Retreat Coach on the Farm

My Mountain Retreat Experience

Going to Colorado retreat coach training last week was another life changing experience. Every retreat I attend, no matter how long, changes me in some way! Each time it is a little different and I imagine that is because each time I am a bit different. I have been changing and growing as I move through my life which allows me to see things in new ways.

The women who attended this retreat were all fabulous and astounding. I am always amazed by the power of women coming together in circle and sharing ideas as well as challenges. It brings to mind the metaphor of the ant moving the mountain. When women gather it is very true that anything is possible.

The transformation process starts with awareness and that is what a retreat provides. Many women spoke about the retreat being a totally non-judgmental space for them to express their feeling and thoughts. How cool is that? Imagine sitting in a room full of women who feel totally able to express themselves without any fear! When was the last time you felt that safe and secure? I know for me it was a very nurturing environment that provided me with one of the best times I have had in my life! I was sad that it had to end.

Soon I will set up a picture album from this retreat and let you view some of the most heartwarming smiles I have ever seen. You will see women hiking in the mountains, dancing and riding horses, among other wonderful adventures. The setting for this retreat was at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and that added to the magic. We were at The Historic Pines Ranch where all of the staff was more than accommodating. Wonderful meals set the stage for the day as the wranglers provided us with safety, patience and fun stories. Thanks to all J!

The first day we arrived there was wonderful snow falling that dusted the mountain range with a beautiful white blanket. As a snow lover I couldn’t have been happier to see the Ponderosa Pines heavy with white again the next morning but in that wonderful Colorado fashion it melted quickly and we were never very cold. I told Helene, our coach, that the weather was a rather fitting metaphor for us. We came in with the snow and left with bright blue skies and warm sunshine. That is exactly how I felt. On arrival I had been hurrying around so much before leaving New York that I was a bit frazzled. It only took a short time on retreat before I was so relaxed that I truly felt like putty and then after the entire 6 days were done I had reached a point of being refreshed and ready to move into my daily grind with joy and a new perspective.

The vision board that I designed on this retreat was all about creativity. I am setting an intention that I do one creative thing each day! Even though I believe everything we do has an aspect of creativity to it, I want to be even more intentional that I devote time to feed that part of my soul. Painting, singing or??? The possibilities are endless, even knowing, I have never done any of these things. Today is a new day for me and I shall begin. Stay tuned to see where my creativity leads me. I will blog about it!

Much love to all of you (my readers) and my want for all of you is to experience a retreat in the near future. I may lead one in the same location at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains next year. Do you want to come along?

Here is a link to the web site where the retreat was held. If you are interested in a retreat next year at this location (with me as your guide) just send me an email and let me know. Horseback riding is optional.

I will be planning next year’s retreats soon and I need your ideas and input as to where YOU would like them to be held.

Do you need a retreat today?

7 Reasons Wise Women Retreat

• CHECK IN: When was the last time you checked in and asked yourself "What do I need today?" A retreat is a great place to step out of your ordinary routine and focus inward.

• RE-ENERGIZE: your body, mind and spirit. Imagine how you would feel after a full afternoon or a whole weekend of self-care. Return to your world with a new vibrant energy.

• SET AN INTENTION: Often when women come on a retreat, they set an intention to gain clarity on one part of their life and valuable insights can occur.

• LET GO: What do you no longer want to carry around with you? How would it feel to leave behind part of the heavy load you drag around each day? Explore during the retreat ways to leave stress behind as you build toward an even more positive future.

• CONNECTION: Meet wonderful women who support you through change or just make you laugh so hard your sides hurt.

• MAKE NEW FRIENDS: Or connect with old ones in new ways. Women coming together for a day of sharing can experience great bonding.

• TAKE NEW FOCUSED ACTION: Inspiration goes a long way in moving you toward the next step. What have you been longing to do?

            

                    "If it is a woman's nature to nurture, then she must nourish herself."
                                                                                    Anne Morrow Lindbergh

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
copyright 2008
Judith Geiger
Flying Change Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.

What is a "Virtual" Retreat?

Yesterday, I went on a wonderful virtual retreat led by Julie McFann. It was very insightful and I felt a special bond to the other women on the call. Amazing how that always happens in retreats. Julie led us through some wonderful holiday exercises. I often think before I start an exercise that it won’t be very useful to me because I already have that part of my life covered, then “wham” a new insight hits me. It just goes to show me no matter how conscious we are in living our lives there is always another layer to explore. You can read some of what came up for me on the blog below called Holiday Retreat "Virtual".

The reason for this blog is to explain to everyone how a virtual retreat works. It seems like a strange concept if you have never experienced one. I will break it down into the steps that take place.

v     The Call in: Everyone calls into a bridge line (conference call) by dialing a number and the putting in an access code when prompted.

v     The Opening: Your retreat leader will have some sort of opening and everyone will introduce themselves.

v     The Intention: Each person states their intention for the retreat OR passes if they are not ready to share yet!

v     The First Exercise: Your leader will give you an exercise of some sort and everyone will hang up to do their retreating alone and call back in (usually at the top of the hour) for sharing of what came up for them or what new insights they discovered. Amazing things start to happen at this point. The women really start to bond and share. Your coach might offer you a reframe or resource for what you are working on.

v     The Second Exercise: And so it goes. Talking for a few minutes and hanging up with a new exercise to meet back again at the top of the hour. This will continue for a certain number of hours.

v     The Closing: Then you will meet again for the final call. Your retreat leader will offer you some sort of closing ceremony as everyone says their last goodbyes.

v     The Follow up: If your leader is a personal life coach as well as a retreat leader they may offer you a private session to work on what comes up for you during the retreat.

Now that you understand the steps I hope you would like to give a virtual retreat a try. It has so many advantages. The retreat “Happy Holidays” yesterday that I attended had women from coast to coast. Who knows, you might make a new friend in another state or country. All of the retreat coaches who have studied with Helene VanManen have great skills to offer you. Each is unique in how they lead their retreats and what topics they choose. Many are also certified personal life coaches. During the retreat they are able to offer you a reframe on certain perspectives to aid you in your personal growth. Keep track of the retreat coach calendar so you don’t miss out on the fun!

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

copyright  2007
Judith Geiger
Flying Change Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.

Holiday Retreat "Virtual"

I am going on a virtual holiday retreat in a few minutes. To prepare for the retreat Julie-Ann McFann (retreat coach) asked me to:

*Between now and Saturday, please think about your intention for the retreat.  What do you hope you will get out of it?

*If possible, find an image or object that symbolizes the "ideal holidays" for you.  Bring the image or object with you to the retreat.

Reflecting on theses two questions I recalled a Christmas that was very special to me (I remembered that warm fuzzy feeling) so the image I am taking to the retreat, is of me at twelve years old. My intention for the retreat is to find that warm fuzzy feeling this year again.

When I was twelve years old my mother and I were a tight twosome. After all, it was just the two of us that made up our family. She lost contact with her own family when she left home as a teen. I lost contact with my dad when my parents divorced. So we were truly alone living in a low income housing project while my mother worked as a waitress at a downtown diner. I remember how much joy and love I felt that Christmas.

I had managed to talk my mother into getting a very large Christmas tree, which took up more of the living room than she was comfortable with. She always liked things neat and simple, never seeming to need frivolous things like trees and Christmas ornaments, but that year I won her over and our tree (even though it was rather bare of ornaments) shined brightly in my heart.

When Christmas morning arrived, I ran downstairs with great excitement to open our gifts to each other. My mother opened her gift first. It was a new toothbrush with a beautiful sparkly case. I saw the look on her face and I knew instantly she wasn’t very excited. Maybe she didn’t understand that (in my child mind) I had hoped owning such a case for her toothbrush, would make her feel special like all those fancy ladies who traveled the world. Then it was my turn, I opened a large hand tooled leather purse with a Mexican design. I know she saw my look of disappointment as well. I thought, “What did a twelve year old need with such a large purse?”

Later in the day we headed to the diner where she needed to serve Christmas dinners. I sat at a table alone eating turkey with wonderful herb stuffing while the cook, a large African American man (wearing a white chef hat and coat) kept an eye on me. He often inquired how his cooking was. His rather large belly and deep laugh reminded me of Santa. He brought out several desserts to tempt me. I knew he was worried about me being lonesome, at my table for one.

Why did this Christmas come to mind, when I was reflecting about what I love at Christmas time? I have had so many Christmases since that were filled with a wonderful large family, many presents and even bigger trees? So if it isn’t all the things and the doing that gives me that warm Christmas feeling. Then what is it?

Through my retreat reflection I realized it was truly Christmas Love. I remember that year walking in the town square as the soft snow danced about the lights strung in the tress and on the poles. I loved Christmas Carols bellowing out of the Woolworth building, Silver Bells was my favorite since I knew my mother loved it. I even remember the grumpy drug store man (where I purchased the toothbrush) who for the first time ever, smiled at me and wished me Happy Holidays. Christmas love showed up everywhere that year, even on the face of a small boy, struggling to get his new puppy (still wearing a big red bow) across the street with him.

As I reflected on these memories a bit more during Julie’s retreat it made me realize it was definitely that kind of “Christmas Love” that makes me all warm and fuzzy. I was enjoying the simple pleasures of the season. That is what made my memories warm and fuzzy when I was twelve. Maybe I was not so different than my Mother after all. I still love the simple Christmas pleasures the best.

I remember many years later reading that my Christmas chef had died. I felt such a deep sadness and I barely knew him. He had made a very large impact on my life that Christmas, just being kind. He touched my heart.

My Christmas question to you is this:  “How can you touch someone’s heart so deeply this year, with your Christmas love, that they feel a tug at their heart for you?”

I dearly love going on retreats as much as I do leading them. My want for all of you is to attend a retreat for yourself. It can be in person or virtual. Check the retreat coach calendar.

I would love your comments here or on one of my other blog entries.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!   ENJOY THE SIMPLE CHRISTMAS PLEASURES!

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
copyright  2007
Judith Geiger
Flying Change Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.

Firelight and Candles Retreat

Beautiful Alchemy Boxes

and the Women who created them.

Click pictures for larger view.

Women of Light!

At this Firelight and Candles Retreat all of the women truly shined brighter than any of the other lights in the room. They were women who let their internal lights shine. Each one supported the other to self-discover and self-develop.

Each alchemy box was created to be an expression of themselves, to serve as a reminder of what they want to bring into their lives in 2008. Inside they stored treasures and ideas that will be a reflection (through out the year) of what is important to them.

When women step away from everyday life and come together in "circle", often a compassionate dialogue occurs. They are able to intuitively know what each other needs. That is exactly what this group did. Supported each other, cared about each other and I could feel the love grow in a very short time. I was honored to witness the unfolding.

What are your dreams and desires for 2008?

Please add comments to the blog below (New Year~2008~New You) so I can publish here in the coming year what everyone wants. Is it more Peace or Abundance? Whatever it is, let me know.  When you say it out loud or write it down it becomes more real.

Here is a poem I love and believe it is perfect to sit with as you come up with what you want in 2008.

Only as high as I reach can I grow.

Only as far as I seek can I go.

Only as deep as I look can I see.

Only as much as I dream can I be.

        Karen Ravn

Copy right notice:

Copy right 2007

Judith Geiger

Flying Change Coaching, LLC

all rights reserved

My Community Wish for You

                              

               Women on Retreat

                           

~Women building community

~Women Changing the World

          

     

Judith Geiger ~ Flying Change Coaching

Country Retreat

                                                                                     

Amazing women taking time for themselves recently at my country retreat had this to say during the closing ceremony, "When can we have our reunion retreat?" They were ready right then to do it all over again. During their one day retreat they had bonded in such a fashion that they not only wanted to do it again but they wanted to do it again together. I find this to be very common on my retreats. Women who were strangers mere hours before become fast friends. Not an ordinary friendship but one that has been created by an authentic moment.

The women I am talking about went out into nature to reflect on what they were attracted to. Karin Marcus loaned me her idea about sending the retreating women out with a new box of crayons and a small pad where they could draw what they were noticing in nature. A couple of my women took it a step further. One brought her watercolors (picture below ~ left) and another actually wrote a lovely poem about what the walk meant to her. (Below left)

Pictured above left are two of the women who were both attracted to a lovely yellow rose bush that was in full bloom. They are pictured here capturing the very essence of that bush as they draw in quiet contemplation. Nature was working her magic already and they were only a few feet from the house. Later they walked among apple trees and strolled through the fields.

After reflecting on and letting go of what no longer served them, the women pictured above right are walking toward a positive future as they head indoors to create beautiful vision boards. Calling these vision boards beautiful is an understatement because these were eight of the most creative women you can imagine. Once they were encouraged to express themselves something magical happened.

Here is a wonderful quote about retreating:

"... Retreat is about stepping out of your ordinary existence to listen and attune to your truest, most authentic self. It is about being self-referenced to become self-restored. It is setting apart time to tend the hearth of your inner life, feed your muse, reclaim your dream. 

- Jennifer Louden

Watercolor by Mary Lacerenza

A summer breeze warm and sweet,

Blows chill and damp today.

A summer sun intense and hot,

Withholds its gleam today.

A summer riot of blooming color

Is mostly green today.

Mother Nature, an ancient dam

Knows how to be that way.

Be all things great, from brilliant,

Bold and in your face.

To tiny, soft and barley seen.

Be sparing and generous

Be simple and complex. Be vital,

crucial, strong and brave.

Strive to be like natures mom

A woman at her best.

Author A.A.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
copyright  2007
Judith Geiger
Flying Change Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.                                                 

Maine Retreat in April

Whose feet are in the icy Atlantic Ocean in April?

Mine of course!!!

I went on a magnificent seaside retreat this past weekend and one thing I did for sure was laugh, play and have fun!!!! The pretty red toes in the picture belong to a very wonderful woman named Betty! There were 9 women in all making this a very powerful retreat of women connecting heart to heart. We not only laughed and played together but we also cried together and found bits and pieces of ourselves that we had lost or forgot that we ever had.

One very powerful exercise that we did was to use markers, to write on rocks, the things we wanted to let go of in our lives. Some women needed rather large rocks in order to have enough room for all they wanted to say! While others chose several smaller rocks and used very pretty colors along with little drawings to make a point.

My own rock had a red heart on it along with only four small words. I felt that summed it all up nicely. My words were "Need to Please Others"(each woman had her own thing or things to let go of). After preparing for our journey, we picked up our rocks and headed out for a rather long walk to the beach. The rocks began to get heavier with each step we took, reminding us of the need to let them go.

One by one we walked to the water’s edge where the ocean waves played as we tossed (or threw as hard as we could) the rocks and words that were holding us back in life, as the women circled and sang, "Woman am I, spirit am I, I am invincible, within my soul" Recorded and available from ~ (Helene Van Manen)

After the exercise was over each and every woman reported feeling lighter. A burden had been removed and all that remained was a stronger woman standing in her own power ready to move forward with new awareness.

You will find a picture below where the rocks and words now lay.

We did many exercises that weekend that built us up a little taller with each one we did, that by the time it came to say goodbye we had to reach a little higher to give each other a huge hug!!!

If you ever get an opportunity to take a retreat with one of the retreat coaches in your area have no fear that you will receive a great deal of value! Just one caution!!! You may end up smiling for weeks! Not a half smile but one of those silly little smiles that you just can’t seem to wipe off your face. Remember what they feel like? I have one now!!!!

                               HAPPY RETREATING!!!!!!   

                               This retreat was led by Maggie Butler         

                              Click pic to see larger!!!            

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
copyright  2007
Judith Geiger
Flying Change Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.

Watsu Dreaming in the Snow

Below is the post that I wrote in March. Since it was accidentally deleted I am adding it back to my blog on this Friday evening in April.  I can hardly believe it but we are waiting for another nor’easter that may dump as much as two to three feet of snow this weekend. You can only imagine how much I need either Spring or a watsu today!

This morning when I woke I had planned to write about my watsu experience at retreat coach training. What I didn’t anticipate was 8 inches of new snow in the middle of March; a nor’easter blew into town yesterday which usually makes me smile. I love to watch the snow because there is almost something sacred about the quietness of snow falling gently to the ground as it blankets everything with a fresh look. BUT, I draw the line about snow after March15th. I NEED SPRING! So actually it turned out to be a very good day to reflect on my watsu experience. As I let my mind go back and remember how it felt floating in the warm water ~I was watsu dreaming~ in the mist of a March snow storm which in turn did make me smile after all.

When my retreat coach emailed us our options about the body work we could experience during retreat, I was very curious about watsu, never having even heard the word before. When I first investigated what it was, I thought this would be a great way to over come my uneasiness of not being a good swimmer. So I signed up! Little did I know what a large impact it would have on me.

As I approached the yurt in my swim suit ready for action I had no idea what to really expect. I was immediately struck by the comfort of the silence and the warm moist air when I opened the door! The practitioner was waiting my arrival and spoke in whispers due to others getting massages on tables set up around the pool. As I looked around I noticed a fire place burning next to the pool which gave it a warm glow.

As I entered the pool with the practitioner she began to ask me questions like, did I need ear plugs, was there anything about my body she should know, such as, sore areas, etc….

At that time I was instantly struck by her deep kind eyes. All of my fear of water just melted away and I knew I would be in capable hands. She took my head in her hands and tested my body to see how well I floated on my own. Rather like a rock. So she put floats on my legs to assist her in keeping me above water as she guided my moves of floating and being led into what I can only describe as a stretching water dance!

My retreat coach had called me to the side of the pool before getting started and asked me to hold a certain intention as I received my watsu. Clarity around a subject that I was working on and holding dear to my heart! So as I was being floated around the pool I just let this intention drift through my mind. Not holding onto to it but just letting it come along with me. As I close my eyes now I can relive exactly how it felt to be guided through the water as a sensation of flying overtook me. With this feeling came clarity around my issue just as I opened my eyes and saw for the first time a ceramic mermaid with wings hanging over the pool. I smiled and closed my eyes with the knowledge that not only did I have a wonderful relaxing feeling from the watsu but, I also had the clarity to what I was working on.

"Perfect sincerity and transparency make a great part of beauty, as in dewdrops, lakes, and diamonds." ~Henry David

I have added links below for anyone who would like more information on the subject of watsu or yurt.

If you would like to learn more about coaching please feel free to contact me anytime!

Retreats are Essential ~ Not Frivolous

I came to the conclusion that retreats were not frivolous but truly essential at my very first coaching retreat! The benefits are too numerous to even mention. Someone asked,

"WHAT DO YOU DO AT A RETREAT?" This is what I told her:

"Coaching Retreats are a chance for you to rest, reflect, and do some inner processing. Every retreat is a little different. Usually the leader keeps the details secret so we can be pleasantly surprised. Often included is circle work, various group activities (which might include music, dance, collage) along with some much needed down time. You can journal on your own, read, have a massage, or walk on the beach (or a mountain road, etc.) alone or with others. Whatever you prefer to do. A retreat is not about pleasing anyone except yourself. If you decide to go take a nap and skip an activity that is fine also. Many retreats include some sort of new adventure. Each is as unique as the coach leading it! In a coaching circle, the conversation is always very confidential (if you care to share) but again you do not need to share your experience if you don't care to."

People are sometimes concerned about feeling out of place if they go! Being put on the spot or in the limelight .Coaching retreats are not like that. They are a safe, sacred place for everyone to get just what they need. It is an amazing journey that once ventured on will change your life forever and you will understand that retreats are not frivolous but truly essential for your inner self.

Calendar:

Please check out the calendar on the sidebar for a retreat in your area. Trained Retreat Leaders have a new way for you to find a retreat that suits you. Also, you can find the calendar by going to the retreat coaches network blog. Hope to see YOU at a retreat soon!