 Click ...or that's what I thought for a long time, and, to be perfectly honest, there's still a lot of truth in that. Google 'women's wellbeing retreat' and you'll see a lot of thin white women practising yoga, often in far flung, luxurious destinations. It is a fact that women of colour are still under-represented in yoga studios and the wellness space generally; the lack of visible representation of the women you would find in the general population definitely makes these spaces seem exclusive.
Let's add in the fact that some of these retreats have prohibitive price points...that's one way to attract a certain clientele and exclude others! When The Women's Wellbeing Collective started facilitating retreats, we did it for women 'like us'. We wanted space and time to grow and evolve and we couldn't find what we wanted. We wanted to create a friendly and welcoming space for the women we knew - working class, single mums, low income, new to the wellness space, never stepped foot on a yoga mat before... we wanted it to be diverse and representative...and, importantly, we wanted it to be affordable because we believe in the transformational potential of the retreat space and we don't think that women should be excluded from it because of financial barriers. We are proud of our retreat offer. We have worked hard to create a transformational space that welcomes all women who are ready to start their own journey. We have made a luxury seaside retreat affordable and offer a payment plan option so that women can spread the cost over a number of months. It is an honour to host this space for women as they shed and evolve and transform; and wouldn't it be wonderful if all women had the opportunity to experience that? Learn more about our luxury seaside retreat in September 2024- https://www.thewomenswellbeingcollective.org/nourish--flourish.html
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 My thinking today, on #internationalwomensday with the theme being to #inspireinclusion is that the significance of creating supportive and nurturing environments for women cannot be overstated. In this digital age - where it has never been easier to connect with others using technology - we are increasingly disconnected and isolated. Within these spaces, profound connections are formed, and empowerment flourishes. Women's retreats and circles stand as testament to the transformative power of communal gatherings, offering sanctuary for growth, healing, and self-discovery.
In recent times, the call for such spaces has grown louder, women need time, space and opportunity to come together. There is power in the gathering. I say this often, but I do genuinely believe it, when women gather, magic happens! These environments provide a refuge from the noise of everyday life, offering solace in shared experiences and solidarity in shared struggles. One of the most compelling arguments for the creation of women's retreats and circles lies in their ability to foster genuine connections. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, the value of face-to-face communication cannot be underestimated. Within these intimate settings, women make connections, they share, they explore, they can be their authentic self, they feel empowered. Through open and honest conversation, they find validation, empathy, and understanding, creating a network of support that can extend beyond the retreat. These spaces serve as incubators for personal growth and empowerment. Surrounded by like-minded and like-hearted individuals, women are encouraged to explore their passions, confront their fears, and embrace their true selves. Through workshops, seminars, and shared activities, they gain valuable insights and skills, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. In this nurturing environment, self-doubt is replaced by self-assurance, and insecurities are transformed into strengths. Women's retreats and circles also play a crucial role in promoting mental and emotional wellbeing. In today's fast-paced world, many women find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and society. These pressures can take a toll on their mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Retreats and circles offer a much-needed reprieve from the chaos of everyday life, providing space for reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Through mindfulness practices, meditation, and holistic therapies, women learn to reconnect with themselves, each other and nature and they regain balance and recover the equilibrium. These environments offer women the opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive in ways that are both profound and transformative. By fostering genuine connections, promoting personal empowerment, and nurturing mental and emotional wellbeing, they empower women to become agents of change in their own lives and in the world around them. |
AuthorAmy is the founder of the Women's Wellbeing Collective. She is an educator and mum of three with a passion for holistic therapies and women's wellness. Archives
September 2024
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