A long forgotten bracelet from the first Indigo Connection retreat in 2006
Our first retreat included only six women and was held at my parent’s cottage in Lakeside. We had very little structure, yet many amazing things happened during that time. I fondly remember how often the lamplights flickered during our discussions, as if some invisible force was adding punctuation marks to important things said. All had Goosebumps. We agreed then and there that we needed to keep this going as an annual event.
In 2006 we began our tradition of including a creative art project as part of the retreat. This year it would be a beaded wrap bracelet including a special word we chose for ourselves. I chose beautiful beads in my favorite colors, as well as the letters to spell “CREATE”. Most of the beads were tiny and it took great concentration to get them all strung so that “CREATE” was placed in the center of the coil. I remember being upset at myself once the beads were all in place, only to realize that I had strung the letter C backwards. I’m a perfectionist and this really bothered me. I wore the bracelet for the remainder of the retreat, but found it irritating to look at. After the retreat, it was put away and soon buried by more beloved items in my jewelry box.
Just as a women’s life cycle takes her through a process of growing from maiden, to mother and finally to empty-nest grandmother, our retreat group energy has matured as well. We’ve always been diverse in age and have included some of the smartest and most well read women I know. The early years brought us a smattering of wounded hearts, low emotions and tears transforming to bright smiles by Sunday morning. The group has always had the power to lift the low ones in a beautiful way.
Our 2014 group of 25 was a diverse, happy, healthy and highly intelligent one. About 50% were newcomers. We began with a few watery eyes during introductions, but clearly a higher emotional state was in charge as we entered the weekend. Interestingly a surge of new participants from “left brain professions” brought many laughs during the opening introductions as one after another admitted, “I am an accountant”. Many in the group confessed that they enrolled in need of intensive “ME TIME”. One newcomer surprised herself by falling sound asleep during a meditation on Friday, only then realizing just how worn out she had let herself become.
As in previous years, our retreats include segments that teach, provide physical movement and allow artistic creation. This year’s program brought excellent presenters including comedian Kathie Dice, yoga and dance teacher Kathy Orazio (who is also an accountant) and artist Barb Quent to teaches a form of meditative doodling often known as Zentangle. We also had a 5-hour block of free time during the sunny Saturday afternoon. Our ladies used their time well taking walks, snapping photos, napping, shopping, enjoying a movie, reading, healing sessions and massage. Those who came alone were invited to join friendly groups and those who needed time alone found it. They took chances to try improv on Saturday night and honored quiet time when 11 pm rolled around.
Maturity means relaxing into whatever happens. As a leader I can truly do that this year and trust the process. As we ended our closing circle on Sunday, I suddenly realize that this is the first year that I am not sobbing. Scanning the faces in the circle, I see women who are strong and confident enough to handle whatever life throws their way. I’m not worried for them, but rather calm. It is then that the beaded bracelet on my right wrist catches my eye. I wear it proudly. As I fall in love with life, I am also falling in love with imperfections.
Check out our 2014 retreat photo album on Facebook at The Indigo Connection, Betsy Muller Founder
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Indigo-Connection-Betsy-Muller-Founder/177283722299618
