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/)

"Womyn On The Land" Celebrate, Sing and Dance with Coach Margie!

Last Sunday I spent a beautiful Arizona desert spring day retreating on the land with six women ready to step outside of their normal lives, to get still and allow themselves to hear that which is asking to be called forth at this time. Our intention was to "honor our emerging spirits in the flush of spring and reconnect to the healing energy of Mother Earth" while taking time to connect our inner and outer ecology's. The retreat took place in the "The Heart Wash". Running through the center of a property stewarded by 2 incredible womyn, in the midst of the Mule Mountains, The Heart Wash is named such because of the huge abundance of heart shaped rocks that can be found there.

In our opening circle we were blessed with the presence of a gentle beautiful snake that found her way to us, gifting us with the spirit of transformation and the power of creation. During the day we sang a lot, letting our voices rise up into the wind, to be carried across the valley. There was solo time, staying present to the messages there for us to receive; as well as group processes done to enhance our understanding of what was needing to blossom forth in each of us at this time. There were tears and a lot of laughter. There was bonding and connection. There was reflection and introspection. There was celebration and understanding. As the sun sank down behind the canyon wall of the wash, we gathered up our things, leaving behind an altar honoring the land. A craggy old tree, roots exposed and twisted with sticks and other debris from last years very powerful monsoon floods, it was filled with heart rocks found about, from the smallest to ones hardly able to be carried.

A bit later we gathered again, this time for a sweatlodge, under the rising full moon and balmy night air. Here, in this ancient ceremony of cleansing and purification, we called up prayers and song for the world, each other, our loved ones, and our selves, and connected to the Divine Spirit as we each defined it. Between rounds, as the door was opened to let in the night air and a moment of relief, the full moon would blast her way in, dead center in the doorway. The magic was tangible and delicious.

Having the opportunity to share sacred time with powerful womyn, is a blessing, and a gift of being a retreat leader. I value this gift immensely and it fills my heart with joy and appreciation each time. These womyn came to the retreat ready to reveal themselves, to listen to each other, and to hear the voice of their own divine presence. They came away with new friends, a reconnection to the natural world around them, new perspectives and understandings, and an awareness of their own power and creativity. It was truly a rich day for all .

I run quarterly Wise Womyn Mini Retreats, here in South East AZ, basing out of a little art community called Bisbee. My next retreat will be July 1st. "The Summer of Our Dreams" will be about realizing our fullest potential and stepping into action, and will support womyn to start living life on their own terms, doing what they love.

At ARTrageous Camps (www.artrageouscamp.com) participants hone leadership skills, reconnect to their creative muse, explore their intuitive voice and have a lot of fun doing it! Join us at our next event in Michigan near Ann Arbor, June 8-10th.

I hope your enjoying the blossoming of spring, wherever you are (I know some areas are more able to believe it is actually spring right now!). I invite you to take some time to retreat, either with a group or alone, and discover what wants to blossom inside of you.

Blessings,
Coach Margie Scott

"... Retreat is about stepping out of your ordinary existence to listen and attune to your truest, most authentic self. It is about being self-referenced to become self-restored. It is setting apart time to tend the hearth of your inner life, feed your muse, reclaim your dreams." - Jennifer Louden