FOR MOMS ONLY RETREAT BY TRUE LIFE COACH VICTORIA FITTSMILGRIM

HEY MOTHERS! HOW ARE YOU NOURISHING YOURSELF? WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR MOTHERS DAY TO CELEBRATE YOU?!

This past weekend I was honored to lead an amazing group of Moms in a self-care retreat in Southwest Colorado. Held in a beautiful home of a friend, we gathered on Saturday morning in a sacred circle to share about our children and about ourselves.

The day was a mixture of time together, listening and being heard, and time on the special land we have here in the southwest corner of the state - ancient land that holds a unique history of native people. It was a warm day and we hiked through fresh new sagebrush up a trail to a slick rock cliff where we took time alone to consider our lives as women and mothers.

One thing that stood out to me was how many Moms can get isolated and believe that their struggles are only their own. Being with others, in a safe circle, opens the door to sharing that may not otherwise take place. One hears another talk about perceived guilt around not doing enough (as if that were true!) and the woman eye's next to her widen as she recognizes herself and her own troubled thoughts. And then the support flows into this opening and the realization that giving is always there and the learning comes around receiving.

I hope that as Mother's Day approaches, you will see yourself and the love you give mirrored in those you give it to. Take time this Sunday to honor and celebrate how good you are at the world's most challenging and necessary job - raising our children.

And what about your own Self-Care? What will you commit to for the nurturing of yourself? Forget selfish!! When you take care of you, then you have the energy needed to care for others. And you are teaching them the value of themselves. Without self-worth, life is struggle. When we can honor everyone - and not leave ourselves out - we are modeling a sustainable way of life.

Here are the Moms with their newly planted flowers of self-care! Are they gorgeous or what?!!

My next retreat is called Quest for Your Authentic Leader and will be July 13-18 in the mountains of New Mexico. Oh Yes - You are All Leaders! So what is your vision of Leadership and how do you express and embody it? If you're being called on retreat, give me a call (970)259-9040 or email me victoria@truelifecoach.net and let's make it happen for you!

More info available at www.truelifecoach.net

7 Reasons Wise Women Retreat

• CHECK IN: When was the last time you checked in and asked yourself "What do I need today?" A retreat is a great place to step out of your ordinary routine and focus inward.

• RE-ENERGIZE: your body, mind and spirit. Imagine how you would feel after a full afternoon or a whole weekend of self-care. Return to your world with a new vibrant energy.

• SET AN INTENTION: Often when women come on a retreat, they set an intention to gain clarity on one part of their life and valuable insights can occur.

• LET GO: What do you no longer want to carry around with you? How would it feel to leave behind part of the heavy load you drag around each day? Explore during the retreat ways to leave stress behind as you build toward an even more positive future.

• CONNECTION: Meet wonderful women who support you through change or just make you laugh so hard your sides hurt.

• MAKE NEW FRIENDS: Or connect with old ones in new ways. Women coming together for a day of sharing can experience great bonding.

• TAKE NEW FOCUSED ACTION: Inspiration goes a long way in moving you toward the next step. What have you been longing to do?

"If it is a woman's nature to nurture, then she must nourish herself."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh


Gift yourself with a coaching retreat today! Flying Change Coaching

ARTrageous Goes to Chile!!

ARTrageous!
A Chilean Adventure

“New Lands -New Leadership”
Nov 5th-9th, 2008

Villarrica, Chile
South America

ARTrageous is so thrilled to announce its very first international adventure, taking place in the beautiful South Central region of Chile! We hope you will consider joining us for this once in a lifetime opportunity, where you can explore your creative leadership in the midst of splendid beauty, age-old culture and diverse humanity.

This special event is appropriate for men and women in leadership positions who want to hone their creative leadership skills, people in transition, those wanting to bring more play and adventure into their lives, and anyone with a personal vision or professional idea they want to develop.

We will invoke the leader in each of us to come forward in a playful, co-creative spontaneity to prepare you for the next important steps on the path of meaningful action.

Visit
http://artrageouscamp.com/camps_chile.htm
to learn all about it!

The Setting

Our site, the exquisite Hosteria de la Colina, (http://www.hosteriadelacolina.com) is ranked one of Fodor’s top ten hotels in Chile (it’s really a B&B!). It sits in full view of the active, smoking Villarrica Volcano from across a beautiful lake. There are natural hot springs, plenty of hiking, mountain biking, native forests, cascading waterfalls, Villarica National Park and the old time charm of the Villarica city, all within close proximity. http://www.chile-travel.com/vilarica.htm

Coaches, healers, teachers, visionaries, managers, business owners, and artists can benefit from this unique and discovery based experience. No previous artistic experience is needed. In fact those who say “I don’t have a creative bone in my body!” will benefit the most from attending.

Early Bird Special Discounts
Take Advantage Now Before It’s to Late!

Be an early bird and take advantage of big savings!! Over $200! As one of the first 5 to register you will also have the ultimate opportunity to receive personalized coaching that will add incredible value to your ARTrageous Experience.

Go now to www.artrageouscamp.com/camps.htm and be a part of this exotic event that will bring forth your creative muse and help you to manifest next steps on your creative path.

I Hope You Will Join Us!

Join ARTrageous Co-founder and Master Certified Retreat Coach Margie Scott on this exciting adventure to new lands. Supported on the ground by Life Coach, and local resident, Linda Strauss, we promise a memorable and meaningful experience that you won’t soon forget.

“Here’s a chance to play into your life’s fullness and passion. Take it!”
(Jonah, young visionary and social activist)

“ARTrageous Camp is a delightful and comfortable place to explore your natural creativity, sense of play and authentic expression with yourself and others.”
(Lisa, author, workshop leader.)

ARTrageous! A Leadership and Creativity Event
Where the people are the palette and your life the canvas.

www.artrageouscamp.com
(520)-432-5936

Virtual Retreats for an Inspiring Year 2008

"Mindful In March"

"Having spent time looking at our physical environment and our outer appearance in January and February. Today 16th March, we moved on to the thoughts and emotions that we are holding onto. Having spent time on how we present ourselves to the outer world, cleaned our clutter, made space in our house and in your life for more of what we most desire, we were ready. We stepped into what "mindfulness" meant for each of us.

The group of women on this retreat in the UK are very aware of March with the wind and rain and grey days. Mindfulness in March however allowed us to listen to our own voices.
Our first exercise was

• Listen to the thoughts and voices in your head as we settle into our comfortable retreat space. Make a list of everyone's voice that you hear. Who is speaking to you? Who is telling you what you "should be" doing or thinking. Can you find your own voice? What is it wanting to say?
• In our second hour we shared the discoveries of listening to our own voices and the amazement of the old voices that are still living inside us. We discovered that mindfulness meant " nothing really," " a buddhist concept" to " a word my old Scottish Grandmother used."
• In the third hour we chose a simple activity which allowed us to deepen our thinking. One lady relaxed in her bath and another read a very old buddhist book that she had started reading in 2003. I pulled out all my water coloured paintings that I had thrown in the bottom of a cupboard and reviewed my skills. Our inner voices all became clearer! I realised that actually I do have a certain amount of talent and felt ready to pick up my artist's brush and create my future vision. The old voices of teachers ahd gone.

Next month we are looking at "April Showers". Join us as we look at how our emotions change like the weather! We will notice the colours as Spring bursts forth.

Warm wishes from a very grey English Sunday.

Dorothy Larios and the Rest of your Life Virtual Retreat Group

It's all part of the process

I've just finished a couple of weeks of some pretty intensive work on three upcoming spring retreats. Because I was away in South Africa for three weeks - following on the heels of the Christmas and New Year's holidays - I had a lot of time-sensitive work to be done when I returned on the 28th of January.

I've known since last spring that I would do these retreats - two of them anyway. I booked one retreat center back then and the other in mid-December. When I booked the second retreat, I decided to tack on a one-day retreat for the Monday following the weekend.

My own creative process - which I have struggled to come to terms with over the years- goes like this: I get an idea, might jot down some notes, and then I just live with it. I call it "percolating". I don't give it active attention, I just allow it to "be" with me...somewhere inside my brain and heart and spirit. Sometimes when I'm on a walk, or if someone says just the right thing, it might get pushed forward into my awareness, and I'll think some more about it. To be perfectly honest, I'm totally comfortable with this until I get to a certain point (which is different every time) when I feel like I ought to be more clear. I will give myself a talking to about the "ought" and realize okay...I'd like to be more clear. But try as I might...if the creative muse isn't speaking, then I can't budge her. Generally, though, I'm happy enough to wait until that unpredictable magic moment when I can see and feel the outline for the retreat. Then, I get to work, sometimes fast and furiously, other times it's a more leisurely pace. It just depends on the creative flow, which I've learned to respect over time.

So, for these retreats I've gone through that process and have the outlines; I've done the web content, figured out the advertising and marketing, contacted the appropriate people for those things. I've turned over a lot of stones and although there may be one or two left unturned - I'd be surprised. I'm careful and methodical - something that has developed over the years as I've grown in my practice. So, I've done all of that - days of writing, re-writing, phoning, designing web pages, organzing the advertising, weighing all the options. And now? Now comes the hard part: Letting go.

I want this to be an encouraging read, so I'll cut to the chase here. My experience and faith tell me that the people who are supposed to be on my retreat will be there. So, once I can remember that, I am able to relax and uncurl my fingers from their tight grip on the outcome of this retreat. When I can do that, I am able to breathe deeply into the knowledge that a Higher Power leads the women who are a good fit for my message to my retreats. As I finish up my preparations for now (there will be so much more to do the couple of weeks before the retreats, as you well know), I have done my little dance with doubt and moved on. Now I am able to say: My Divine Mother is gathering the women. My retreats are full.

Now, when doubting and frightening thoughts pop into my head ("I have how much money out there in deposits?"), I can quickly recall my affirmation and move into gratitude. I can think about the fact that there are women an ocean away who are either being gently nudged toward my retreats, or they're being prepared to find them. I love that concept. And, it let's me get on with my other work. If I get stuck in worry about this, I am prevented from moving forward with other important work. I know how many women I'd like to have. I know how many women I need to have. We'll see how many women are chosen to journey together on these weekends.

It's my job to prepare and market my retreats as best I can, and to show up at them as my best, most professional, authentic self. Gathering the Women belongs to The Divine - which is really good news because She knows so many more women than I do!

I hope this post is helpful and encouraging.
Coach Maggie Butler
www.maggiebutler.net

Retreat Coach Training in Colorado with Helene Van Manen is now taking registrations

Join Master Coach Helene Van Manen for a special 6 day training May 13 - 18, 2008 This is your chance to immerse yourself in both a comprehensive hands-on training and your own personal retreat all in a majestic natural setting in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The setting for the 2008 Retreat Coach Training is one of the most beautiful mountain settings on the planet - a real dude ranch!

Plan on growing yours skills and getting inspired to live the life and have the business as a Retreat Coach you dream of.

Who is Our Authentic Self and How Do We Find Her?

ANNOUNCING:
A New Year Retreat for Women

seeking to live more fully

with their most authentic selves

Embracing Our Fullest Selves

The Quest for Women’s Empowerment

Jan 25th-27th, 2008

The Incarnation Center

Ivoryton, CT

The journey of seeking the authentic self is a courageous one. Being authentic requires honesty, transparency, confidence and certainty, as well as a commitment to stepping outside of the box. When we learn to live from the center of our authentic selves we are able to be clearer and more effective in our communication, leadership and personal relationships.

Utilizing visualization, mediation and other high powered creative processes you will map a journey back to your truest, happiest, most authentic self by identifying blocks and old messages that keep you stuck. With these new understandings you can become empowered to make new choices that support the merging of your bliss with your life’s work.

Relax Retreat Recharge Go Within Dance Play Create Integrate

$235 early Bird registration (till Jan 5th)

$275 Late registration

(Includes program, materials, all meals and lodging)

Why wait? Register TODAY!

When was the last time you did something for YOU???

contact: gaiagirlmargie@yahoo.com

520-432-5936

Facilitated by Coach Margie Scott

of “Living Your Bliss” Life Coaching and Retreats

http://gaiagirlmargie.zaadz.com/

http://www.artrageouscamp.com/

Beginning in January 2008, self-care retreats get even better!

A wise gathering of women, the intimacy of a small group, the commitment to come together from far and wide into a sacred retreat circle ... this and more is a Self-Care Coaching Circle in the making.

Beginning in January 2008 the ripple of Self-Care Coaching Circles out into the world will begin.


What is a Self-Care Coaching Circle?

I can begin answering that by asking a few other questions ...
How many women do you know who feel overwhelmed, out of breath in their lives, or a bit foggy?
What about ... unclear about big decisions, a bit banged up by lots of changes in their lives, discontent?
Do you ever hear the words -
I'll take better care of myself when ... My family comes first ... I should eat better, exercise more, play more ...

These are tell-tail signs that self-care may be lacking. And yet how to make practicing fabulous self-care a priority when so many things get in the way, including our stories about why we can't?

One answer: come together with a small group of amazing women in a group coaching environment for a three month journey of fun and self-discovery. Together we'll explore what gets in our way of taking great care of ourselves, the price we pay when we don't, and we'll craft individual self-care recipes that support us in making lasting and joyful changes.

The format Options:
Virtual retreat circles or Face-to-face gatherings 2 times per month for three months, lasting 1 1/2 hours each / beginning January 8th, 2008.
Ongoing support between our gatherings
Opportunities to work with Buddies to dive deeper
To learn more go to: www.womansfieldguide.com

A coaching retreat -
magic, possibilities, shining brightly, diving deeply, breathing in and out and in and out to the depths of our toes and the tippy-top of our heads, stretch, play, self-discovery ... authenticity

coming in all shapes and sizes
indoors / outdoors
stillness and silence / dance and song

A coaching retreat -
prepared to be surprised, prepare to be inspired
prepare to be you!

- Corrie Woods
Learn more about upcoming retreats at www.womansfieldguide.com

Firelight and Candles Retreat led by Judith Geiger

Alchemy Boxes and the Women who created them.



At this Firelight and Candles Retreat all of the women truly shined brighter than any of the other lights in the room. They were women who let their internal lights shine. Each one supported the other to self-discover and self-develop.

Each alchemy box was created to be an expression of themselves, to serve as a reminder of what they want to bring into their lives in 2008. Inside they stored treasures and ideas that will be a reflection (through out the year) of what is important to them.

When women step away from everyday life and come together in "circle", often a compassionate dialogue occurs. They are able to intuitively know what each other needs. That is exactly what this group did. Supported each other, cared about each other and I could feel the love grow in a very short time. I was honored to witness the unfolding.

Judith Geiger Flying Change Coaching

Check out my year long virtual program with two virtual retreats included. Judith's web site.

My First Year as

Coach Diane

September 2006 was the launch of my dream to become a retreat coach. In the Summer of 2006, I ran across Helene's website. I had resurrected my "retreat" dream earlier that year, but found this opportunity quite by accident. Two days after having major surgery, I started my retreat coach tele class and made plans to hold my first retreat. I suddenly realized why I had spent years collecting "tools" and as I learned from Helene and my new network, found the motivation to compile and organize all my resources. I held my first retreat on November 12, 2006, with an advisory board of beautiful and powerful women. One year later, I held my one year celebratory, gratitude retreat with the same group of fabulous women.
In between those two momentous dates, I created a place within myself that nurtures the space for women to retreat. The list of my accomplishments includes very concrete activities such as writing a business plan, implementing a business system (banking, savings, etc), printing business cards, designing and writing newsletters, creating electronic resource files, and organizing a variety of tool kits. I also had to learn to work creatively and collaboratively with my husband to design a website that is both simple and beautiful.
The activities which have sustained, nurtured and helped me grow, though, are much more difficult to describe and define. In February at the in-person training, I created a manifestation board that is so close to my heart, I can look at it on any one day and see my life. I started a business journal, which contains the most creative ideas I have ever had and that pour out of my soul onto the paper as easily as water slips down a mountain stream. I can not wait to get home every day and check my email for the retreat coach group emails because I know that each and every one will bring new inspiration. The opportunities to see and experience the immediate world around me have increased exponentially because I am paying attention. And because I am paying attention, I have tried things I would not have thought possible before this (see the picture of me, completely afraid of heights, on top of a fire tower in Wyoming). Eight retreats have been born and each one is a gift from me.... to me.
When I look at the last 18 months, I am overwhelmed by how this has changed from a dream to reality. At my final retreat for 2007, my retreatants described it best for me:

• Reflection: I have taken the opportunity to experience personal growth and mastery
• Relaxation: I CAN and WILL incorporate peace and rest into my life
• Discovery: I love staying open to the universe, because it always delivers
• Freedom: I am continuing to evolve into the woman I am becoming

And so.......

I am Diane. I am a woman who is living my breathing patterns.I am a woman gathering continuous , connected circles.This circle has no position and no rank.This circle has relationship and certainty.This is a circle. It is more than a shape. It is a sacred space.We are connected and I am connected to you.

Coach Diane @ Breathing Patterns Coaching and Retreats

http://breathingpatterns.com

Putting the "Happy" Back Into "Happy Holidays"

When Did We Stop Enjoying the Holidays?

Whether we want to admit it or not, the holiday season is upon us. It's not just the Christmas decorations that were next to the Halloween decorations at my local Target that clued me into this fact. If I had any doubt, I just had to look in my mailbox. Along with the catalogs hawking gifts, there are postcards from the postal service encouraging us to take advantage of flat rate boxes to mail packages from home instead of waiting in line at the post office.

This got me wondering. When did we stop enjoying the holidays? When did it become drudgery instead of the "hap-happiest season of all?"

I think we've been duped. I think Martha, mixed with a little competitiveness amongst women, has caused us to have unrealistic expectations of what we "should" do during the holidays. I think we are still trying to replicate the holidays from our childhoods without considering the realities of our adulthoods.

But, I also think we've been conditioned to be stressed out about the holidays. Everywhere you look there are images and articles about how stressful the holidays are for us.

Enough already! This year, I pledge to enjoy myself throughout the holiday season.

Raise your right hand and repeat after me:
"I, (insert your name here), promise to enjoy myself this holiday season. I will only do what I want and have time to do and let other people carry their own holiday baggage. I will use cash to pay for my gifts so that I won't feel guilty about blowing my budget. And, most of all, I will sing holiday music as loudly and as off key as I want to."

Creating Space for the Holidays Tele-retreat

One of the reasons we often feel overwhelmed during this time of year is that we forget that we need to create space for the holidays.

Give the first gift of the holidays to yourself by joining us for this short 3-hour tele-retreat* where we will find ways to create mental, emotional, and physical space in order to put the happy back into the holidays. At the end of this retreat, you will be excited, organized, energized, and eager to belt out a chorus or two of "Happy Holidays" with Andy Williams.

Details:
When: Saturday, December 1st
Time: 8:00-11:00 PACIFIC STANDARD TIME
Cost: $25 before Black Friday; $35 after Nov. 23rd
Special: Know someone who might want to participate, too? Register together and you will each get $5 off the registration fee.

To Register: Send an email to me at julie(at)newprofessormentor.com letting me know you want to participate.

*What is a tele-retreat? Everyone calls in to a conference call at the top of the hour and we talk and share just as if we were sitting in the same room. Then, we hang up and do an assignment. At the designated time, everyone comes back and we share some more. It sounds a little far fetched, but it surprisingly powerful. And the benefit is that you don't have to go anywhere. You call in form wherever you are! You have nothing to lose but lots to gain from giving it a try.

It's time to enjoy the holiday season again

VICTORIA FITTSMILGRIM LEADS LIVING FROM YOUR SOUL RETREAT!

Descending into the Kiva…
What can happen on a Soul Journey into the Dark…


The Living from your Soul Retreat (new name for 2008: Journey with Your Soul) was originally designed as an exploration of ways to engage with your Soul’s voice – using non-linear practices that steer you away from your usual mind chatter and support you connecting with a deeper place inside yourself. We live in a culture that is on hyper speed and I believe that if we don’t slow down and take the time to connect with the depths inside us, we will lose what makes us unique, sacred beings. We’ll also miss out on our True Life. Listening to my own inner voice, I knew that I was seeking a place to hold this retreat that would offer a special environment for making this connection.

Enter Kelly Place. This special inn, located in McElmo Canyon holds many special treats…. Bordering the Canyon of the Ancients and gazing towards Sleeping Ute Mountain, in this temperate valley there are over 100 acres of hiking trails to explore the 25 on-site Anasazi ruins. While this 1000-year-old Native American culture has disappeared, their architecture remains and we can engage our imaginations in discovering the past. We can also engage in bringing to light our own hidden depths in the present.

I gathered this past weekend with 7 women in these special surroundings. We laughed, cried and shared the meaningful stories of our lives. We danced from our hearts to inspirational music and created Soul Collage cards, letting our Soul’s speak to us through visual imagery. But for me, the most powerful experience was our Journey into the traditional Kiva (underground ceremonial chamber in the earth) to hear the Voice of our own Beloved. Climbing down the wooden ladder, into the dark center of the earth can be a daunting experience. We are usually taught to deny or ignore the hidden corners of our life, yet we actually grow smaller living from this fear-driven place. It is this descent, this Journey into the Underworld, that offers us a chance to meet the dark mystery of our life and use it to find the wholeness we seek. As written in this poem of the goddess Inanna’s journey to the underworld by Starhawk, there are sacrifices to be made… vulnerability to expose:

The Descent of Inanna, by Starhawk
The Second Gate

The Second Gate is Fear
When you go down far enough
It arises
Wearing a helmet, armor
Wearing an enemy face
Carrying weapons
It blocks the gate

Fear says
Go back
And you hear what it threatens you with
If you go on

Fear says
Turn around
And you hear what it offers you
If you obey

Fear says
Something you alone can hear
And you know what it is.

Choose

To go on
You must take off your clothes
Lay down the cloak that keeps out the
Cold
And the shield that turns the spear
And the armor that turns the arrow’s
Point
Take off your breastplate and helmet
Fear doesn’t go away
But you walk toward fear
Naked
And the gate opens

Past the Second Gate you dance
Fearless in the open
Your skin one living organThat embraces air

Our bodies sat in the dark kiva, while to the sound of the shamanic drums, our Soul’s took individual journeys accompanied by animal allies visualized earlier that day. My role was a sacred charge, to be still and hold the intention of each woman – to find more self-trust, to be healed, to learn their legacy – as they each experienced what was getting in the way. They opened themselves up risking all the things their egos threatened them with losing. And in that magical cave of Mother Earth, they found their resilience and expanded power. We gathered that evening and ritually shared each of our Journeys, deepening the meaning… singing over our bones. The stories and poems that I heard brought me an overflowing sense of joy. I was surrounded by living Goddesses, as they made themselves the heroines of their Lives.

Here's an excerpt from one woman's story of her time in the Kiva:

"As the days grow cool and shorter, bear begins to run, and I follow him. He runs and runs and runs to the steady beat of the drum. At times he carries me on his back. We cross rocks and rivers, fields and forests. We do not stop, until at long last we reach a cave, the darkness. I am hesitant to enter, I have much fear, but bear assures me it is necessary for survival and he will be with me. It is time to enter the deeper depths of my soul, to crack open the hard layers, to unveil the truths inside. This is the only way, in order to emerge whole and true."

After sharing, each woman committed to an act that would bring alive her Soul’s longings in her life. She committed to stay in the conversation with her Beloved. And I knew that the Journey wasn’t over – there would be more insights as they continued to reflect on our weekend and all the Soulful practices we took part in together.

Are you living your life as the Goddess/God that you are? Are you in conversation with your Beloved? As we enter the more quiet, darker time of the year, perfect for this kind of inner work, how can I support you to step into your life this way? What additional joy and meaning could you find if you took the risk? If you are interested in 1:1 coaching, a bi-monthly women’s group or nourishing retreats, please contact me to find out more.

TRUE LIFE Coach Victoria

Visit my web site at http://www.truelifecoach.net/ The new Retreat schedule for 2008 will be posted online by November 20, 2007.

Or contact me at victoria@truelifecoach.net

ARE YOU LIVING YOUR TRUE LIFE?

New Virtual Retreat Offer

Do you feel like a fish out of water?

Is 2008 your year to leap into the company of Wise Women like yourself?

You can do just that for an entire year without leaving your living room. Let 2008 be your year of transformation (with all the support and inspiration you will need to move your life to the next level).

A very special year long offer designed to assist you to discover Your Passion and Your Purpose. It will connect you virtually with women from around the globe.

Coach Judith is offering two virtual retreats (on the telephone) and 10 months of follow up group coaching. That will be a full year of support and guidance. Designed this way (on the phone and low cost) so everyone who wants to be inspired can take part.

This offer is divided into two parts:

1. January~~full day retreat with 5 follow up months of group coaching. We will be working with Carol McClelland’s Heart Magnet program, designed with exercises to assist you to become clear on what you are drawn to. What you truly love. YOUR PASSION!

2. July~~another full day retreat with 5 follow up months of group coaching. We will be working with Carol McClelland’s Purpose Clarity program. This is designed to assist you to understand what your talents, skills and interests are. Let’s brainstorm ways to discover YOUR PURPOSE!

What is your intention for the New Year 2008? Do you have a goal that you could use support with or do you want to find a goal? If so, then please join this strong group of women who will support each other as they become clear on what they want and how they want to move forward.

For more information click here. and scroll down to
New Virtual Retreat Offer

This retreat is led by: Judith Geiger of Flying Change Coaching, LLC

Coach Juith is certified with the International Coach Federation.

A Kaleidoscope for Self-Care on Retreat

As another Savvy Savory Self-Care Weekend Retreat (see details below) approaches I am thrilled with the opportunity to be in community with women who are hungry for greater self-care in their lives. Too, I love the reminder in my own life that I can jump into something I am passionate about with both feet (planning and facilitating such a magical gathering) and practice my own self-care along the way.

Hey, I am just like every one else ... my attention to a steady, intentional self-care practice ebbs and flows. I walk my talk by embracing fabulous self-care at most every turn, and I admit sometimes I look up to find life swirling around me wondering how I missed the self-care clues. The difference for me now is that I catch it early and can more easily come back to it.

That is some of what we look at while on a self-care retreat together.As a connected community
we support one another in asking powerful questions like ...

• What are the clues (the red flags) that pop up indicating we need to take better care of ourselves?
• What are the barriers that get in the way of practicing great self-care? (like - "That would be selfish")

We go on to create a feast of ideas for yummy self-care and ideas for lots of strong support.

Am I wildly passionate about this? Yes, I say with a big grin on my face. I believe getting really good at taking fabulous care of oneself is life changing - and tons of fun!

Beyond the topic of a self-care retreat ...
Here is a revelation for me that has come from seeing a transformation happen over and over to women (and I imagine men) on retreat ... In truth, the magic begins to happen as soon as a woman says, "Yes, I want to go on retreat!" That act of showing up for oneself and choosing sacred time just for oneself begins moving mountains. Amazing and surprising and wondrous inspirations begin to unfold. Read about any of the incredible retreats shared in this forum and you see what I am talking about!


So, back to The Savvy Savory Self-Care Retreat - I am excited to share the details:

• When and where: November 16 - 18, 2007 at The Bend of Ivy Lodge in the gorgeous western NC mountains.
• Size: Limit - 18 women
• Self-Care Investment: $375 covers lodging, meals and materials

Envision fabulous meals, lots of fun, time to rest and relax and wander the forest ... and exercises, experiences, tools, and support to help participants get real and get excited about enhanced self-care.

Want to learn more? You are invited to check out www.womansfieldguide.com

Questions for Women On Retreating

Have you been on a retreat lately with women you don't know?

What does it feel like to get away from your life and be in a nurturing circle of women?


What holds you back from making the time and spending the money on a personal retreat?

-Coach Helene Van Manen

Retreating with Woman in Recovery

Recently, on a hot day in the Arizona desert, a group of woman headed to the San Pedro River for a day of retreat and to reflect on the idea of Empowered Relationships. These were not just any woman, or an odd mixture of woman attracted to a topic and signing up for a retreat in their free time. This very special group was a strong and courageous bunch, committed to a new life of healing and recovery. Residents of The Renaissance House in Bisbee, AZ they share the common bond of lives gone wrong, finding rock bottom, and working together to rise back up into their power and brilliance. Their ages and backgrounds are varied, but it was obvious they cared about one another and that a sisterhood was forming as they took the steps to turn their lives around.

We started our day next to this tree-a gorgeous and graceful Cottonwood who became a symbol for Empowered Relationships-a strong base, grounded, reaching up into new realms, healthy, alive and growing.

The San Pedro River is a rich riparian eco-system and she is a perfect respite on a hot desert day to retreat, reflect and spend some time going inward. I love taking retreatants there, especially those who wouldn't normally go there on there own. Of course this brings up all sorts of interesting aspects-there was one gal who couldn't sit still during a self noticing time due to the flies and ants-and it is an excellent opportunity to take a step beyond one's comfort level, to discover the message there and to learn more deeply about one's self.

A true retreat coaches dream is when her participants take full advantage of the opportunity before them and dance in the spontaneity and joy of the moment. After a long discussion about the difference between empowered and dis-empowered relationships, including some group coaching for one of the women who wanted to learn how to say no better, we took a walk to the rivers edge. Before we left each of the women picked out an affirmation card, and we walked in silence as they contemplated how the affirmation spoke to them based on our discussions of the day. Finally, the group dropped into a calmer place, and when we arrived at the river one of them sat down, took her shoes off and dipped her toes in the muddy, monsoon water. Another, and then another joined her. Soon, most of the women were sitting at the river's edge. I thought how this was such a metaphor for where they are in their lives right now, on the edge, ready to jump into the muddy waters of a life completely unknown and new to them. Before I knew it a splashing game began and soon 5 women were soaked to the bone, laughing outrageously (actually giggling like a bunch of little girls!), totally being present with play, release, fun and the moment as it presented itself to them. Eventually they settled down, while those less adventurous watched from the sides, and completely immersed in the water they proceeded to recite, very loudly, the Serenity Prayer. This touched my soul, as I have recited that same prayer many times in the arms of Mother Nature during my own healing and recovery process.

The opportunity to work with a population of women determined to change the course of their lives in the midst of learning all over again how to be empowered, healthy and strong is truly a blessing. It is my passion to support others on this journey, to be a guide as they discover their authentic selves, as they re-learn the call of their soul, as they bring forth their shiny spirits that have been hiding far to long and blossom into new beings. I hope the women of the Renaissance House got as much out of the day as I did!

(To learn more about the Renaissance House, a non-profit dedicated to the recovery of homeless and drug dependent women, visit http://renaissance-house.org/)

River Retreat with Helene Van Manen creates fun!

How fun to find places in rocks and crevices where
one can squeeze into and bask in being with other women on retreat! Pictured here are Retreat Coaches who joined me on the Lower Gunnison River in Colorado early August to learn hands on the fine art of leading outdoor adventures.

Inner Peace

SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE

Be on the lookout for symptoms of Inner Peace. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to Inner Peace and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could, pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been fairly stable conditions of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of Inner Peace

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experience
An unmistakeable ability to enjoy each moment
A loss of interest in judging other people
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others
A loss of interest in conflict
A loss of the ability to worry (This is a very serious symptom)
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature
Frequent attacks of smiling
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to love them back


Author Unknown

You Are Amazing

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so? You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others.”- Maryanne Williamson