We said our in-person goodbyes only two days ago, and already our WHATSAPP chat group has blown-up our phones. Updates, photos, videoclips, jokes, reflections, and of course, promises to keep in touch, and suggestions for reunions.
I am reminded of the comedian Carol Burnett’s classic closing song:
“I’m so glad we had this time together: just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so-long, farewell…”
Ciao bellas. Arrivederci Roma.
A diverse group of a dozen beautiful women of all ages and nationalities meeting in the majestic hills of Umbria, Italy, looking for inner peace and community. Lots of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
We are single, engaged, married, divorced and widowed. We are all trying to figure it out. We are working women and retired. Half of us are of Italian descent hoping to reconnect with our heritage. We all have a great affection for Italian culture. We love to travel and to explore.
We are daughters, sisters, wives..some of us are mothers and a few of us are grandmothers. We are brave, strong and courageous women.
Where is the retreat?
Our home for the week is a magical Medieval stone farmhouse surrounded by a robust olive grove, vineyards and herbs growing wild. The sweet aroma of sage and lavender permeate the sprawling grounds. Our very own Secret Garden. The sky is deep blue and the warm sunshine beams and sparkles. Atop a hill in the picturesque region of Umbria the air is clean and refreshing. Simply put, it’s like a dream in vivid colour. The panoramic views are surreal; Monestevole is more charming than we could have imagined.
Why are we here?
We are each here for our own reasons; as we continue along our personal journeys. We are here alone and we are here together. We build friendships, mentorships and a caring community.
Alone Together. Open hearts, clear minds, and a blank page. We share our stories, impart wisdom, and provide support.
Highlights:
Endless homestyle Italian food cooked daily, and local wine to nourish our bodies and souls. We have our very own Nonna-style chef. She’s delightful and pours love into everything she prepares. Buon appetito! Some women spend extra time tin the kitchen practicing their Italian and picking up cooking tips.
Magical moments to remember - our yoga studio, the perfect space for morning meditation, wine tasting, the olive harvest, and quiet moments with my journal.
Daily group workshops include a variety of themes: exploring our dreams and passions, reconnecting with our inner child, identifying the feminine within us, expressions of grief, love and joy, and developing our sacred sisterhood. Together, we shared many laughs, and more than a few tears.
Takeaways:
I believe we all need to slow down, feel grounded, rooted, and listen to the small still voice within each of us. Less scrolling and more breathing. Less thinking and more feeling and being.
And definitely more pasta and chocolate.
Kudos to our facilitator extra-ordinare—Olivia, who brings passion, dedication and attention to detail to every aspect of this unique retreat. She is guided by her love for the Italian culture; her training as a psychological associate and a holistic therapist; and her vision to create a community for integrating women, wellness and creativity. It’s a wonderful community indeed.
This one-of-a-kind weeklong retreat provides a balance of group activities, opportunities to build new friendships, and time for solitude. Alone Together. Living la dolca vita.
Remember what Forest Gump said? “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” And so it is on this retreat; each woman is like a wrapped-up uniquely flavoured chocolate, a gift waiting to be opened, discovered…
Looking forward:
Perhaps a retreat to the enchanting island of Sardinia—in the mountains, including raw wilderness, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscape, and a farm-to-table experience. A Blue Zone.
Or wherever our wanderlust takes us. There is inherent beauty within each of us to be shared, and there is so much beauty and awe in the natural world around us to be explored. Alone Together.
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