Shani Yeend
We fly back to our retreat bubble.
Updated: Aug 4, 2022

After 3 long years we were finally back in our retreat nest. Together with 17 retreat birds, 3 hosts, a husband & two babies we flocked together in Portuguese paradise. Our Opening Ceremony saw me in tears as I took time to share my overflowing gratitude for this moment. A moment which was supported by my wing bird, soul sister & bestie to my babies, Charlie. It was our first retreat experience co-hosting, I was nervous & unbeknownst to me, so was she. I was blown away to have a full nest of birds flying away to rest, play & connect. I was also ridiculously emotional to be on my first trip abroad in 2.5yrs, as a traveller at heart I was emotional just landing in Lisboa airport.
The 4 days that followed were slowed right down. The morning meditation feeling like days prior as we sat down together for dinner. Our retreat schedules are full, it's amazing how much enjoyment & nourishment one can pack into a day when given the opportunity.
It's impossible to really share the magic that unfolds during retreat life, but here's what I noticed unfolding...
Proper conversations shared. Never any small talk, the narrative was intelligent, inspiring & meaningful. Or it was honest & brave. It was lighthearted & giggly. Birds were really listening, there were no distractions in sight.
Space was being carved out. Space to rest, to breath or to be still. Solo walks into the mountains, books were being read. Siestas & journalling. Space to daydream, to process our experiences, to cry, to hold someone. When in real life do we have this space?
Moulds were being reshaped, bad habits were being challenged & put to rest. Fresh ideas & a positive chain reactions in motion.
17 women were quite literally being cared for. Feet up, getting all the sleep, not cooking, not cleaning. Doing all the things that nourished their body, mind & soul. Waking up in paradise, being in nature, being outside all-day-long. Moving their bodies in different ways for no less than 5hrs a day!
These women spend their lives caring & doing everything for everyone. It was literally such a blessing to see them getting everything they deserve. And whats more, they naturally & organically were still there there for me, for Charlie, Jemma, Josh, Minnie & Rocky. Our 17 retreat birds when stripped of their responsibilities, duties, titles & stresses were beaming light & love. Retreat life with our birds is goals.
Thank you to everyone who made our retreat such a rewarding & joyous adventure!
Wanna retreat with us, we are flying to Bali this November. We'd love you to join us! Details here.