Embracing Connection: My Transformative Weekend at Intimate Mama's Women's Retreat
This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my very first women's retreat, organized by Jess with Intimate Mama, amidst the serene Redwoods along the Russian River. This experience arrived at a pivotal moment in my life, offering me a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of unexpected transitions. It was a chance to step away from my phone and immerse myself in a profound connection with self and a group of inspiring women.
As many of you know I recently found out I had to move out of the Celebrate studio in Walnut Creek, California and have been focusing on moving forward with the pivot plan I’ve mustered up but…
I needed to find grounding before moving forward
My intentions for the retreat weekend, according to what I wrote in my journal at the opening ceremony the first evening:
“be here and allow myself to be open”
“release the worries of the world and step fully into trust”
On the way up, in the car, I really pondered what I wanted to receive during my time under the trees and I kept hearing the words freedom and presence.
From the moment I arrived, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging.
The retreat space was a beautiful home nestled amongst towering trees, exuding a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. My heart swelled as I found a thoughtfully curated goodie bag on my bed and received a full weekend itinerary that included daily schedules and menus, details that reflected the intentionality infused into every aspect of the retreat.
The sense of community was immediate and genuine. Every woman showed up in her fullness, creating an environment of openness, vulnerability, and transparency. There were not any moments of judgment or awkwardness. Instead, there was an empowering and uplifting energy that made me feel absolutely loved and appreciated for who I am. It was a rare and beautiful experience to both give and receive such unconditional support and appreciation.
Jess's meticulous planning was evident in every detail. Everything was carefully designed to enhance our experience. The outlined schedule of events was perfectly balanced, ensuring ample time for group activities and personal moments of reflection. This thoughtful pacing allowed me to engage deeply with the group while also finding quiet moments on the porch to read and recharge.
Our activities included lots of journaling and meditating, of course, along with…
chakra clearing and aligning
partaking in a cacao ceremony
self-massaging
strolling amongst the Redwoods, tied with an embodiment photo shoot
Each exercise was crafted to promote self-care and introspection. Whether participating in group discussions or taking time alone, I never felt rushed or criticized. There were moments of nervousness, but I felt safe enough to voice my feelings and be held with understanding and compassion. The retreat's flow was seamless- every moment was enriching and meaningful.
The food was another highlight of the retreat. Every meal was delicious, healthy, and prepared with genuine love. We were encouraged to express our preferences, ensuring that our dietary needs and desires were met. Several of us even took notes on our phone to take these recipes home with us!
The collective spirit of the retreat was truly special. We shared our unique gifts and honored our individual feelings, fostering a space where everyone felt comfortable to be themselves. This inclusive atmosphere made the retreat not only enjoyable but also profoundly transformative.
My hope going in was to focus on presence and freedom, yet I was genuinely surprised to also be gifted with an incredible group of women to share life with. This made the trip even more serendipitous as I’ve struggled throughout the years to meet honest women that truly care about healing.
Collective Gifts:
Ancient Wisdom class by Alex
This class focused on stepping out of ego and into our hearts
Water Magic by Micquela
A very fun chance for us to look within, connect with our higher selves, and write our manifestations down and bring them to life through the power of water
Plants from Dani
We were given the chance to choose a beautiful succulent or cactus
Videography by Karla
Almost every second was captured for us to look back on and bask in the memories we created
Leaving the retreat, I felt a renewed sense of worthiness and connection, both to myself and to a community of incredible women. The experience set a high standard for future retreats, and I am already looking forward to attending more, especially those organized by Jess. The thoughtful curation and heartfelt care that went into this retreat were evident in every moment, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
I am immensely grateful for this retreat, which has left me feeling loved, appreciated, and empowered.
I was reminded of…
ways I can truly step into freedom through intention and discipline
the importance of women truly supporting women
how powerful time in nature is
pausing before responding
checking my ego
I reconnected with parts of me that I haven’t been in tune with in a very long time
To learn more about Jess, with Intimate Mama, follow along here.
A huge thank you to Jess for holding and nourishing each of us ladies this past weekend. Your love and support do not go unnoticed. Your existence is greatly appreciated. Thank you for being you ~
