LOOK at these beautiful women!
On the weekend of March 2-4, 2018, my friend Kacey hosted a Shine On retreat at The Mariandale Center in Ossining, NY. Despite fierce winds and snow, every. single. woman. got to the retreat on Friday. That's a true commitment to caring for oneself, don't you think?
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the entire weekend. I was thrilled to be asked to participate on Sunday morning. This is a recap of what I was able to experience.
Upon entering the space I could absolutely see the smiling, beautiful faces of every woman who was fortunate enough to be part of the weekend. They were, in fact, shining. I introduced myself to everyone, did my best to remember everyone's name and sat down to breakfast.
The hubbub was so very positive. Beautiful women, a little tired and a lot energized at the same time.
Kacey had brought in a host of people to add their magic touch to the weekend. She, along with her sister, Maria, created a marvelous Circle of Women and love. Lots of love!
Click to join the Facebook page, A Circle of Women
After breakfast there was a morning circle. Kacey read a magnificent poem. I believe it was written by one of our circle women who was unable to join us. Kacey ended her portion of the retreat with the song, "Longtime Sun."
I was next up. I began by reading a poem I felt tied into the theme of the weekend: planting the seeds of your dreams and growing your own garden.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the entire weekend. I was thrilled to be asked to participate on Sunday morning. This is a recap of what I was able to experience.
Upon entering the space I could absolutely see the smiling, beautiful faces of every woman who was fortunate enough to be part of the weekend. They were, in fact, shining. I introduced myself to everyone, did my best to remember everyone's name and sat down to breakfast.
The hubbub was so very positive. Beautiful women, a little tired and a lot energized at the same time.
Kacey had brought in a host of people to add their magic touch to the weekend. She, along with her sister, Maria, created a marvelous Circle of Women and love. Lots of love!
Click to join the Facebook page, A Circle of Women
After breakfast there was a morning circle. Kacey read a magnificent poem. I believe it was written by one of our circle women who was unable to join us. Kacey ended her portion of the retreat with the song, "Longtime Sun."
I was next up. I began by reading a poem I felt tied into the theme of the weekend: planting the seeds of your dreams and growing your own garden.
Therapist
Ruth Harriet Jacobs
It had to be a garden in the wood.
You did not choose the easy packaged seed
but moved wild plants according to their need
around the rocks and trees as best it could.
You freed the soil so that the plants could feed
but worked with patience, never to impeded
the natural patterns each had found so good.
So too, you take each of us, as we are
all covered with the choking, rampant blight
of fantasy and guilt and hates that mar
each breath we draw, each timid hope we fight,
and waiting, skillful, planting here and there,
you feed us, free us, give us growing air.
From the circle we moved to THE biggest space I have ever used to create Vision Boards where we were making THE smallest ones I had ever designed.
I had asked Kacey to have the women think about their inner mantras throughout the weekend so when I arrived it wouldn't be a big surprise.
As always, Kacey and I were aligned with each other and after a small explanation we were off and running for about an hour.
These were my samples:
I had asked Kacey to have the women think about their inner mantras throughout the weekend so when I arrived it wouldn't be a big surprise.
As always, Kacey and I were aligned with each other and after a small explanation we were off and running for about an hour.
These were my samples:
It never ceases to astound and delight me at what happens when women create as a group while doing an individual exercise. There is cheerful banter. There are serious moments. There may be tears. However, because of the circle, there is safety and comfort. It becomes sacred.
When we were all finished we went around our circle and shared (only if you wanted to) what we created and why.
It was magical and beautiful and solidified my desire to always do this in some way.
My deepest thanks to Kacey and each woman who allowed me to share their morning with them. If you are so inclined and would like to post YOUR baby vision card in the comments I would be honored.
As promised, here is the link to get the trading card holders. They come in different quantities, can be shipped to your home or you can pick them up at Walmart.
When we were all finished we went around our circle and shared (only if you wanted to) what we created and why.
It was magical and beautiful and solidified my desire to always do this in some way.
My deepest thanks to Kacey and each woman who allowed me to share their morning with them. If you are so inclined and would like to post YOUR baby vision card in the comments I would be honored.
As promised, here is the link to get the trading card holders. They come in different quantities, can be shipped to your home or you can pick them up at Walmart.
LISTEN to Kacey's fantastic podcast where she will walk you through just how to till your soil and get ready to plant the seeds of your dreams. This was the opening exercise at the retreat.
May the long time sun
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on
Guide your way on
https://youtu.be/i5dRRhASY7c
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on
Guide your way on
https://youtu.be/i5dRRhASY7c
