Shenandoah Winter Retreat
February 2 – 4, 2024
The group of us stood next to the picture frame windows, looking at the distant snowy hill.
“I can’t believe they’re still skiing,” said Mary.
It was well into the afternoon with only a faint light guiding the skiers. The sunny cloudless weather from the past few days indicated that the snow on the slopes was packed down. The little black dots weaving down the hill were most likely skidding on ice rather than skiing.
I found myself wishing that one of them would fall and tumble down the hill. Not injuring themselves, of course, but maybe losing a ski or two. Although we set the rule at this retreat that all thoughts and feelings were welcome, I decided to keep that one to myself.
We were at a weekend retreat—the one I’ve been organizing for almost a year.
On days when I’m overwhelmed, overworked, and knew there were still hours to go before I would drag my overtired body to bed, I dreamed about a retreat. I couldn’t be the only one feeling this drained. In fact, I suspected this was how most caregivers and breadwinners often feel.
Therefore, I put together a weekend away that would recharge me. A beautiful house, embedded in nature. Far away from home to feel just a little exotic, but close enough to return in case of an emergency. I wanted yoga, I wanted meditation, and I wanted a kind and gentle person to unburden my worries. At the end of day, I wanted home cooked meals shared with sophisticated new friends then turned in for a long and undisturbed sleep.
I asked Jenny McGlothern, from Seattle, to be the retreat facilitator. With over a decade of experience as a life coach and hosting retreats, she was the obvious choice. Jenny and I had numerous calls while planning the retreat. Many of them began with Jenny reminding me to breathe in and breathe out as my overwhelm was overwhelmed due to adding this event coordination on my already-full plate.
I booked an entire house situated near the top of a hill in Shenandoah. Walking through the front door, we entered a great room with a cathedral ceiling. There was ample seating with two sofas facing each other next to the stone fireplace. Extra poofs and a pile of plush blankets were placed neatly by the wall. We availed ourselves to all of these resources throughout our weekend.
Our retreat was intimate, with four participants, including myself. Jenny began our retreat by asking us to share the difficulties each of us were wishing to resolve. That set the tone for the remaining days—we unburdened our worries while listening to each other. We also took time away from the group to reflect upon our thoughts or walk in the woods.
Jenny gave us plenty of tools for us to take back home with us. We explored ways we can physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually refuel. We composed mantras to remind us of the values that are important to us. We painted watercolors as we conversed, then gathered in the dining room for fresh salad, hot soup, and toasted bread.
On the last morning after our yoga session, Jenny instructed each of us to find a spot to lie down and close our eyes. She guided us through a meditation, then Jenny placed a soft blanket over each of us as we drifted into peaceful silence. A perfect end to the retreat.
I must confess that even though I organized the event, I wasn’t sure what I would get out of the weekend. When I returned home, I felt all my previous anxieties left behind in a way that I didn’t think was possible during a short weekend away.
Jenny also spent an hour with me as my life coach where we talked about my writing aspirations along with the concern that I wouldn’t be able to do justice to my work and care for my family. With her as my guide, I realized that writing is a craft that I continuously improve upon while fulfilling my other obligations. When your heart is open and humble, all is possible.
Jenny and I plan to make this an annual event and we hope you will join us next year. If you would like to be notified when next year’s registration opens, please subscribe below and we’ll keep you posted. In the meanwhile, take a moment to breathe in and breathe out.
And if you are looking for a life coach, reach out to Jenny at www.mamaneedsarefill.com or would like weekly inspiration, follow her on Instagram, Mama Needs a Refill.