Beyond Luxury: Creating Space for Reflection at Menla

By Steve Schlafman in retreat on

Yesterday, I visited the location of our upcoming Downshift retreat: Menla Mountain House in Phoenicia, New York, nestled deep in a valley within the Catskill Mountains. Surrounded by lush forest and a gentle stream, it’s a place that feels intimately connected to the earth—quiet, natural, and grounding. For…

Returning to Simplicity

By Steve Schlafman in simplicity on

Last night, while we were lounging on the couch, my wife, Eliza, looked over at me after seeing on social media that I’d started a new blog and said, “Another project? A new website? Steve!” She’s not wrong. I already have Schlaf.co, which is my personal site.…