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/)