Claire Thomson-Jonville
Founder of Out of State silent retreats, Paris based Claire Thomson-Jonville helps creative people shut up, drop out and tune in
A Silent Retreat at Château de La Bourdaisière in France
@the_outofstate // Instagram
Tell us about Out of State.
I launched my peripatetic wellness retreat Out of State out of my passion for silent retreats and trying new wellness experiences. The goal was to link creativity to my passion for wellness and bring like minded people together. I wanted to bring the best part of my experiences to one place for the ultimate holistic and transformational experience.
People generally experience an emotional breakthrough and the silent aspect is an opportunity to connect with spirit, soul, and one’s own intuition which we don’t tend to listen to. Without talking, new connections are made and that can be enlightening. My last 5 day retreat held at the Château de la Bourdaisière in the Loire Valley brought together 22 people from 20 countries. We communicate essentials via Post IT notes.
What to pack.
An Astier de Villatte notebook is a good idea for journaling and an Anya Hindmarch zipper pouch and tote bag to carry your things around between activities. As a general rule, I bring logo-less things – a full black sports look by Nike which has great new seamless sports bras, and flattering leggings, a black Aimé Leon Dore hoodie, white tube socks, Birkenstocks, and sneakers. As the day progresses into early evening I like a cosy, chic vibe with knit joggers and Loro Piana cashmere.
The most rewarding part of what you do.
The fact that I’m able to make my dreams and visions a reality and that the people I admire come along for the ride. That process of creation with people I respect and admire is so rewarding.
Who inspires you.
The creative people around me, including the wellness experts with whom I collaborate on my retreats. Inspiration is truly everywhere. Out of State collaborates with a network of experts including skincare by Tata Harper; Wild & the Moon nutrition and yoga with Jivamukti teacher Ian Szydlowski-Alvarez.
Out of State itinerary
@clairethomsonjonville // Instagram
Claire's 'Spiritual Awakening Tour' in California
@clairethomsonjonville // Instagram
What you’d tell your 18-year-old self.
You don’t need someone else to tell you that you can do it. Do it your own way. To that end, training for triathlons brings me so much, not only physical, but mental discipline and focus. It’s very much a part of my day as going to the office or planning creative projects. It’s a necessity.
Where you go to escape.
Get in the car and travel into nature. I’m currently on a road trip in Big Sur in a vintage Porsche, with the best soundtrack possible.
What's next.
I have a running and mindfulness pop-up next week with District Vision in LA. October will be my next silent retreat, happening in Comporta, Portugal. Stay tuned for more details.
