Relax, Rejuvenate, Reconnect - RETREAT
Wow, I cannot believe the retreat I’ve been planning for a year is over. It was a lot of hard work to put it all together, but I have to tell you, it was worth it. I feel I learned a lot from the women who attended. This was the first “Only A Whisper Away Women’s Retreat” help this year in Pigeon Forge, Tn. We could not have asked for better weather. The mountains somehow feel like home to me. It is always a place I feel rejuvenated and can breathe easier. Unfortunately, not all who signed up were able to attend due to illness and life getting in the way. But those who attended connected to each other in such a beautiful, spiritual way. I did not anticipate being warned about a 400-pound bear roaming around the house.
When thinking about the retreat, I wanted everyone under one roof so wonderful connections would appear, and that, I believe was met. My intention was that there would be so many synchronicities appear that there was a clear feeling that Spirit was in charge. That also occurred. I asked that life changing events happened. Check. I had originally thought a group of twenty would be a nice number of participants, but Spirit knew better. It needed to be a small intimate group and for that reason next year will be limited to 10-15 people. Closer to ten but we can go over a bit if that is what Spirit needs.
Last week at this time, my husband and I arrived at the house a day before everyone arrived. We wanted to get the lay of the land and prepare the house to ready to greet our incoming guests. Jeff helped me unload all the bins I had brought with me then off to the grocery store he went as I stayed back to decorate. That took me to about 1:00 am till I finally hit my bunk. But sleep did not come easily as I was excited and nervous about facilitating my first retreat. We made the home inviting with butterfly, feather and fun decorations. Jeff put out food for everyone to snack on as they were traveling in, we had no idea of when they ate last. Everyone received a goodie bag in their rooms with a schedule and free time until 5:00 pm. Giving them time to brush off the day’s travel.
Our first session together I had them introduce themselves and why they came. Afterwards, I explained the items in their bags. I put thought behind everything I placed in their gift bags, and I wanted them to know how much I appreciated them trusting me to help them on their paths. Each participant chose a mystery oracle card when they arrived. I instructed them to think about it as the retreat went on and we later spoke about it. We went to an open discussion and ended the night in a group reading.
Day two we were up and ready to begin at 9 am. For those of you who do not know me well, this was big for me. I am a 10:00 am brain girl, meaning my thoughts and my mouth before 10 am do not always communicate well. But, again, spirit was in charge. We started by talking about what a past life regression was and how it can help us to discover habits, issues and even scars we are born with. It can open up the thought process of why we feel passionate about certain things in life. After the discussion, I led them in a guided meditation to a past life. We were in the media room, and they were seated on a big comfy couch. There were also bunks in the room, so some opted to lay on the bunks while others laid on the floor on yoga mats. As I gently guided the mediation, I set it up in a safe space allowing them to know that they were in total control and could open their eyes at any time. Reassuring each of them that this was just recalling the memories not actually reliving the event. I also stated that memories of this time will continue to come through as time went on. After the regression, we had an open discussion, and I believe everyone was able to regress. As this retreat is at your own pace, I was careful not to push anyone into sharing if they were not comfortable. Most shared an incredible visual experience. We took a break and reconvened a few hours later at a large table filled with stickers, magazines, scissors and glue tape. We discussed and mediated on a time in our lives when we needed a word of encouragement or a safe space and a person to speak to. As adults we carry thigs from childhood. Even the best childhood has certain thigs that we have a hard time releasing as adults. Leading them into a mediation to connect to their younger selves. I asked them to go to a time or circumstance and write that person a letter. Say something, that self needed to hear at the time. It can be an apology, guidance or what you will learn. I asked that they take the hand of their younger self and let them know it will be alright. After writing the letter, they placed it in an envelope to either keep or throw in the fire at the release later that night. Afterwards, we discussed what a vision board was and how to manifest the things of their life. I prompted them with a few emotion words, action words and habits that resonated with them. Things they wanted to manifest into their lives. They each had blank small poster boards in front of them to create their vision board. It was so amazing watching where their visions took them. We shared the vision boards afterwards and life long friends were created.
The fire pit. Since we were forewarned about the bear, we chose to drive to the fire pit. Here we discussed the full moon, the hunter’s moon, what it meant and how we were going to release the things that no longer served us. I was fortunate to have had an expert, Crystal Reiki by Karen, facilitate the meditation of release and then sending each of us Reike. I could feel things release from me that I have been carrying with me over the past few months. After the meditation, I invited each woman to go to the fire and place their envelope into the fire and watch it burn. The act of walking to the fire alone is very empowering and I made sure to help each one out. Although you walk to the fire alone, a sister will be there on the other side to walk you out. We concluded with a drum circle and stood under the moon. Smiling and laughing. Several said they felt so much lighter.
Day 3. We discussed our spiritual toolbox. The tools that are available to help us learn and grow. We discussed stones and crystals, dowsing rods and pendulums, oils, journaling and meditation. The discussion got a little off track before I could speak about Angel and Oracle cards, but I wanted each person to know they were seen and heard. Allowing each to state things they were struggling with. We chose to continue the discussion and delve into cards after the break. Upon returning I gave a quick description of how cards can help in readings, either for yourself or for others then I demonstrated an energy reading for one of the women. Afterwards, I prompted them to pick a deck of the many I brought and choose a partner that they did not know. They were going to do a reading on their partner. I observed and helped when they were overthinking. But all in all, they did so well, and I could see their thought processes change about each and every tool I described and allowing them experiment with the tools. We broke for a final dinner together. My husband, the chef, made a delicious meal for us and we talked and ate together. I quickly noticed a connection between each woman as they insisted to help clean up. We gathered together for one final time. We spoke about the mystery oracle card they had chosen when they arrived and how it resonated with them during the retreat. We discussed and pinpointed certain exercises that made an emotional impact on them. We sat in the living room till 11 pm and just talked like old friends. In my opinion, this retreat was a success because of the openness of everyone who came.
In the surveys I handed out here were their thoughts: All said they felt safe.
I felt I could express my vulnerability and receive guidance to work through past trauma.
The first meditation that made me see the beauty in myself.
Sisterhood
The full moon release impacted me and gave me permission to let it go
No judgement
Journaling exercises
Sitting and talking and feeling the love & sisterhood was palatable
I came feeling alone and left with 6 new sisters
If you would like to join us next year and have some ideas, click on the survey so we know what you need. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/5Dy2QUh
I pray you live the live you love and love the life you live.
Blessings,
Stacey
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