Paul Tootalian, South Haven, Michigan's CCO of The Higher Haven Retreat Center!

Paul Sarkes Tootalian ~ Chief Creative Officer (CCO)Working as an advertising writer, acquiring many of the external trappings our culture offers to bring about a sense of satisfaction and happiness, something was certainly missing from the young professional and personal life of Paul Sarkes Tootalian. A decision on the advent of the new millennium led to a cross-country move from the East Coast's concrete and metal canyons to the hardpan of Arizona's wild Sonoran Desert, where Paul found himself seated at a week-long silent meditation retreat. The retreat culminated in a Native American purification Ceremony that markedly altered his nature. In that stillness, he was touched by a depth of peace and clarity beyond anvthing previously experienced. Soon after, he met an authentic Medicine Man, a Chief and tribal leader who mentored him and passed on the Ceremonies and mind-training techniques of his ancient culture.Returning ten years later to his Midwest roots, Paul began sharing his knowledge and experience. The quick realization came that folks needed more than just methods and direction during an hour-long workshop at a yoga studio. People wanted a Way that would help them rise above life's mundane frills for a more expansive view, a view that would dissolve their feelings of alienation and penetrate life's very meaning, not unlike what occurred for him. Most of the psycho-spiritual shifts Paul personally experienced happened over days and weeks on retreat, openings created by extended periods of sitting meditation. Ergo, the need arose for a place of permanent practice, a sanctuary away from the relentless distractions of our modern age. After a diligent search over several years, a special stretch of southwest Michigan farmland presented itself in the Fall of 2014, becoming the foundation for the meditation and healing retreat center he developed into TheHigher Haven https://www.higherhaven.com/ Today, Paul's making good on his pact with his Indian Chief Teacher to help his people heal, and doing for others what was done for him.Higher Haven Retreat Center, movement for the body, stillness for the mind, healing for the heart.