Real women. Real emotion. Real moments of release, laughter, and connection.
Welcome to a glimpse inside the Embracing Me Retreat.
”This weekend was incredible. I did not anticipate how much love & healing would take place. It was amazing to be able to connect with the other participants, and offer (& receive!) so much empathy and support; the vulnerability we shared was so sacred. I connected to my inner self in a way that I’ve never been able to before, and I left feeling stronger and more capable of loving myself for who I am. Each of the different activities contributed to my healing in a different way, and I will forever cherish these experiences. Thank you for providing such a safe space to feel, heal, grow, and love.”
— Holly S.
“After an honest to goodness 2-day emotional hangover, I can honestly say I grew as a human being and loved the women I shared the experience with. Grieving for the last year over the terminal diagnosis and death of my sister rocked my world and turned it upside down. I was shown ways to grieve and to let go some of the intense feeling I was consumed with in a safe environment.I was able to step out of my own grief and console and love other beautiful women that needed my comfort. I believe I can heal from being needed and wanted. It was truly an honor to witness the courage of the other women and hear their stories.”
— Donna S.
“This event was transformational for me. I have never experienced group therapy and this was such a safe place to learn, grow, heal, and release shame and grief. I left this event feeling light. The weight of life’s problems literally made me feel light. I didn’t even realize the depth that I was hanging on to of shame and grief. Invest in yourself and those around you. Go to this event. It will change you.Letting go of shame. I can show up such a better version of myself for me and those around me.”
— Gina R.
”This was my first time doing breathe work and it was transformative. I was able to truly open my mind and soul and to discover unknowns expectations that were holding me back. I was able to feel more connected to my soul and spirit more than I have in years. It was an experience I will treasure.
Embracing me was so amazing that it’s hard to put into words. The facilitators were compassionate women sharing their many gifts and talents to help other women confront trauma and grief and then building them back up.”
— Liz M.
“It’s so humbling and validating to see that you’re not alone in your pain or you’re healing.
This was one of my most spiritual experiences from the retreat. Yoga with her is something I hope you continue to do for sure! I love the location. I loved the guidance and I loved her nature and energy.
I 100% will recommend this event to anybody interested in their own personal healing journey. Megan’s professionalism plus empathy created the most amazing environment for these beautiful women to connect.”
— Kate J.
“I came to this event to work on being ok with who I am. I left celebrating who I am and how far I have come on my healing journey. I let go of trauma that I have been carrying for most of my life. I learned to embrace others and to let them embrace me! I learned to let others show up for me, hold space for me and most importantly I started to learn to love me. I learned about boundaries, trauma and how guilt and shame can manifest in our lives. I shot a symbolic arrow during yoga, walked through beautiful gardens and left with lifelong friends. Also, the snacks were amazing. :) I would definitely recommend this event.”
— Jacque T.
A story of Hope
About 7 years ago I was aware that I desperately needed some mindset shifts. What I was believing and who I surrounded myself with was dragging me down into shame and scarcity. Since that time, I have consistently practiced self-reflection, met new people who are now my tribe, and seek learning through others who have come before me.
I had never attended a retreat before so I didn't know quite what to expect but about 3 months prior to the event, I intentionally practiced holding space for sitting in vulnerability. When I was feeling hard, big emotions, I would mentally hold a sphere around myself and just allow for space and time to really feel the feels. I didn't numb them and I didn't run from them. Prior to the Embracing Me retreat I knew that the main thing that gets in my way of living a wholehearted life, is the belief that I am not good enough. Being aware of this, I came to the retreat with the mindset of seeking help in this department and oh did I find it....
Being the brave little soul that I am, who always uses my witty humor to deflect from the hard stuff... I volunteered to go first on day 1 in the group talk session. When Megan pulled out the mirror, and asked me to tell that person in the mirror what she needs to hear most, some really interesting HUGE emotions surfaced. I initially wanted to smash my face into it and break it to a million pieces, screaming at myself at the top of my lungs all the mean things I wanted to say to myself for not trusting in me and betraying myself to please others. I refused to look myself in the eye, and began to cry. Big tears running down my face because I know I haven't shown up for myself in a very long time. I didn't know how. As I finally stared into my own eyes, I began to speak truth... saying all those things that my younger self (and current self) needed to hear. It was hard. It was desperately needed. I still practice it today.
The second revelation I had to figure out was what it meant for me to "step into my power." I often think literally, not figuratively and I found myself to be so puzzled by that phrase. Like, what did that mean on Monday morning, to step into my power? What even is power? I have come to find that for myself, stepping into my power is a mindset, a belief that I am good. That I am enough. That my imperfections are beautiful and I can embrace all the parts of me and truly love who I am and what I'm doing here on this earth. That deep sense of groundedness allows me to feel more joy, to practice self-compassion and self-love every day.
The third thing that truly made lasting change for me was experiencing the breath work. It scared me. I never knew that women held so much pain inside of themselves. I was heart broke. During the experience, the gentle hands on my head and my shoulders gave me courage to keep the breath. Hearing the instructor model the breath next to me helped me to keep going. On the third round I had this overwhelming feeling of sadness and wanting to give up wash over me. Hearing the others around me continue on, helped me to keep going and I began this mantra over and over in my head: "My daughters will not hold this pain that I bear. I will release it out of my body. My daughters will not hold this pain that I bear. I will release it out of my body..." At the end of the breath work I was amazed, astonished, in awe of the light and peace that came over me. I had unloaded years and years of trapped emotions. I was full of gratitude and light and peace and healing. For me it was this incredible spiritual experience, connecting with the Divine.
The final thing that has stuck with me since the retreat is "receiving" words from another who told me: "It was an honor to be your parent." Oh man did that little girl inside me need to hear those sweet words of love, belonging and acceptance.
In the aftermath of the retreat, I have had many ups and downs but I feel that my center has been more solidified and that always helps me through. I hold my people closer, I allow them to see my vulnerabilities. I model the behavior, stability, acceptance and love that I wish I would have had growing up, for my own family. I am coming to love myself and see all of me as a wonderful, beautiful woman.
My deepest gratitude to all the women who have organized, hosted and put on this retreat.
Hope Kendall
Want to know more about Embracing Me? Let’s connect!
I’d be happy to set up a call and discuss what you could get out of an event like this!