Happy September. I trust you are enjoying the change of the season.
I appreciate all of you, and hope you enjoy this edition.
Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach
| BASKING IN THE GLOW |
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 ..of Our Women’s Retreat Weekend
Nourishing Those are just a few of the words participants used to describe our first ever Women’s Retreat. I’ve just returned and am still basking in the glow of the experience. Although I knew the weekend would be amazing, I had no concept of just HOW amazing it would be. During our closing circle, many of the participants named this weekend as “the best weekend of my summer.” Wow. It doesn’t get any better than that. One of my intentions as facilitator was to TRUST, let go, and allow for things to unfold naturally. This was a new way of being for me. While of course I had all the materials and plans in place, normally I tend to over-prepare to the point where I am exhausted at the start of any event I am leading! I did not do that this time, and I believe that my letting go is what allowed the unexpected gifts of the weekend to unfold.
Special thanks to my magnificent co-facilitators that gifted participants with education, relaxation and connection: Debbie Berg, whose skilled reflexology and gentle spirit relaxed toes and feet. If you are in the Illinois area, you must treat yourself to her magic hands. Visit her website at: Beth Rieke, who guided us brilliantly through “The Work” of Byron Katie. She offers a free half-hour session of “The Work,” which I’d highly recommend you try. Visit her website at: www.yogacoachbeth.com Jen Stanley, N.D., who taught us about the benefits of a raw food diet, while preparing the delicious and healthy recipes that we enjoyed. Jen is available for naturopathic phone consultations or in-person appointments in the Illinois area. Here are some of the key insights that participants are taking back into the life after the retreat: “That I need to throw some of life’s baggage into the lake.”
“That I still have everything I need within me; I just have to tap back into the source.” “How tired and stressed out I really was.” “It is ok to take care of just me sometimes and that I can’t control everything that happens in life.” “I value myself more as a wise woman with much to give to life.” “I have a focus as to where my life is going – career, health, body, and have more clarity – greater authenticity over the long haul.”
I will definitely be offering future retreats – so stay tuned for details. And I am always open to your ideas on this, and any of my offerings, so please feel free to email me. Perhaps the best endorsement for this first Women’s Retreat Weekend came during our closing circle, when each participant ended by saying, “Same time next year?” |
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And there were many such surprises that I could never had imagined or planned….from Poi (fire dancing) under the stars to the sheer depth of connection that was created between us.
Something magical happened on this retreat, as nine women stepped out of their daily routine and into a peaceful, safe environment, each ready and willing to learn more about themselves, connect and refuel.
