FINDING YOUR JOY
Last weekend was the first ever Mind.Body.You Mini-Retreat exploring the topic of Finding Your Joy and it was truly amazing! Mind.Body.You is about CONNECTION - connection with our bodies, our feelings, our minds, our souls - integrating and connecting every part into the extraordinary whole beings that we are. It is also about open-minded and open-hearted connection with other women in a safe, enriching environment. Through CONNECTION we are able to step more fully into our higher selves.
The concept for the Mind.Body.You retreat was inspired by my own journey and many conversations with other women where I found common threads in the desire to find more joy, purpose, authenticity and wholeness. I found that many women are seeking ways to improve their belief in self, to set better boundaries, to nurture their souls and to live fully as their best selves, no longer held back by stale, limiting patterns and beliefs.
On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, we gathered at Laura’s Ranch in Newcastle surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees (and dogs and goats). As we began the retreat, we took time to check in and share a bit about ourselves and our intentions for the day. This was followed by stretching and a short Qi Gong practice. Gathering around the table, we talked about Finding Your Joy prompted by questions from the thoughtful Conversation Cards illustrated by my sister, artist Ilse Coffman (Ilse Coffman Art). A journaling exercise was followed by a delicious healthy lunch with more conversation. The retreat concluded with a visualization and breath exercise to anchor into the experience and know that we can return to feelings of joy at any time. Comments included:
“wonderful, relaxing”
“felt very comfortable sharing”
“loved every minute!”
I am deeply grateful for every single woman who participated in this inaugural event and my hope is that everyone came away with a deeper connection to themselves, to others and to what brings them joy. I am especially grateful for Laura, Cindy & Ilse who jumped in so wholeheartedly and helped me to make this concept a reality. Everyone’s generosity, authenticity, vulnerability and willingness to engage with such open hearts was extraordinary and profoundly inspiring to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!