In the Presence of Wise Women

I have just returned from the US Virgin Islands where I led a women’s retreat, entitled “Embracing Change & Moving Gracefully through Life.” Once again, I was awed by the power of sisterhood that occurs when women gather together with focus and intention.
We stayed in the beautiful eco-resort Maho Bay Camps on St John’s Island. Living in tent cabins, eating and meeting in open air pavilions, and basking in the Caribbean seas, our senses were saturated by the sounds and rhythms of nature. On the first two days we explored the phenomena of change and how to manage the inevitable transitions of life. I presented the signs, purpose, and detours of the Seasons of Change module created by Carol McClelland, and my co-leader Linda Marrical explained the principles of yin/yang and the natural flow of the five elements as described by Chinese medicine.
The third day was dedicated to processing all this information and applying it to one’s own life situation. Through journaling exercises and an art project, each woman put together the “Pieces of My Puzzle.” Then we went on a wonderful adventure kayaking amongst the sea turtles.
On the fourth day, Linda and I devised an activity to give voice and clarity to each woman’s transition. We put color squares on the floor representing each of the five elements. Everyone took their chair and sat in the element and season with which they had identified. Then one by one they shared their journey and challenges.
For example, one might have shared,” I am in the season of Fall and my element is metal. There is so much change happening in my life. I’m in the process of divorce, my kids are devastated, and my parents are losing their mental faculties. I am sorting out what steps need to be taken now and acknowledging that I need to take time and care for myself.”
Then according to the Chinese module for the interdependency between the elements, the woman who was sitting in the mother element to metal would respond, “I am earth and I am your mother. I will nurture you with my stability, my abundance, and my compassion.”
Then the woman sitting in the Grandmother element would respond, “I am wood and I am your Grandmother who will discipline you with my qualities of flexibility, creativity, vision and patience.”
We went around the room this way, each woman opening her heart and being vulnerable and then receiving the wisdom of her mothers and grandmothers. They all had a sheet listing the qualities of each element, but they took those words and gave them life and meaning. They listened deeply to each other and responded from their heart. As leaders, Linda and I just sat back and watched in awe. Each woman became empowered in her element and spoke with such profundity and empathy. We were honored to be in the presence of such wise women. There was an air of mutual reverence and humility surrounding us. This is the majesty of women on retreat with focus and intention.
Karin Marcus
Personal Coach / Retreat Leader
“Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do” Rumi
Karin@Steppingoutcoaching.com 610-667-5247
www.SteppingOutCoaching.com