The Six Benefits of a Women's Retreat

The Six Benefits of a Women's Retreat
There is something very special about the experience of
being on retreat with a group of women. For the past
several years, I have been both leading and going on a
variety of retreats. The ones solely for women have always
been the most moving and fruitful. When I look back on my
experiences, there are six benefits that immediately come
to mind. Sisterhood: "A sister is one who reaches for your
hand and touches your heart." (unknown) Women intuitively
understand each other. We share so many similar
experiences that we naturally empathize with one another.
No explanation is necessary. When on retreat together, this
bond becomes so clear and its richness so healing. We come
as strangers and leave as sisters. Self-care: "Those who
don't love themselves don't know what love is." (Unknown)
Women are the primary nurturers of the world. Our ultimate
challenge is to direct all that loving, nurturing,
compassionate qualities upon ourselves. Going on a retreat
is a declaration that self care is no longer perceived as
selfish but is instead a necessity. Our well being is a
pre-requisite for the well being of all those around us.
Solitude: "Be the ever alert guardian of your inner space."
(Unknown) The word ?alone' comes from the Greek "All One."
To know your true self, you must spend quality time with
your self. This requires stepping away from familiar
relationships and environments. Going on retreat creates
the space to reconnect with your core being. Spirituality:
"Be the environmentalist of your own soul ? conserve and
reclaim the innate capacities with which you were born."
(Unknown) To me this is the ongoing process of life and the
very essence of a retreat. To heal one's self from the
inside out is a spiritual journey. A group of women
retreating together create a safe harbor to rest,
replenish, and renew their commitment to this path.
Silence: "Your life is always talking to you - are you
listening?" (Unknown) A woman needs to step away from the
outer cacophony of voices to hear her own innate wisdom.
She needs the time and space to know the sound of her own
voice, to speak it, and then choose to honor it. Taking the
time on retreat to sit quietly in nature and write in your
journal is a wonderful way to listen to your heart.

Senses: "A bird knows the sky without knowledge." (Unknown)
We all perceive the world differently. By retreating to a
beautiful location and feasting on the senses, we can
rediscover our unique way of interacting with the universe.
A retreat is about nurturing all the senses and allowing
the sixth sense of intuition to gain strength in this
fertile environment.

Sisterhood, self care, solitude, spirituality, silence, and
feasting on your senses, doesn't is sound glorious! You
deserve all of it! Gift yourself with 1/2 hour a day to
immerse yourself in just one of these essential benefits of
a woman's retreat. Commit to spend one day a month in one
of your favorite places. Join or create a women's circle
that focuses on self nurturance and growth. Sign up for a
retreat this year. You will be a better woman for it. And
the more fulfilled women there are in the world, the better
place it will be for all of humanity.

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Karin Marcus, Certified Life Coach and Retreat Leader,
Certified Seasons of Change and Purpose Clarity Coach
?Helping women become environmentalist of their souls.?
http://www.SteppingOutCoaching.com
Karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com