Upon arrival, we were greeted with welcome packets and name badges. I felt anxious at first. I unpacked my stuff and made up my bunk bed. It felt like I was nesting – making a safe space for me.
Once the opening program began, I began to feel happy. A gifted facilitator led all fifty of us in a guided meditation. There were candles lit and the sound of her peaceful voice. It started the weekend off just right.
On Saturday morning, we were assembled in a room full of magazines, art supplies and blank poster boards. A leader, Kathy, offered a structured way to get started, but my style was very organic. As the day progressed, I began to judge what I was doing and silently decided my board was sub standard. Silliness. As I write this I remember I had the same thoughts last time I created a vision board. Again, silliness.
Some moments during the day I wanted solitude. I took several walks by myself. Once I found a quiet place to simply cry about a recent break up – my tears falling right into the earth. It felt great and healing. Other times I wanted to be with people – I had soulful conversations at every meal. I went to bed early, read my book from the top bunk in the dorm room, went to sleep with ear plugs in place and had lots and lots of dreams.
The retreat finished on Sunday morning with each person getting a chance to present their vision board. Listening to people one after another speaking about what means most to them – it’s hard to explain the beauty of this. One member called the whole process, “alchemy” and to me there was something sacred, healing and life altering occurring.
I considered for a moment not sharing my board. It felt too vulnerable and, “it wasn’t a real board,” I told myself. Then my right mind told me that it is a generous act when I share. Beautiful, supportive friends cried with me as I gave words to my grief and described what the pictures meant to me.
The ride home was an easy flow. We said our goodbyes and the retreat was over.
Do you crave time away from the busyness of life to go on a retreat? Have you been on one that was really meaningful? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’d like to create a Vision Fridge, at home here’s your chance
