Discover Charleston’s Wellness Sailing Experience: There’s nothing more calming than being out on the water—except, of course, when you add meditation to the mix.
Zero George has partnered with Charleston’s first wellness-centered sailing retreat, Soothe Sailing, to offer an unforgettable meditative escape on the harbor. This unique, 2.5-hour journey aboard Mental Heeling invites guests to drift away from the shore and daily stresses, embracing calm with guided breathwork, meditation exercises, and moments of quiet reflection amid Charleston’s scenic waterways. Complete with wholesome snacks and a thoughtfully curated gift bag, this serene retreat brings together the best of natural beauty and inner peace, creating a floating sanctuary designed for pure relaxation and renewal.
This meditation experience is guided by local wellness guru, Holly Hillman. We recently caught up with Holly to learn her background, passions, and beginner health tips.
- How did you get into breathwork and meditation? I was introduced to breathwork and meditation as a healing modality in 2018 when I completed a 12-week program with the Warrior Surf Foundation. I learned how powerful the breath can be to calm the mind and I have turned to meditation and various breathing techniques over the years since as ways to regain control of an anxious mind. I’d always had this idea that to meditate you had to have a quiet mind with no thoughts and I learned the importance of not eliminating your thoughts, but observing them. That became a game changer in helping me open up to the practice rather than casting it aside as “not for me”. I now believe that meditation is for everyone but that it might look different for each person. Not everyone will sit still in a quiet room for hours on end, perhaps instead they sit on a park bench for 10 minutes and focus on their breath and being present in that moment using their senses to stay grounded. It isn’t one size fits all!
- What sparked the idea of meditation on a sailboat? I find that being on a sailboat is incredibly meditative. Shutting off the motor and unplugging from technology is so beneficial to those of us that are constantly on the go and glued to our phones being in constant contact with the world we live in. By sitting in nature and using their senses to listen, feel, taste, and see the environment around them without any other external distractions, people are able to better connect to their breath and to accomplish a meditative state by being present in the moment. There is ton of science and research behind how being on, in, or near the water calms the mind and our nervous system. This state of mind is called the Blue Mind and the research done by Wallace J. Nichols inspired me to bring meditation and breathwork to the Charleston Harbor.
- What does this unique experience offer? Who is this experience ideal for? Soothe Sailing is the first of its kind and offers a unique sailing charter including guided breathwork, meditation, and silent reflection culminating in an opportunity for group discussion. Healthy snacks, tea and infused water provided. This experience is truly for anyone but most especially is for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life while deepening their connection with themselves.
- What’s your favorite quote or inspirational saying? It’s a classic and so commonly seen one but when I was young it was the first quote that really sunk in for me as inspiration on how I wanted to live my life: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” ~Ghandi
- Any tips or encouragement for those just starting on their wellness journey? Start small!! You don’t have to make major changes to make a difference in your well-being. Sometimes just starting with a 5-minute-a-day break from your phone to close your eyes and focus on your breath can be a great first step into meditation and focusing on a mindful shift. Don’t let having big ideas or plans get in your way. Instead of saying “I’m going to meditate for 20 minutes every day this week!” Make your goals more attainable and realistic so that you can give yourself a chance to ease into it. Try instead for “I’m going to meditate 3 times this week for 5-10 minutes at a time.” You’d be amazed at how much easier that is to accomplish and then you will feel good about reaching your goal and are more likely to continue!
