I run several businesses, all closely connected and all really demanding.
I love what I do, and I suppose my brain needs variety to keep me interested. I’m full of ideas, many of them shouting their arrival at 4 am and waking me up! That’s why I keep my journal by my bed, for recording thoughts at stupid ‘o’ clock!
The downside is, I can work myself into the ground! I am learning though, and have started putting boundaries in place and I’m not taking calls after 8 pm any more.
So, a few months ago, when I saw my friend Silvia and her team at https://saorsafirewalking.co.uk/ were
hosting a retreat in the Northumberland countryside, I jumped at the chance to be part of the gathering.
You’ll remember Silvia from WOW2024- glass walking in the red tent. Awesome.
Having never been on a retreat in my life, I had no idea what to expect. I arrived about 2 pm on the Friday to a fabulous property overlooking sweeping farmland in every direction. Less than 20 minutes from the city, and gorgeous! I was shown to my beautiful room, a twin with ensuite. I was sharing with a complete stranger. I figured I might as well step completely out of my comfort zone! Windows on two sides, we were on the corner of the house. Fabulous views.
I was shown around the property and given information on the schedule for the
weekend. I was dying to get into one of the wood fire hot tubs!
We gathered in the barn for the opening circle. The warmest barn I’ve ever been in thanks to underfloor heating. We introduced ourselves and said why we were there. Sixteen women from sixteen different walks of life. Sixteen different reasons. Sixteen different needs.
There’s something gorgeous about women coming together and sharing time and experiences. We all talked about what we needed for our self-care. We were all open about ourselves. Honestly sharing. Silently listening and giving space to each one of us.
The theme for the weekend was Empowerment, and the Team was incredible and had pulled together a
fabulous timetable for us. Meditations, cleansings, spirit animals, offerings, journalling, a cacao ceremony (another first for me), arrow breaking, and firewalking. Absolutely amazing from beginning to end. Highly trained and experienced individuals who were so generous in sharing their skills and their love. The atmosphere was one of genuine caring and supporting growth.
The retreat was both restorative and restful. A period of 3 hours of silence one morning brought to my mind an amazing idea that I will action. Being given space to be totally quiet meant that the noise in my head settled down too.
There was no pressure to take part in any activity. You could join in as an observer. I missed the early Sunday belly fit session because I was simply sound asleep in my cosy, warm bed! I slept like a log!
I’m delighted I took the opportunity to participate. There were tears, there was laughter. There was a release!
A wonderful experience that I highly recommend.