girls gone mild
“Girls Gone Mild”
I have been to a bachelorette party or two, but none quite like this one. We normally started our day with mimosas and finished our day with pizza. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my most unique bachelorette party yet, the theme was “Girls Gone Mild”. I hosted six incredible women on a retreat.
One of the four agreements of retreat is “What is said in the circle stays in the circle.” And I will honor that, but I need to share my experience. And a few moments of heart taps to go along with it!
The day started like any other, I am getting to know them, setting up for yoga, watching the group dynamics- just as every other retreat.
During yoga, I was watching their body language, adjusting my plans and acknowledging what these women’s BODIES were telling me, not their intake forms. Their forms told me they wanted to move and get a work out. Their energy told me- I’m exhausted.
We quickly shifted from our vinyasa yoga practice to a slower yin-like pace. WIth this new pace, we found the rhythm. This rhythm allowed everyone to start breathing a little deeper and releasing a little more. I soon had them tucked in for the sound bath. Yes, one woman was snoring. And guess what- I didn’t wake her up. Why, you may ask? What she needed most was sleep.
From the sound bath we broke into two groups of three (me with one group) and found the energetic flow of the reiki share. My group- wow! I have not felt that much power and connection in far too long. In the words of one guest, she could feel a “tornado of energy between us”, and I love that visualization, because that is exactly what I felt too!
By the third woman, we were energetically bound as a unit. I knew she needed to cry. I could feel it everywhere. I decided to be a vessel for her emotions. Soon tears were also pouring down her cheeks. I had boogers everywhere. I didn’t want to place my hand on her out of respect for public health! I should have had a Kleenex box nearby, but lesson learned- next time.
One of my group asked “can the six of us now give to you?” I wanted to say no. I was working. I am the giver. I am the space holder. I am the host. They all need to rest, not give to me!
I said yes.
I said yes to me, because I wanted to also feel the power of these women connected as one. It took me time to settle my brain and energy enough to actually receive the healing energetic gift they were offering. They have been so generous, they are once again being the loving, giving women they are and here I am trying to figure out lunch.
During the closing circle the bride acknowledges each woman in her true nature as a hard working, every giving; mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend. She acknowledged how she doesn’t see them often enough, but knew that this weekend together would be exactly what each needed. They needed time to rest, connect with other women, laugh, smile and have less responsibility.
What this beautiful soul did not know was just how much she was speaking directly to me as well. I give as a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. And just as a few hours earlier had proven, when it is my turn to receive, I do not accept it with the grace that I deserve.
I am a hard working woman who will most likely never see these women again. But if I do, I will hug them with the deepest sisterly hug of my life. For that day, we connected and bound ourselves to each other. The power of sisterhood and feminine connection is a powerful medicine. And for welcoming me into their circle, I am forever grateful.
This Week’s A Door Within:
Who are my circle?
How do I receive from my circle?
♥Ashley
