Minoma Festival 2024: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Connection

Trip to Morocco (Marrakesh, Agafy & Taghazout)

Introduction

When Ani first shared the idea of attending a mindful retreat in Africa, I was immediately intrigued. The thought of exploring Morocco’s Agafy desert while diving deep into self-reflection and connection felt like an adventure I couldn’t pass up. Months later, as the festival date approached, excitement mixed with nervousness. It would be my first time in Africa, and my mind raced with all the reasons why I shouldn’t go—work, projects, my dog.

But I reminded myself of my intention: to take time for myself, connect with my purpose, and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And now, looking back, the Minoma Festival turned out to be so much more than I ever expected.

Thankful that Ani accepted the last minute crazy idea after the festival to drive 3 hours to the ocean 🌊🥰

Listening to My Needs

At the festival, I arrived feeling drained, both physically and emotionally, partly due to the timing within my female cycle. Initially, I felt pressure to attend every session and connect with everyone, but I realized that wasn’t what I needed.

By honoring my intention—to connect with myself—I allowed space to rest, reflect, and engage selectively. This taught me that it’s okay to prioritize quality over quantity, even in social or learning environments.

Takeaway: It’s okay to explore selectively and trust that your energy will guide you to the right experiences.

Beautiful location to recharge and connect

Discovering Human Design

Human Design was a completely new concept for me, yet it resonated deeply. I’ve always loved understanding myself and others through tools like MBTI or Color Typing, but this approach added another layer of self-awareness.

Kat helped me see that as my type, it’s okay to rest and wait for invitations rather than overextending myself. This insight shifted my perspective during the festival, allowing me to step away when needed without guilt.

Uli reminded me to embrace my unique blend of talents—innovation, storytelling, and positivity—and share them more freely with the world.

Takeaway: Understanding yourself on a deeper level can help you align your energy and intentions with your purpose.

The Power of Alignment

One workshop, led by Nina, focused on the contrast between alignment and disalignment. I realized how often I’ve focused on others’ needs at the expense of my own. Visualizing alignment was initially challenging, but the exercise helped me recognize moments when I felt truly in sync with myself.

After the festival, I followed this sense of alignment to the ocean—a place of peace and recharge for me. Spending two nights by the water was an unplanned but deeply fulfilling extension of the festival.

Takeaway: Reflect on what alignment feels like for you and make time for experiences that nurture it.

Reframing Self-Image

Joey’s workshop on self-image was another highlight. Instead of snapping endless selfies to look good for others, he encouraged us to tune into ourselves, set an intention, and take just one authentic photo. Before we see our picture we selected a photo from the table which connects to our intention.

One of my favorite pictures during the trip was taken at the ocean, capturing a moment of calm and connection with myself. It reminds me to embrace authenticity over perfection.

Takeaway: Next time you take a selfie, pause, set an intention, and trust the process—you might surprise yourself.

My chosen picture to my intention of the self-me challenge

Conclusion

The Minoma Festival was so much more than an event; it was an opportunity to connect to myself, gain clarity, and draw inspiration from an incredible community of changemakers. ✨

Key Takeaways:

Prioritize yourself and your energy to be sustainably present for others.
Embrace who you are and trust your unique journey.
Seek alignment and celebrate moments of rest and reflection.

Thank you, Maris and the whole Minoma team, for creating such a transformative experience, and to all the inspiring people I met along the way.

This picture is the first one which I took with intention when I was finally at the ocean barefoot (my peace and recharge place)! All pictures after that one might be more "perfect" but as I learned from Joey it is about who we are for ourselves!

Call to Action

When was the last time you felt truly aligned with yourself? What steps can you take to reconnect with your purpose? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—or let’s chat in a free session to help you close out 2024 with intention and clarity!