We held our annual Recalibrate retreat on Sunday 11 March, just after International Women’s Day. These retreats have become the most marvelous tradition for our community and for us.
Nested in the urban oasis of The Tribal Space , surrounded by fairy lights, we had an amazing day, made even more special by the women who joined us and the GiveBack Ambassadors who generously shared their time and talents. Adding to the specialness was the knowledge that every ticket sold to our retreat will be paid forward to a vulnerable young woman experiencing homelessness so that she gets the opportunity to attend her own retreat!
The intent of our retreat was to create a space for everyone to recalibrate – hit the reset button, recharge, relax. We started the retreat with an opening circle facilitated by Joining Hands’ founder, Kylie, where everyone had the opportunity to share what their intent for the day was and so many of the women spoke about ‘filling their own cup’ so that they were in a better position to give to others.
“I came to recalibrate, connect with self within the space of power that is other women and refill my cup of energy and to support another young woman.”
“I wanted to move and connect with other creative women.”
“My intent was about self love and to reconnect with myself and other like-minded women.”
Sophie took us through a guided meditation and Nia dance session exploring The Sacred Feminine that got the body moving and the blood pumping.
“Nia dance was a great way to start – empowering, strong, fun, sexy.”
Our collective minds were blown when morning tea arrived, delivered by the fabulous Rachel, boss-lady at Yes, Joy. The fruit platter was adorned with marigolds (yes, really!) and the vegan sweet potato brownies were such a hit.
“Delicious…amazing…and DEM BROWNIES!!!!!!!”
Fuelled by a delicious morning tea we broke into our four creative maker sessions where creativity was unleashed and new skills explored! Amanda’s group made bath salts and got a low-tox facial, Kerry’s group explored the power of doodling and painted with water colours, Briony’s group got tips about smart phone photography and Em’s group created dream catchers and enjoyed the time and space to sit around a table, get creative and chat!
“Well done to all the brilliant facilitators. Thank you so much xxxxxxx”
“Great program, wish I could have done all the activities!”
“My highlight was sitting with other women, enjoying their company, being creative, something I plan to do more of!”
“I loved making the dream catcher with Em.”
Lunch was a Green Goddess Grain Salad and was, of course, delicious! There was a simple pleasure in eating beautiful food and appreciating not having to shop, think, cook, chop or clean up.
“Lunch was very different to what I’m used to – in a good way!”
“I love vegan food – super stoked with your choices.”
“I absolutely loved it…especially the sauce. Delicious!”
The final session was lead by Taryn who guided us through a beautiful meditation and yoga experience. The gentle movement, focus on breath and meditation got everyone into a deep relaxation. Ending with legs up the wall, it was sighs of bliss all round!
The closing circle was beautiful, with everyone sharing thoughts about gratitude, relaxation, connectedness and acknowledgement of the benefit that came from giving themselves permission to take some time out.
“The retreat was very enjoyable. Good mix of movement and mindfulness and fun and connection through workshop.”
“Gratitude for the whole program, It has been a wonderful day and I have enjoyed it very much.”
Our retreat would not have been possible without the support of our tribe of GiveBack Ambassadors who made the day so special. We invite you to support these big-hearted businesses that support us to provide access to wellness for vulnerable and homeless young people. You too can inspire wellness and be a change maker for homeless and vulnerable young people!
Big love and gratitude to:
Sophie for the Nia
Briony for the smartphone photography workshop
Kerry for the drawing workshop
Amanda for the low tox living workshop
Em from Emily The Maker for the dream catcher making workshop
Taryn for the yoga
And to Danielle from The Tribal Space for the beautiful location and Rachel from Yes, Joy for the scrumptious food.
Big love
JH x
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