The Dark Side Of Self Care
Cosmopolitan UK|May 2018

More of us than ever are travelling in search of enlightenment, but do we really know what we’re getting into? KATE GRAHAM investigates what happens when retreats go rogue...

Kate Graham
The Dark Side Of Self Care

The soaring sandstone cliffs of Sedona in Arizona are magical. When the morning rays hit the towering rock formations at just the right angle, they seem to catch fire, flickering

from red to ochre, orange to umber. Little wonder, then, that thousands of devotees come to this city every year in search of spiritual enlightenment, lured by the dozens of centres and retreats that have sprung up over the past 10 years. New Yorker Kirby Brown, 38, was one of them. She came for a retreat she hoped might unlock her potential as an entrepreneur. By the time that retreat was over, 18 people were in hospital and three, including Kirby, were dead.

“We called her Hurricane Kirby. She was drunk on life,” says her mother, Ginny Brown. An adventurous spirit, Kirby loved to climb, cycle and surf, always grabbing opportunities with both hands. So, when she wanted to take her painting business to the next level, she went all in, blowing her life savings on a five-day motivational retreat led by the charismatic James Arthur Ray. The millionaire guru promised to help her and more than 50 others “push past their self-imposed borders” to better their lives.

What that involved was foregoing sleep for a 36-hour food-and-drink fast and shaving off all her hair. Finally, in the stifling heat of the Arizona desert, she entered a crowded ‘sweat lodge’ made of wood, plastic and blankets. As the temperatures soared, people started vomiting, but they were told to stay and push through the pain. They were told it would feel like they were dying. Two hours later, Kirby died from acute heat stroke.

This story is from the May 2018 edition of Cosmopolitan UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2018 edition of Cosmopolitan UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COSMOPOLITAN UKView All
‘Is Three Relationships Too Many?'
Cosmopolitan UK

‘Is Three Relationships Too Many?'

With his girlfriend out of town, Jack’s* wife suggests he finds a third partner

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2019
Brave New Beauty
Cosmopolitan UK

Brave New Beauty

Is tech about to revolutionise your skincare regime and transport you into a whole new universe of beautification? Joanna Taylor isn’t always convinced…

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2019
How The Gig Economy Is Killing Millennials…
Cosmopolitan UK

How The Gig Economy Is Killing Millennials…

I put in 18-hour days. I work in the same room I sleep in. I never know when or if I’ll be paid. I go days without speaking to anyone.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2019
Could Your #AvoOnToast Get You Headhunted?
Cosmopolitan UK

Could Your #AvoOnToast Get You Headhunted?

Quite possibly. But you’ll have to catch the eye of a new breed of talent scout first. Here’s how…

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2019
The Robot Wars
Cosmopolitan UK

The Robot Wars

For decades, mankind has feared the day technology becomes cleverer than us. Now it’s here, and we were too busy trying to sync our Sonos to notice. Welcome to The Big Techover...

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2019
Hot-Air Health Myths... Exploded
Cosmopolitan UK

Hot-Air Health Myths... Exploded

Think you’re up to date with the basic rules of staying in shape? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you probably aren’t…

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2019
The Darkside Of BodyBuilding
Cosmopolitan UK

The Darkside Of BodyBuilding

Amateur fitness competitions have gone mainstream – but do they provide a “healthy” cover for those hiding deadly eating disorders? Former competitor Rebecca Barnes, 22, certainly thinks so.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2019
The Stacy Dooley Effect
Cosmopolitan UK

The Stacy Dooley Effect

From the frontline to the dancefloor, Stacey Dooley defied all the odds to become TV’s golden girl. But it could have worked out very differently

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2019
Kings Of The Night
Cosmopolitan UK

Kings Of The Night

Sex, champagne and parties on tap… what could possibly go wrong? BOBBY PALMER spends the night with the most successful club promoter in London

time-read
9 mins  |
May 2019
Is Beauty A Tickıng Timebomb?
Cosmopolitan UK

Is Beauty A Tickıng Timebomb?

With their legions of fans, beauty-brand founders have exploded onto the scene – sometimes becoming celebrities in their own right. But what happens when their behaviour eclipses their products? Laura Capon investigates

time-read
10 mins  |
May 2019