This past Sunday, Aug. 30, my friend Lala and I had planned a Women’s Day Retreat. It’s been a dream for Lala as a mother of 7-year-old twins. She has fellow “mom friends” who all say they wish to be dropped off like at summer camp, have all the activities planned for them, are fed a healthy meal and snacks, play, socialize, then go back home. And that’s exactly what we planned for them.

Women have so much on their plates. Not only do they have to work a full-time career, they are also caretakers of their children, their household duties, and sometimes even their aging parents. It’s a lot to carry and balance all at once. When can they ever get a break?

That break is exactly what Lala and I planned for many weeks. We scouted the vibiest home that felt like a vacation getaway. Lala prepared plates of charcuterie boards, fresh-cut fruits, crackers with guacamole and hummus. We had healthy sandwiches and fresh salads that fit everyone’s dietary needs. We also had optional champagne and non-alcoholic wine and herbal tea, which was a delight.

All Photos by Nicole Choo @toastsgallery

We had an itinerary with gentle yoga that I led and a very introspective art therapy session led by Lala. Then after lunch, we had my guided meditation and sound bath, which some of the ladies added their gentle snores to the sounds.

We had optional activities making these personalized crystal-infused essential roll-on blends, and of course, swimming!

Actually, all activities were optional. One woman floated in the pool most of the day and napped in one of the rooms the entire afternoon, which seemed like her soul really needed. She is a graveyard shift nurse to a special needs adult, and is also a mother to 3 teenagers and 3 stepkids.

Overall, it seemed the ladies enjoyed their time away from their responsibilities at home. They were able to regulate their nervous systems without a thought about cleaning or answering to anyone. There was laughter and giddiness echoing through the walls. On top of that, the women really felt seen and heard through all the things they’re juggling, especially when having to manage their emotions with no real safe outlet at home.

It is my hope that the ladies went back home feeling more refreshed, feeling held, and more in touch with their spirit before heading back home to their loved ones and their workplace the next day.

This event will most likely come again bimonthly or quarterly. So if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, sign yourself or your loved ones up and let us take care of you! And also, if this sounds like a vibe you’d like to share your special gifts to help other women unwind, please send me an email.

May we all be nourished and cared for every once in a while. Our spirit truly needs it!