It’s like herding butterflies. It truly is. In the best of ways. Because all dimensions are involved. Am I losing you? Sorry, I just returned from one of the most profound retreats in my life and am dancing with new paradigms, taught by my dearest teacher, mother Maui. Each time she takes me into her heart, I go deeper, and she shows me more of what it truly means to be in the moment and awaken the feminine spirit. And then I struggle with finding the words to express something so vulnerable, so passionate, and so fundamental to life. So here’s a first attempt:
Imagine those deep loving friendships that only grow when you share adventures, take risks together; when you laugh so hard your sides hurt; when you support each other over uneven ground; when you share tears of grief; when you sit together with the hot volcanic stones and burn away the burdens, witnessing and holding each other; when together you walk the labyrinth of consciousness and open to new possibilities; when collectively you swim in the waves of emotion, knowing it is safe to do so, without judgement. Knowing you are loved. You are seen. And doing all this in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!
That’s a snapshot, a sliver of a Peaceful Woman retreat experience. It doesn’t do justice to all the dimensions. So we’re back to the herding of butterflies. I see these women as being very conscious people who have already done their deep work, they have already transformed from the chrysalis. Now they are just growing and spreading their wings. And of course they are not being herded at all. The best ‘herding’ is a compelling invitation. Their invitation is to know that nature can teach them all they need to know. All they need to do is to be present, listen, see, receive, and know that everything is a reflection of their inner world.
If nature’s a teacher then I’ll go to school in Maui any day! And fortunately I get to lead these retreats in that very place. I feel very blessed. I get to witness these butterflies discover and explore deeper dimensions of themselves – and that includes me, because I grow each time too. I get to enjoy the beautiful and sacred places in nature, I get to create deep and ancient friendships, I get to be in the moment and play while moving through profound shifts in a deep, honest and safe space. And I get paid for the privilege! How cool is that?
I’m leading several Peaceful Woman retreats this year. Seewww.thepeacefulwoman.com Each one is unique. Each has it’s own special flavor. It’s own richness. This last one brought the blessing of the whale migration season. We got to see the water spouts on the horizon. When we lay back in the water we could hear their songs (Yes, they really do sound like the CDs!). Each season brings its own unique blessing. Nature dances with us. Each group has its own flavor, its own personality and nature meets us accordingly, with high seas or calm shores, wind or stillness, rain or sun, deep forest or open desert. Craggy rocks or soft grass. It’s all a reflection. It’s all an invitation to know oneself more deeply. To make new choices. If I catch myself stumbling on a rocky path, or if I find myself drawn to a particular tree, what is it that’s drawing that experience? And where else in my life am I stumbling? Or ‘What is the tree telling me about my essence and who I need to be in this situation?’
It’s all about being present. That’s it. Pure and simple. How present are you for your emotions? Your physical sensations? Your ideas, inspirations? How in touch are you with your intuition? The Peaceful Woman retreats will heighten your sensory appreciation of life... you will engage more deeply with your truth. You will feel free to express who you are and step into your greatness with confidence and joy. And best of all, you will have rediscovered precious friends, some of whom you secretly know could pack your parachute any day of the year.
What's also great is that we have many highly-trained and fabulous facilitators leading these passages now, so you can find the perfect week for your retreat experience. Also, if you're interested in leading these sorts of retreats, please let me know. I'll be happy to provide you with more information.
Come play with us!
Rachel Flower: 415 827 2623
