We are saturated with over-stimulation in our daily routines. From the buzz of a smartphone, to the ping of an email inbox, to the alert of a meeting reminder, our lives hum with the noisy undercurrent of activities or distractions.  

This constant, frenetic energy can take a serious toll on both our mental and physical wellness—but that’s where Objects of Magic comes in. A trip to this holistic farm and retreat center, nestled among the bucolic landscape of Myakka, will invite you to reconnect with nature and reclaim a sense of rootedness within yourself.  

In this month’s edition of The Community Spotlight, I am thrilled to welcome in Gaëlle Wizenberg, owner of the Objects of Magic Farm & Retreat. I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation as she unpacks all the healing benefits this unique destination has to offer.  

Natural Awakenings: Can you describe the Objects of Magic Farm & Retreat? What ambiance will visitors find there, and what inspired you to choose the location of Myakka?    

Gaëlle Wizenberg: The drive out to Myakka is a meditative experience. The nature here is soothing, and our Farm stands out from the main road. The main house was built from Pecky Cypress wood in 1941 by the Manatee Sheriff. It is a simple structure with a long screen porch that rests on eight acres of lush forest and oak trees.  

On these grounds, we cultivated a flower and vegetable garden, and we’ve also been restoring the house to its historic glory. Between the tranquil scenery and the welcoming atmosphere, our retreat center is a place to form community and share life. 

When I first began to offer mini-retreats in Sarasota, it became clear that many attendees were craving a peaceful sanctuary to immerse themselves in nature. When we escape the noises or distractions of our daily routines, our inner vibration changes. I set off on a mission to facilitate this type of environment, and Myakka presented itself to me.  

NA: What retreats do you plan to host at the Farm & Retreat over the spring and summer months? Can you set the scene and summarize what these retreats have to offer?    

Wizenberg: I will be in El Salvador this month, as I am currently in the process of creating a retreat center and cacao farm in this beautiful country, which will be an extension of the retreats we offer here in Florida. But once I return, Objects of Magic has many exciting and inspirational events to look forward to, starting with our New Moon Retreat on May 5. 

This special event will focus on Ayurvedic wellness, led by Dr. Chari, a practitioner of this ancient wisdom. Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that will nurture balance, promote vitality, increase longevity, and transform your well-being. Ayurveda can be tailored to our own unique mind-body constitution, and Dr. Chari will teach you how to embark on this practice with actionable insights and self-care rituals.   

Unlock the secrets of Ayurvedic nutrition to cook meals that elevate your dosha (internal energetic patterns) to enhance digestion. Then, explore the connection between Indian Classical Dance and Ayurveda to learn how movement, rhythm, and expression are intricately linked to wellness. Finally, dive into the therapeutic benefits of mudras (hand gestures in yoga and Ayurveda) to balance energies, relieve ailments, and promote holistic health.  

NA: Where does your passion to cultivate an inspirational atmosphere immersed in natural beauty stem from? How can venturing outside the normal routines of life and communing with nature create a deeper sense of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness?   

Wizenberg: I was fortunate to grow up on a sailboat and live in the Caribbean islands until I was 17. I slept outside in a hammock under the moon and stars with no neighbors, computers, or highway noises around me. Because of that experience, nature has always been a calming presence in my life. I feel this whenever I head out to Myakka.   

Having explored the entire globe, I find the pace of large urban areas to be mentally exhausting, but when I step out of all that chaos and enter a peaceful low-emission zone, my whole being starts to relax. We can either heal or burden our energetic frequencies, so it’s important to recharge and center ourselves in the harmony of nature.   

NA: How do you hope to grow the Magic Farm & Retreat in 2024—and well into the future? Are there any new, exciting plans in the works that you can share with us?   

Wizenberg: Our farm is a private retreat that we open to the community for special events.  Spending time here is a memorable, restorative experience. We are currently refurbishing a few cabins onsite to allow for a quiet and healing escape. We also plan to offer small events for local healers to gather, as well as intimate weddings or other events. 

The expansion to El Salvador will enable us to curate even more unique, diverse experiences in the future, such as cacao ceremonies, for instance. Wellness is about simplicity —returning to the basics of what truly matters in life. We look forward to facilitating all kinds of simple but meaningful events, both here in Florida and in El Salvador too!  

Objects of Magic Farm & Retreat is located at  4900 Coker Gully Road, Myakka City. For more information about all the upcoming events at this retreat center, visit https://www.objectsofmagic.com/