Embracing Empowerment: A Glimpse into the World of All-Women's Yoga Retreats

EMBRACING EMPOWERMENT

A GLIMPSE into the World of All-Women's Yoga Retreats

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and wellness is a profound experience, and for many women, an all-women's yoga retreat offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a supportive and empowering environment. In this blog post, we'll explore the transformative aspects of joining an all-women's yoga retreat, guiding you through the process of choosing the right retreat, the benefits it offers, and practical tips for preparation.

LOCATION & ATMOSPHERE

The retreat's location plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience. Whether nestled in nature, by the beach, or in a tranquil mountain setting, the environment significantly impacts the retreat's atmosphere. The serenity of the surroundings enhances the practice of mindfulness and helps participants disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Community and Connection

One of the most cherished aspects of an all-women's retreat is the strong sense of community and connection that develops among participants. The shared journey of self-discovery creates bonds that often extend beyond the retreat, providing a supportive network of like-minded women.

Self-Discovery and Empowerment

The retreat becomes a canvas for self-discovery and empowerment. Women have the opportunity to explore their inner selves, embrace vulnerability, and emerge stronger and more self-assured. Through yoga, meditation, and shared experiences, participants gain valuable insights that contribute to personal growth and empowerment.

Practical Tips for Preparation

To make the most of your retreat experience, proper preparation is key. Pack essentials like comfortable yoga attire, a journal for reflection, and any specific items suggested by the retreat organizers. Mentally prepare for the retreat by setting intentions and being open to new experiences. Remember, this is a time for self-care and rejuvenation.

JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY

As we delve into the empowering world of all-women's yoga retreats, seize the opportunity to explore the "Power & Pause in Paradise" retreat. Power up and gracefully pause in a sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-discovery in this Balinese paradise with Noelle Croner and Alison McLaughlin on 05 - 10 MAY 2024.

CONCLUSION

An all-women's yoga retreat is a remarkable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, foster personal growth, and embrace empowerment. As you consider embarking on this transformative journey, remember that the benefits extend far beyond the physical practice of yoga. Embrace the sense of community, the serene surroundings, and the potential for self-discovery that awaits you.

My Bali Journey + Top Recommendations!

You know that friend that always has your back, and tells you how things really are? The one that can be a little harsh in standing up for your growth, but loves you until the end?

Well, Bali is that friend for me. We haven’t always had an easy relationship, but it’s one that’s changed my life.  She has shown me how I can create more impact, where I still need to grow, and what my true purpose is.

Bali actually means “Offering”, and Ubud, where I spend most of my time and currently run retreats, translates to “Medicine.”

This land, this island, also known as Mama Bali, is a place where people from around the world come to find their answers, seek healing, and walk further down their spiritual path.

I didn’t really understand the truth of it all, until I came here for my first time 4 years ago. As I settled into the energy of this mystical place, I knew I was home. I knew that there was a message for me here. I just didn’t know how much it would impact the rest of my life.

After my first trip to Bali, I felt called to launch Revamp Retreats. I had no clue how, but the calling was so strong, that I would find a way. Later that year after launching my company, I brought my first groups to Bali. 

At the first retreat, 4 people quit corporate jobs that they didn’t feel aligned with, and one person actually moved to Bali. It was wild, the impact this small island had on everyone that came.

Since then, I have been bringing groups to Bali every year and on each trip, I get to witness people tapping back into their inspiration and happiness.

But trust me, it doesn’t always look like sunshine and rainbows. During retreats, I’ve seen people break down, feel the depths of their pain and sadness, and feel more confusion then ever. But when those people really trust the process, the healing, and the magic of this place, I’ve seen them take off like never before.

And it’s not only the people that I bring to Bali that go through this process. Each year as I return back home to this island, I go through my own transformation once again. After trips to Bali I built my career, started relationships, ended relationships, had breakdowns, breakthroughs, and intuitive messages that come so strongly I have no other choice but to listen.

On this current trip (I am writing this from a cute little café in Bali now), I had one of those breakdowns. I was ready to throw my hands up and just step back from everything I am doing. It was hard and painful, but instead of giving up, I asked Mama Bali for the lessons and the next steps. Instead of agreeing with me on ‘giving up’ she told me to open a healing space here. The next day I stumbled across a piece of land, perfect for a healing retreat center - and an animal sanctuary of course :)

And so, the next phase of my journey now begins…

~

With this note, I hope you can feel a bit of magic this place has to offer. Bali is not for everyone, but if you do feel called, I hope you listen as there is something truly special here. Something much greater than I can even express.

Sending all my love from Mama Bali,

Kori

~

Whether you come on a retreat or on your own, here are a couple things I recommend:

PLACES TO VISIT

Ubud - The heart of Bali, for me I see it as spiritual capital of the world

Canggu - Beach town, cute cafe vibes, and a little more lighthearted.

Uluwatu - Quiet surf town, a little more isolated, beautiful cliffs and gorgeous beaches.

PLACES TO SEE

Tirta Empul Sacred Water Temple - The most holy water in Bali, come here for cleaning and blessings.

Mt Batur - Wake up at 2am, hike 2 hours up the mountain to catch sunrise!

Monkey Forest - Right in Ubud, walk through the forest, feed monkeys, and have them climb on you!

Waterfalls (all of them) - One of my favorite things is to jump on a scooter and ride through the island searching for waterfalls and hidden gems.

PLACES TO EAT

Zest - Vegan, Ubud

Bella - Ubud

Sayuri - Vegan, Ubud

Alchemy - Vegan, Ubud

Mudra - Ubud

The Common- Canggu

Shady Shack - Vegan, Canggu

PLACES TO PRACTICE YOGA

Yoga Barn - Ubud

Intuitive Flow - Ubud

Radiantly Alive - Ubud

The Practice - Canggu

Oddyssey - Canggu

Nirvana Strength - Canggu (not yoga, but an amazing Gym)

How To Spend More Time OFFline by Lenea Sims of Conscious City Guide

Feeling overstimulated, not super present, and a little unfocused these days? Sure, the culprit might be a stressful job or home life, but it also may be something a bit more...insidious. The internet! 

We understand the irony of bashing the internet whilst on the internet as much as you do, so we’ll keep this light. While the world wide web brings us lots of beautiful connectivity and vital info, it also keeps us, well, trapped in a world-wide web. On a purely neurological level, we’re just way too inundated with images and info to keep focused on the things that matter most to us. 

We’re not telling you to give it up forever, but we are suggesting spending a little more time connecting offline this week! It could be over dinner with friends or even on a nice solo walk during your lunch break. When it comes to connecting with yourself, your community, and your planet – a little goes a long way.

To give you some more ideas, I’ve pulled some of my fave events from Conscious City Guide to pull you out of your scroll hole and into real life.There’s events from all over the globe and bonus points if you take a friend!

5 WAYS TO FILL TIME OFFLINE:

1. Cultivate Creativity: All that consumption has to be balanced with some creativity. If you’re in Los Angeles, try your hand at Color Theory for Productivity or Holiday Wreath Making.

2. Learn a new skill: Our community is always listing amazing classes, perfect for exploring a subject you’ve been curious about for ages. Learn to practice Human Design with Jenna Zoe in London. Or dive into How to Breathe online with master Ashley Neese.  

3. Up Your Love Game: All that online connection might have you feeling a bit IRL disconnected from loved ones. Discover your Erotic Blueprint or get real about sex in LA – your parnter(s) now and later will thank you. 

4. Do Some Inner Work: No shame in this game – we all need to get a little inner work done from time to time. Learn mindfulness from a Google-approved program or visualize your future self in NYC.

5. Learn from The Masters: Check out master manifestor Lacy Phillips of To Be Magnetic on tour across the globe or see Ram Dass’ new documentary Becoming Nobody in theaters for some serious inspo.

Explore more ways to get offline and connect more deeply with yourself, your community, and your planet at ConsciousCityGuide.com where there’s more intentional events listed every day!

Blog post by Lenea Sims, goddess team member of Conscious City Guide.

Q&A with Divine Feminine Goddesses

We had an incredibly inspiring conversation with our magical teachers Susy & Elizabeth Schieffelin of the Divine Feminine, Yoga & Sound Healing Retreat, to talk about their healing journeys and their deep love of building supportive communities of soul sisters.

Q: What drove you to heal yourself and dive inward? What was the turning point?

Susy:

For me, this moment took place when I hit rock bottom in 2015. For years I had struggled with anxiety and addiction. I was stressed out, overweight, and unhappy. I had been trying to make healthy changes and knew that I needed to stop drinking, but kept repeatedly falling back into old patterns. I wanted to eat healthier and exercise more, I wanted to live a conscious, meaningful life, but as hard as I tried, nothing stuck. I was looking outside myself for someone or something that would fix me, but nothing worked. I was in a toxic cycle and simply could not break free. Rock bottom for me was a moment of complete desperation when I came to the decision that I couldn’t take the struggle anymore and no longer wanted to live. I was so lost and felt alone with my feelings. In that moment, I believe that a part of me really did die.

I woke up one morning and something clicked. I made a decision to do whatever it took to heal. And from that point forward, I began looking for the answers within. I went to rehab and stopped drinking. I began a Gratitude practice. I developed a daily meditation practice and a relationship with a higher power. I started to listen to the voice within me, and everything started to change! I began to heal from the inside out and my life transformed. It has been a journey of learning to love, trust, and let go and I am grateful for every minute of it.

Elizabeth:

My healing journey has been a real evolution over time, much like wading in a pool. For me, there wasn’t one major trigger or crisis that inspired an inward dive. I’ve always been extremely curious about the mind-body-spirit connection. My journey mainly began with the physical body through the asana lens of yoga and fitness. I love to sweat, and daily activity is a non-negotiable for getting good sleep and working through emotions! Over time, through reiki energy trainings and more meditation, I've become fascinated with the energetic body and how I can heal my physical body.

I moved to Shanghai six years ago and have worked hard to build up my smoothie cafe business. I noticed about three years ago that I was really living in the "Yang" end of the Yin-Yang spectrum. I embodied characteristics of the masculine within me: outward facing, exertion, logic, sun energy, decision making, rigidity, power. I wasn’t nurturing or respecting the Yin: inward, receptive, fluidity, softening, moon energy, reflective, etc. I believe, as a result of this internal imbalance, my physical body suffered. I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and leaky gut. I sought help from sisters (literally, my sister Susy and also soul sisters in the form of mentors, coaches and teachers). I began to make shifts in my thoughts and actions to nurture my Yin energy. I traded my HIIT classes for restorative yoga, I began to take rests during the day, I journaled and meditated more. Most importantly, I began to ask for and receive help.

Fast forward a few years, and I've deepened my study of the Divine Feminine through meditation courses and a mystery school. I truly feel like a flower that’s blossoming in health of mind, body, and spirit! The journey continues, but I’m so grateful for the growth that’s come from softening and letting go.

Q: What does divine femininity and sisterhood mean to you?

Susy:

Trust. Love. Connection.
Allowing. Receiving. Being.
There is Divine Feminine energy within each of us. I believe that this energy is the most powerful energy of all because it is the energy of creation though unconditional Love.

Elizabeth:

The Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine live within all of us, no matter our gender, and allows us to reach our highest potential and creativity. The Divine Feminine is the aspect of self that is the purest form of feminine qualities. This includes sensing, feeling, intuition, sensuality, creation, softness, receptivity, collaboration, and love. Because of past centuries of a patriarchal society, for many of us, these qualities are suppressed or malnourished, which can lead to imbalance. The Divine Feminine is a sacred power and a creative force. As I’ve ventured within and explored this part of myself, I’ve flourished in all areas of my life. I’ve healed relationships with family, friends and have strengthened my romantic partnership. Going on this journey alone can be scary and overwhelming. Sisterhood from biological and soul sisters has been a crucial support for me personally. I will forever be grateful for the women who make up my tribe, and who have supported and loved all parts of me. This bond is available to all with open hearts. On our retreat, we’ll work to unlock and clear blockages and stories that may be interfering with the flow of sisterhood.

Q: If you could offer any advice to a woman hoping to connect with herself and others, what would it be?

Susy:

As women, we often give so much to others and forget about ourselves. We become "doer"s - always giving and doing and trying. We turn our focus outwards and lose touch with the Truth within. That Truth is that you are already perfect. You are already whole. This life is a journey of remembering that as well as the fact that all of the answers are already within you. You have nothing to prove.

My advice to you is to open your eyes and let yourself see the signs the Universe is offering you. Spend time with people who lift you up. Do things that inspire you. Choose to see that you are surrounded by Love because you are Love. Life is too short to waste one moment angry or resentful or regretful.

Going on a retreat is an incredible way to experience a shift in perspective, reconnect with yourself, recharge your spirit, and meet like minded people who lift you up and can support you on your journey. My first women's retreat changed my life and helped me to see things in a whole new way. If you are looking for more love, connection, and healing in your life, come join me and my sister in Bali for our Divine Feminine retreat this October and that's what you will get! We have just a few spots left so, if you have been waiting for a sign, let this be it!

Elizabeth:

Say yes to our Divine Feminine retreat! Ha ha. But really, through daily practice of meditation, (in particular, Metta, or Loving Kindness meditation and breath work) you can open up a whole world of possibility and connection. Meditation is an ancient technology that allows us to unwrap the layers between the current reality and our true, authentic selves. Journaling is also a powerful way to dialogue with different parts of our inner worlds.

Q: What’s your mission?

Susy:

In today’s world, many people feel disconnected and struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, and stress. My mission is to inspire and empower people to reconnect with the Light, sense of purpose, and infinite potential within.

I do this by creating experiences that help people to relax, let go, and see the Love in every moment. It is never too late to choose to live life as your happiest, healthiest, most radiant Self!

Elizabeth:

My mission is to empower my generation of women, and the next, around the world to be our own best health advocates. I’m most inspired by connecting with women and building communities of sisters and mothers. I hold loving space, teach yoga and meditation, and offer health coaching to support women in shining out the light that we all have within.

Want to create divine sisterhood with these inspiring healers? Join us for the Divine Feminine, Yoga & Sound Healing Retreat in the magical jungles of Ubud, Bali this October 7th to 13th! We’ll be diving deep into yoga, meditation, sound healing, reiki, and the divine feminine spirit!

Stress Management & The Keys to Self-Love by Elizabeth Schieffelin

When I moved to Shanghai six years ago, I had no idea what a fast-paced city I was arriving in. With a population of 27 million people and intensive growth, I felt like I was trying to paddle board through big wave surfing territory. As I’ve spent more time here, and developed tools to 'surf', my life has turned into a beautiful adventure, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

One of the biggest ongoing challenges I’ve experienced as a consequence of Shanghai's speed, is the high level of stress from the people here. Stress comes in all forms. No matter where in the world you are, whether you’re traveling for your job, or managing a growing family, stress is present. Every time we leave our homes and cross the street, check our email inboxes, and digest meals, our bodies experience stress. In my personal life, with my businesses and health coaching practice, I’m constantly reflecting on two big questions: 1) how can I reduce the stress in my life? 2) how can I more efficiently manage the inevitable stress that I experience? 

Dealing with stress is an essential skill we can work with to thrive. A simple way I offset the negative effects of a hectic lifestyle is to practice small acts of self-love. Self-love is a phrase that seems to be quite overused, so I’ll clarify how I define this concept. For me, self-love means taking care of my needs and prioritizing my own well-being and joy. Self-care is not settling for less than what my highest self deserves. By practicing self-love, we can ultimately take time for ourselves, slow down our busy lives, and treat ourselves, so we can live more healthily and happily.

Here are 3 simple ways to practice self-love:

1. Consume food that nourishes you!

   Get yourself a nourishing breakfast that can serve as food for your brain, and give you the energy to start the day. Whether it’s a glass of warm water with lemon, an avocado smoothie, or a homemade baked good, listen to what your body needs. In my experience, it’s actually less about what I eat, and more about the intention behind it. The process of preparing food and savoring the smells and tastes is absolute self-love in action. As I make my morning green smoothie, I smile at the foods blending, and remind myself that I deserve this, and I love myself. I try not to multi-task during breakfast, no matter how tempting it may be to check my phone or plug in a podcast. Jon Kabat-Zinn calls it “voluntary simplicity’, and starting the morning on this note can shift the course of the entire day.

2. Believe in yourself with intentional positive thoughts.

   It’s been proven in countless studies that positivity can boost productivity and happiness. As humans, we have the choice to believe just about anything - whether it’s limiting or empowering. For example, I can choose to believe that I’m getting stronger in my yoga practice, or that I’m not able to improve. Affirmations are a powerful practice for strengthening the positive belief muscles. Try writing down some of your strengths and keep reminding yourself about them! It’ll keep you feeling good for the rest of the week. I use a whiteboard marker and write an affirmation on my mirror every week, which I recite in my head as I brush my teeth every morning and evening.

3. Set boundaries and learn to love the word "no."

   This has been my biggest practice this year! Being a kind and helpful person doesn’t mean saying “yes” to others all the time. Be clear with your boundaries and learn when to say “no” to work that’ll physically or emotionally tax you, or add harmful stress to your life. Having ambition can be great, but when I've exceeded my limit, I can’t do all that I’ve taken on well, and I often end up suffering from high stress. Make sure to only say “yes” to that which feels right. This is definitely easier said than done, so take it one decision at a time, one day at a time. Essentialism's author Greg Mckeown explains that the most effective essentialists evaluate a far greater number of opportunities than the average person, but say yes to far fewer of the opportunities. In fact, as a stress reduction exercise, I encourage you to say yes to reading his book - it has been a game changer for me in stress and life management.

In addition to daily practices of self love, going on retreat is a powerful experience that allows for deep reflection and realignment with how you’re doing. Although my daily meditation practice feels like a mini retreat, I’m committed to attending at least one extended retreat every year for self-reflection and de-stressing. I see it as one of the best preventative medicines available for self love and care. If any of this message resonates with you, I hope that you’ll join my sister Susy and me this October for a deeply healing experience in Bali!

We’ll be at the magical Blue Karma in Ubud for our Divine Feminine, Yoga & Sound Healing Retreat October 7th to 13th. We hope to see you there!

Biohack Your Travel by Maya Jules

So, you’re off on a grand adventure...

You can barely sleep, you’re so excited! You may be wandering off in your mind, romanticizing about the new place you’re about to explore. Maybe you’re thrilled just to get a break from work and everyday stressors back home. Perhaps you’re thinking about whether you’re forgetting anything important. The racing thoughts may set in about staying safe, having everything you need, being able to find where you’re going, who you’re meeting, etc. 

Chances are, you may have forgotten about preparing for your upcoming travel through the lens of health and wellness.

It’s easy to get carried away with things like itineraries, packing lists, and logistics, but without a solid plan to care for your health while abroad, all the exhilarating adventures and sightseeing expeditions could go awry.

Here are some of our top tips for biohacking your travel, so you can stay healthy and vibrant abroad:

1. HYDRATE ~ It’s always important to stay hydrated, but traveling calls for extra special attention on this topic. You’ll want to load up on the agua before your flight because the humidity in airplanes is extremely low, which is a recipe for dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and a whole host of other issues. You’ll also likely be adapting to an entirely new climate, which calls for (you guessed it) more water! 

TIP: Bring a reusable water bottle to refill with clean water. There are even some water bottles with built in filters, if you need some extra protection from foreign contaminants. OR, you can purchase bottles of water from a local convenience store right when you arrive. The retreat centers we visit always have clean, filtered water for our retreatees. Aim to drink 70% of your body weight in ounces each day! 

2. CATCH THEM ZZZs ~ Staying up late can be enticing while traveling. There are so many fun distractions! But getting adequate sleep will prepare you for successful days, many times over. Sleep is the #1 most regenerative activity available to you. While asleep, you naturally detox, restore your muscles, stabilize your mood, and increase alertness, among so many other fantastical wonders. Without good quality sleep, your healthy eating habits, exercise regimen, meditation practice, etc. won’t do you any good. This could be an entire encyclopedia on its own, but trust us on this one ;)

TIP: The most rejuvenating sleep happens in a dark room. Use a sleep mask! Stuff a towel under the door, if light is creeping in. Unplug devices that are emitting light. Bring blue blocking glasses to stabilize melatonin production, if you’re exposed to lights or screens after dark. Sometimes we even travel with a roll of painters tape to cover up little red and blue lights on things like A/C controllers that can’t be unplugged! #nerds

3. FOOD PREP ~ Another encyclopedia-worthy rec here: We’re learning so much these days about how food affects our energy levels and moods. You want to feel great while you’re traveling, right? By avoiding processed “foods” and managing your blood sugar, you’re setting yourself up for much greater stamina and zest for the experiences that are waiting for you in (insert location). Focus on delicious, whole foods to set yourself up for happy days and energy through the roof! When planning retreats, we always put an emphasis on finding locations with high quality, organic, farm to table food, to keep our guests feeling mighty fine.

TIP: Do your research on healthy restaurants in the area before you leave! Pack some healthy snacks, so you don’t end up in a pickle, if your energy starts dipping, or there are no good options in sight. Some snack options are fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, low sugar bars, jerky, tea bags, etc. You can bring these from home, or go to a local market when you arrive to stock up.  

4. MOVE IT ~ If you join us on a retreat, you’ll have plenty of options for movement - yoga, boxing, swimming, you name it. Sometimes there’s even a gym available. But to top it off, it’s great to walk as much as possible, whether you’re checking out the local digs, going sightseeing, or just need to run an errand. Keeping your blood movin’ and pumpin’ will also contribute to better energy, resilience and fitness. 

TIP: Cue up some workout videos on YouTube. Pack a resistance band and/or a jump rope. These are small, light pieces of exercise equipment you can easily travel with. Look into staying in an area where you have lots of walking access to what you want to see and do, too!

5. GET DOWN WITH THE BEEHIVE - We don’t recommend too many products, but propolis is something we don’t hesitate to get behind. Propolis is essentially a bodyguard in a bottle. It’s known as the immune system of the beehive, due to its hundreds of vitamins and minerals, as well as its impressive germ fighting abilities. It’s also rich in antioxidants, and known to combat free radicals that are present during stressful situations, which, let’s face it, are almost inevitable when traveling. 

TIP: We love the propolis spray from Beekeeper’s Naturals that you can take on the go while you travel. Throw it in your carry on, and use it before, during, and after your flight to keep your immune system in tip-top shape for your big adventure. You can even get 10% off your first purchase with the code ‘revampretreats’! Click here to check it out, and use the power of the hive to keep you buzzing from the inside out.

Need more ideas? Reach out! Our goal is to show you the best ways to travel, not only for the amazing adventures and cultural experiences, but also for your ever-expanding health and well-being.

Thanks for reading, and we hope to travel with you very soon!

Movement, Meditation & Magic by Chris McClellan

I practice what I teach. And I do it for the peace, sanity, strength, wonder and joy it brings me, as a result.  I’ve tried countless alternatives and ended up irritable, resentful and discontent pretty quickly.  Without moving my body, observing my mind, listening to my heart and connecting into a greater Source, I left my life’s greatest resource untapped: ME. 

Here’s how I got there: I sought answers to life’s big questions, and chased success in all corners of the material world.  I had a dance company in NYC, and performed as an artist.   I negotiated partnerships and sold millions of dollars of corporate strategy work as a corporate consultant.  I found friendship amongst the brightest colleagues. I lived and traveled in fantastic cities, studied for decades and graduated with honors, living out my childhood dreams, and still… I came up wanting.   The more I sought, the more I did, the more lost I felt.  Where am I in all of us this? Who am I?  

Learning the practices of movement, meditation and observing my own magic in natural elements is my current experience of being human.  I learned how to BE in conjunction with how to DO.  It’s the life-changing, sanity-building and stabilizing stuff I practice and share now.  

My daily practice is an intensely practical design of the tried and true wisdom that has been passed down for centuries.  The more I practice this sacred triad of movement, meditation and magic, the more I bring all of my life’s circumstances to it.  Sometimes I sit in the morning, and sometimes I sit at night.  Sometimes I move first, and then meditate. Mostly I check in and practice throughout the day.   I practice when I can’t sleep, or when I have to have a difficult conversation with my mother. And I practiced before I went on my first date after heartbreak, and when I had to deliver an online class in front of 2000 people.

 I recognized I could do anything I decided with this practice, and I didn’t have to outrun myself or seek answers from someone else.  I didn’t have to avoid certain feelings or experiences.  

I branched out from intense one-on-one work to more intense group work, and I learned something incredible…all of our concerns, challenges and triumphs are the same, and we don’t have to learn our lessons in isolation.  We Human Creatures are meant to connect and commune.  What I teach isn’t only for some people – the calm ones or the vegan ones or the liberal ones or the ones with money - it’s for everyone who wants to feel good about who they are, and who wants to enjoy their lives.  If you’re sick, it’s a solution.  If you’re sad, it’s a solution.  If you’re poor, rich, young or old, it’s a solution.  It fits because you bring who you are to the practice, and you experience what comes up…PERIOD.  

I provide you the tools to help you through what comes up: removing obstacles, understanding information, finding new behaviors to address old patterns, letting go and moving forward.  I’m your friend and guide on YOUR journey of YOUR life.     

Meditation and movement give me an opportunity to let go of illusion of control - that thing I think will keep me safe or comfortable.  I can explore my mind, heart and soul, and be with whatever that is right now.  I get information on what’s happening with me - a check up on my human circuit panel. I release what is no longer working for me, and tap into a better way forward.  Movement and meditation are the tools that I use to find my home: no phone, or a glass of wine, or cookie necessary.  It’s perfect and I don’t have to change anything to be there.  I just show up and BE.  

Join Chris to learn how to tap into the magic that lives within on the Movement, Meditation & Magic retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru, from December 1st to 7th!

Q&A with Conscious Creators

We sat down with the amazing Ava Johanna & Kate Van Horn of the Conscious Creators Retreat, and asked them about their journeys toward pursuing their passions and manifesting their dream lives. Read on to hear how they did it!

Q: What made you decide to pursue your passion? What was the turning point?

Ava:

I left the corporate world pursuing my curiosities and the things I was passionate about. There was never a single momentous point, but there were small incremental steps along the way that paved the path to where I am now. I am constantly re-evaluating whether something feels good or feels forced, and I truly believe that when we’re flowing with what we’re excited about, the steps to success lay down in front of us.

Kate:

I have always struggled with establishing a "traditional" career. My family and I laugh about it now, but I did very poorly in school and throughout college. I was set on starting a business for myself, I told everyone in my life that was my goal. I just couldn't seem to find "the thing" I wanted to create. I think this is very common for entrepreneurs who are hungry to create and share, yet need to see what resonates most and comes with the most ease. So when I started a yoga and meditation practice, and began exploring mindfulness practices to overcome my anxiety and depression, it became instantly clear that sharing this experience and my passion for wellness was the answer I had been looking for. The journey wasn't easy by any means. I took the leap to quit my full time job, was a nanny and server simultaneously to make ends meet, and eventually established an income for myself, and turned my passion into my career. I'm forever grateful I listened to my intuition about the style of career that would be best for me, as well as the passions and offerings I wanted to provide to an audience.

Q: How has manifestation played a role in creating your dream reality?

Ava:

Manifestation has been instrumental in my life and career, as it has served as my method of inquiry, evaluation, and action. When I ask myself what it is that I want, I am manifesting. When I look at my habits, my routines, and my thoughts, I am manifesting. When I ask myself what I need to do to accomplish goals, I'm manifesting. It’s so interconnected, and whether you know it or not, you're doing it in your every day life. The beauty is recognizing that you’re doing it and being empowered by your role as the creator.

Kate:

Manifestation has taught me that anything is possible, so long as my heart is leading, (rather than my ego) and I'm grounded in my worth. Manifestation has played a role in expanding my business vision, and allowed me to reach pivotal moments of success in my career earlier than I imagined. I feel empowered knowing I can co-create my reality, and I enjoy teaching others to believe in their innate ability to manifest, as well. That's why Ava and I can't wait to share our tips, processes, and manifestation rituals with our group on retreat!

Q: If you could offer any piece of advice to those hoping to pursue their passion and bring more abundance into their life, what would it be?

Ava:

Get behind whatever it is you’re doing. Be excited, because your excitement creates a ripple effect, and magnetizes the people, opportunities, and experiences that are necessary to attract abundance. Timing is everything, so trust that when you put it out there, as long as you’re giving it your attention and energy, it’s on its way to you.

Kate:

To just GET STARTED. Do your best to get started rather than overthinking, because as an entrepreneur you're always evolving, growing, and changing course. Leaning into that discomfort and uncertainty is important. I think the number one mistake people make is wanting the launch, the initial product, or first client to be PERFECT. They're so passionate about what they're creating, they actually end up getting in their own way! Through supportive friends who are also taking risks and serving as expanders for you, it becomes easier. We hope to bring that support and guidance to give our retreat guests the courage they need!

Want to learn from these inspiring creators, and create your own dream reality? Join us for the Conscious Creators retreat in beautiful Nosara, Costa Rica, where the jungle meets the ocean, this November 16th to 21st! We’ll be diving deep into yoga, meditation, manifestation, connection, and tools to get you on your way to living the life of your dreams!

The Life-Changing Magic of Retreats by Safiya Bouhouch

Looking back, I can pin point almost every major life decision happening in my twenties after experiencing the transformational power of a retreat. There’s magic that happens when you have the time and space to step away from the busyness of day-to-day life, reflect on what you want to do next, and what dreams you want to put into action.

It all started with a volunteer and wellness retreat in Mexico I attended three years ago, when I knew I was burned out from my high stress career and wanted to do something different, I just didn’t know what… I had been exploring yoga at the time as a tool to heal my anxiety, and one morning after sunrise yoga on a mountain top, I was overcome by the deep knowing that I wanted to teach. My passion for yoga led me to teach the tools of meditation and mindfulness to others that were struggling with their mental health and well-being.

Fast forward to 2019, I’ve been teaching yoga at retreats, producing and hosting wellness events and workshops, and starting to grow into my new role as a holistic health coach. I was doing everything I’ve ever dreamed of – teaching yoga, educating my community about mindfulness, writing, running my socially conscious business Beldi Collective. And yet, the irony was that in focusing on supporting others, I started to let my own health slide to the back-burner, and I knew I was moving at a pace that wasn’t sustainable.

I had been looking into running my own retreat, and a friend had told me about Revamp Retreats that was running amazing wellness retreats, while also giving back. As soon as I looked at the website and read about Kori’s journey, something resonated deeply with me. I saw that there was an Entrepreneurship and Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica coming up. This was somewhere I had always wanted to visit. I loved how the retreat had a magical mix of wellness and business workshops, and that it was designed to create space for relaxing, as well as learning.

At the same time, as an entrepreneur, I wanted to focus putting all my funds back into my wellness business, I Am Well Community, so that I could continue to reach and support more people with their healing journeys. I was struggling with what I wanted to offer to my community next, and how to create programs that could reach women across the world, instead of just relying on local events I had been hosting to teach women about holistic wellness. 

About a week before the retreat, I saw a post about a scholarship that Revamp was offering, and it was like a light had lit up inside of me. When I was offered the scholarship to join the Costa Rica retreat, I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to reflect on where I wanted to take my business and community next, while also taking time to nurture and take care of my own body that was worn a little ragged from running multiple events a month.

The Costa Rica Entrepreneurship and Wellness retreat was such a magical experience beyond words. We stayed at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, surrounded by lush trees and nature. It was such a beautiful experience from simple things like showering with views of the jungle above me, to sitting outside by the pool in the afternoons sipping fresh juices and smoothies, to doing yoga in the evenings with a breathtaking view of the sunset, and everything in between. There was something about the calm spirit of Costa Rica that allowed me to feel that I could finally slow down, disconnect, and rest.

The workshops were a blend of wellness, personal development, and business growth. Amanda spoke to how we can use manifestation, meditation, and mindset to move in the direction of our dreams, and take our calling seriously. Brendan spoke about how to break past our blocks, create achievable goals, and create systems to grow your business. As someone who cares deeply about giving back to organizations and spaces that support kids and their creative growth, our volunteer trip was one of my favorite parts of the retreat. We brought art supplies to a local school, and spent the afternoon playing tag, running around a field, and laughing with these young energetic souls that we deeply connected with despite the language barrier.

It was such an incredible group of people who attended the retreat; each of us got to know each other through our beach visits, excursions, workshops, community meals, and the volunteer trip. We learned together, shared our struggles, had amazing breakthroughs, and supported each other through our growth and transformation during the week we spent together. I met so many likeminded people who were also looking to use their gifts to support others and help them heal. It was so inspiring to see how everyone who came to the retreat left feeling renewed, invigorated, and clear on what their next step was on their path. 

I walked away feeling empowered that I had clear steps on how I could move forward with my business by creating impact through health and wellness coaching, and I felt so encouraged by our group. I decided what boundaries needed to be set and what things I wanted to let go of in order to focus on doing more of what I love. I was also inspired by the women leading the retreat, who are trail blazers and visionaries in the wellness and empowerment space. 

One of the most important things I took away from this retreat was something Amanda Huggins said: “All the answers are already within you.” This idea is so simple, yet so profound. I left Costa Rica feeling filled up with excitement to continue doing the work I do, while feeling refreshed from having the space to slow down and reflect. No matter where you are on your journey, taking time to pause, meet likeminded people, and reflect on your journey is such an incredibly expansive experience that can deeply benefit anyone who decides to say yes to themselves, to transformation, and adventure.

Feeling inspired to retreat with us? Check out our upcoming adventures here!

Why I Practice Yoga by Erin Ward

When people learn that I’m a Yoga Teacher upon meeting me, the first comment is often, “Wow you must be so flexible.” Occasionally, there’s the subtly cynical remark, “I wish I could stretch all day and get paid…”

Though, there is some truth to it. My body has responded to consistent practice with increased flexibility and strength, and I’m in yoga clothes a majority of the day. I do not spend all my time in asana, and the physical effect is not the reason I’ve dedicated my life to this work.

I practice yoga, meditation, movement, and breath work because being a human is the most complicated thing any of us will ever do. There’s no escaping our humanity while we’re in these physical bodies. (Perhaps one day, in a time of holograms, this post will be null.) And so we must develop tools and techniques to help us navigate transitions, and offer ourselves the opportunity to find ease and joy amidst continual change.

I practice yoga because it saved my life and continues to do so. At 19, I had a crisis. My chronic perfectionism led me through a battle with an eating disorder and into a spiral of self-loathing. During those dark couple of years, I never felt that I was enough. There was always something to improve, or change, or work harder for. I couldn’t bring myself to a place of love, no matter how hard I tried to be “better” and fit my perceived image of perfectionism. At my core, I didn’t believe I deserved love. None of my coping mechanisms were working. In fact, exercising was making it worse. My writing was challenging and forced. And I pushed my closest relationships away. 

Then, I found yoga. For the first time, I felt safe in my body. I was allowed to be me - to move, to breathe, to not change anything, but to simply be present, and have an experience. After years of practice, I saw the change that had organically taken place for me on a soul level. Through yoga, and the emergence of its various forms,  I had healed my eating disorder, and had even come to celebrate my body. I began to view it as a container for my heart, my mind, and my connection to something much bigger than myself.

Physical flexibility is important for long term health and comfort in the body, and it certainly enhances any athletic activity. But once one begins their journey on the yogic path, the physical benefits take a back seat to the wonder and awe that emerges from a consistent deepening of the relationship with oneself in the present moment.

I practice the 8 limbs of yoga because I want to reach into the edges of my humanity, and discover what’s waiting for me there. I want to feel every feeling there is to feel while I’m in this body. I want to remind myself of a truth we all know deep down - that we are innately connected to each other. I want to feel, and understand in my bones, that I am part of creation, and thus, I will be taken care of. I will cyclically grow and change, and one day, I will transition out of the physical plane.

I practice because I’m a human, and it is a messy, unpredictable, chaotic, and beautiful ride. And I believe in my bones that we can each develop the capacity to celebrate it all. 

Join Erin to deepen your practice and fall more in love with yourself on the Movement, Meditation & Magic retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru, from December 1st to 7th.