retreat!
Posted by Melanie on Jul 12, 2010 in cultivating peace, this i believe, Uncategorized | 11 comments“Absolutely worth the time and effort!” If you are wondering what I’m talking about, you are not one of the many people who have been asking me, “So, how was the retreat in France?”
In a nutshell, it was fantastic! The food, the setting, the companionship, the wisdom and reflection — all of it was just fantastic! I loved watching the women on the retreat blossom in the warmth of a small group of incredible women in an incredible setting. And, the sunflowers WERE in bloom! Just glorious.
Sunflowers in Monclar de Quercy
Each morning, we began the day in a stained glass windowed room with meditation followed by stretching… or vice versa. The day unfolded from there with a variety of activities from one-to-one sessions with me, massage, facials, walks, excursions to simply exquisite places, delicious food, retreat sessions and great good company.
One participant shared that “this trip was, by far, the best trip I’ve ever taken!”
I think that something magical and alchemical happens when you bring together a group of women in a setting away from the familiar. There were new insights and breakthroughs everyday.
One breakthrough for me was realizing that I absolutely love doing retreats like this in other countries and in our own magnificent country. By the time it was all over, the participants were saying, “Where are we going next year? Bali? The Amalfi Coast of Italy?
There are several amazing places for retreat. And, I’m am more and more clear about the difference between a retreat and a vacation. One big difference is a schedule. On my retreats, we take the support of a flexible schedule. One primary benefit of having a flexible schedule is that the benefits of the retreat stay long after the retreat is over. That’s not always the case with a vacation. Another benefit of a flexible schedule is that you are able to experience and integrate new places, new people and new, more authentic ways of being.
If you’ve not planned a retreat for yourself yet this year, plan one! Take a look at my book, an illumined life, if you need some support.
If you are a woman and would like to join me on retreat, take part in this survey and help me choose the time and location of our next retreat! Take the survey now.
Reflecting in Carcassonne
Ah Melanie, I know this was a wonderful trip and I just felt the peace and joy you must have received by reading your post.
What a wonderful opportunity for those who got to attend and I’m sure they can’t wait for the next one.
Ahhhh, Melanie. How wonderful. Just the way you write about it allows those of us who were not able to go experience a little bit of that peacefulness. Your retreat guide “An Illumined Life” allows us ALL to take a retreat with you anytime! I highly recommend it to those of us who want to retreat but can’t always go to far-away places.
Thanks y’all. It really was a great retreat. I especially appreciated being able to witness these great women blossom even fuller into their fullness. Brilliant!
Melanie, thank you for taking us on your journey. I found myself being immediately calmed and became quiet. Congratulations on your insight of retreat vs. vacation.
Sounds wonderful in more ways than one. I love doing these retreats, too, it is SO valuable to get time elsewhere for a different perspective, mind/body/spirit. I’m glad you had a wonderful time, and I know your clients did, too.
Sue Painter
I need retreat. 2010 has been a continual challenge. As I read your post, I was reminded of why I’ve spent so much time in the stream this year; and why my car is loaded for the next trip as soon as I find the narrow opening to slip through and retreat to a place I simply love. I know these brief retreats are perfect by the measure of how nothing else enters my presence except where I am and what I’m doing.
As a matter of fact, I’m practicing more and more ‘being in the verb’ I’m doing … thanks to one of your other posts!
I’m so envious! Getting to go someplace new and have the support of a mentor like you would be a trip to remember! Good for you for planning this event and making it a reality.
Sandy Rees
Beth, so glad that you found yourself calm — or your calm self
Thanks Sue!
Jeff, I love mini-retreats. I’m so glad that you have found a retreat site in the stream. Of course the metaphor is just too luscious to pass by
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And, I agree, retreats are a great measure of and re-set for being-ness!
Melanie,
I’m so glad the retreat went well. Just reading the description makes me wish I had been there! I’m glad you pointed out the difference between a retreat and a vacation. I think it is important for us to plan mini-retreats for ourselves throughout the year and hopefully be able to indulge in a longer one as well.