Retreat

When I think of the word RETREAT it brings to mind giving up, losing the battle, heading to safety. I recently attended a women’s retreat in Bennington, VT this past April, to celebrate Beltane, which was nothing like that! It felt more like winning. I certainly enjoyed letting go of minor everyday stressors and just enjoying incredible food (without having to cook), companionship (without waiting by the phone), and nature (I think you get it).

Taking a few days off to venture out of my routine and explore was certainly the opposite of taking the safe route, but in a way it was the perfect retreat for a tired working mom from the city. I really enjoyed catching up with old friends and watching the boy interact with new friends through breakfast, lunch and dinner. Somehow it’s more meaningful when you break bread together.

The scope of the gathering was not only to relax and enjoy life holistically along with maiden, mother, crone, but also to celebrate the age-old festival of Beltane. I took the time to examine what that meant to me – whether rebirth or growth. I also enjoyed the little rituals of the weekend – like dancing the May Pole and the body paint!

The road to Karin’s Place

Preparing for the Maypole