“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” - Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.
But is that really true? Perhaps it seems that way when we hold our pain inside, believing no one else could understand the depths of our struggles. Yet, what if we opened up? What if we allowed ourselves to connect, to share, to heal together?
I hosted a weekend women's retreat. This weekend was not about suffering; it was about creating a safe space for us to be vulnerable, to embrace our emotions, and to heal. I can’t describe the joy in my heart, even as tears streamed down my face. It was the power of belonging—one of the most profound tools for healing.
We created something special together:
- Openness
- Belonging
- Sensitivity
- Patience
- Deep Reflection
I came to understand that quality isn't about how much we do, but about how fully we engage with the present moment. My initial desire was to pack every day with practices, to do as much as possible. But I realized that this can be another form of running away from ourselves. True healing requires us to pause, to integrate, and to simply BE.
We found that delicate balance between action and reflection—no rushing, no stress, just allowing what needed to happen to unfold naturally. We can only give as much as others are ready to receive, and that’s perfectly okay. Working together, we created an environment where healing could naturally occur.
When you follow the path that your heart leads you to, the universe aligns to support you. Simple, practical things fell into place—a stunning location that seemed almost too easy to find, a woman who prepared our meals with love and care, nourishing us not just with food, but with her warmth and generosity. It’s often the things we take for granted that hold the most power.
This retreat reminded me of the importance of slowing down, embracing the present, and trusting the journey. Here’s to the women who shared this experience with me—thank you for your openness, your belonging, and your hearts. Together, we created something wonderful
.
Comments