now challenging my negative assumptions and thought patterns. I’ve realigned my primary goal and I’m thinking more holistically about my mental and physical health partnership. I’ve learned also that if I do it slowly and do it for myself and for nobody else I can be happy. Read more “Champneys: Do it slowly but do it for yourself.”
Knows what she’s doing and really cares
“We’ve worked with Puja a few times. Most recently with a change in structure that required buy-in from all employees. She helped us make the transition and support our teams with some great tools!” I met Adrian whilst servicing my car, we… got to talking and he shared that he was struggling to get his team to adapt to the new changes the business was implementing. I suggested coming in to do a couple of interactive workshops to help dispel fears and improve the team’s adaptability. It went so well, that he asked me back in for a 6 month programme which included a modest wellbeing programme. Read more “Knows what she’s doing and really cares”
Clarity call: I learned so much from our call
Thank you so much. I learned so much from our call – I wrote a piece shortly after and felt a lot more liberated in speaking to my audience, and not having to second-guess everything because of my own self-doubts.… I’m looking forward to seeing how it influences the future. Read more “Clarity call: I learned so much from our call”
Clarity call: Offering a fresh perspective
Puja’s skill in reframing situations and offering a fresh perspective has come at a much-needed time. I am truly grateful for her practical support, and highly recommend her services.
Clarity call: I only have positive feedback
It was a pleasure to speak with you. Thank you so much for your time and for sending over the outlines of our conversation. Thank you kindly for these resources, they’re very much appreciated. Absolutely! I only have positive feedback.… I really enjoyed our chat! Read more “Clarity call: I only have positive feedback”
Lifting the clouds
Things were cloudy and out of focus – confusion is the best way to describe my mindset before attending Puja’s retreat. I needed to tap back into my confidence, self belief, creativity as well as release blocks without feeling under… pressure. The 6 day retreat was fluid, Puja’s approach was so adaptable to all participants, I felt comfortable to explore every session in my way and still felt challenged and enlightened. I had no idea that I would I feel so driven after the retreat – I was proud of myself being open to the sessions, trusting the process and meeting incredible people, who are now friends and a new support system. I’ve unlocked a creative side of me that I was tentative to explore and able to focus on my goals with new daily practices to implement into normal life, it’s got me back on track and I loved the journey! The yoga sessions were insightful in so many ways, physically & spiritually as well as powerful Pilates classes, making me feel strong. Puja’s capacity to envelope everyone’s journey with such care and attention was really impressive – it’ll be the best decision you make, starting a journey with Puja. Read more “Lifting the clouds”