This time of year has traditionally been when I gather with women. Sometimes it has been with friends to enjoy walking daily through a city and last year with female family members to celebrate our eldest granddaughter entering her teenage years.
There is something special in spending time in the company of other women. Gathering together has been a ritual for us since the beginning of time. An opportunity to gather around food, tell stories, share wisdom, and create a sense of connection and belonging.
‘A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.’
Diane Mariechild
Times have not changed, and the need for women to gather has become particularly poignant after navigating the challenges of this year. In instigating the first Healing the Matriarch retreat my focus was on bringing women away from their everyday lives, into nature and creating a natural flow to each day.
We chose Kiah Wilderness Tours as our escape. Six women, some who had been school friends, descending on a beautiful coastal property on the Kiah River near Eden NSW. Our hosts, Jenny and Arthur Robb meticulously planned our camping experience with luxury tents for two, catered meals and two special activities – one for each day.
Our arrival in Eden was a welcomed reprieve from the heat of early Summer. As we opened our car doors we were met with a cooling sea breeze rising up toward our town accommodation. That evening we met at the local pub for a shared meal and to celebrate this special time coming away together.
Early next morning we had a quick breakfast before heading to our morning activity, a peaceful kayak along the river. The tranquility and abundant bird life was soothing to the soul. We soon found our paddling groove and became mesmerized by our surroundings.
The remainder of the first day flowed into a natural rhythm. Swimming, card games, conversation, and plenty of laughter. A beautiful grazing plate of food more than sustained us. The wind whipped up during the afternoon and challenged our campsite. We also lost power for several hours. Thankfully, our teamwork and resourcefulness shone as tent pegs were hammered in and upturned gear was resurrected. All part of the experience. No one particularly noticed the time as day turned into evening and our tent beds became a comfortable and cosy oasis from the crisp night air.
Our second morning began with a choir of bird calls and cool crisp sunrise. It was a delight to walk among the bush setting taking in the sights and sounds. Feeling the damp grass beneath our feet. A selection of beautiful local breakfast supplies and coffee were available before we began a session of Yoga/Pilates with local instructor, Sasha from Alignment Within.
Many of the women were new to this exercise but found it enjoyable. As we progressed through the movements we released muscle tightness from kayaking the previous day. What I loved seeing was the way this form of inner body work produced such a lovely calming effect in each woman. We couldn’t help taking our towels and laying among the shaded trees post exercise, our bodies absorbing the benefits.
The rest of the day evolved. Swimming, trivia, a hilarious game of Finska, more conversation and delightful food and wine. We were keen to make the most of this beautiful setting together.
So, what are the requirements of creating retreat for women?
- Take each woman away from her everyday obligations and transport her to somewhere new.
- Allow her to be nurtured with prepared food, cosy beds and warm showers, beautiful supplies and her needs met. After all she is usually the one overseeing this in daily life.
- Opportunity to connect – to laugh, reminisce, reflect on the year, and share her burdens. Allow her to be in the presence of close, caring female influence. Give her permission to be her real self.
- Incorporate activities that fill her senses and help her to tune into her body.
- Lose the schedule and the clock so she can fully unwind and relax.
- Create memories and give her the opportunity to come away refreshed and ready for what lies ahead.
Find your tribe of women, whether its friends, family or work colleagues and learn to escape regularly. Your mind, body and spirit will be thankful.