just show up as you.

I sent this note out to my newsletter kindreds last week and as I continue to open my heart up toward connection over here, I thought I'd share it with you in case you too need these words.

At the retreats I host, I watch a special magic unfold over the first evening and then into the first day we spend together. I watch women shed the labels of their everyday lives and begin to just show up as them. They release their grip on being identified as the roles they play - mother, wife, daughter of someone who is ill, woman going through a divorce, a person unsure of her next step, someone feeling stuck - and they settle into their chosen spot in the circle. As they listen to the stories of others, they begin to realize they are not alone in it all as a quiet chorus of "me too, me too" echoes in our circle.

For these five days, they don't have to be the strong one, the one who has it all together, the one who knows exactly what to do. They can just be themselves in the circle. They can listen and hold space for another. They can share a secret dream and not worry about judgment. They can be the quiet observer. They can even instigate a dance party after lunch. 

I watch these incredible women make the choice to open up their hearts and let out pieces of their true essence. And when they do this, the others around them so often say with words and actions, "I see you. You are beautiful. You have so much to offer this world. You are not alone. I'm here beside you."

We all need a space where we can just be us. A space where we aren't in charge. Where we feel safe enough to unearth this true essence inside us. A space to be the quiet one or the one who gives the biggest hugs or the one who invites others to dance or the one who simply nods and listens murmuring "yes." A space where we can connect with other like-minded souls.

Over here in my corner, the truth is that I'm longing for a space like this here in my own community. A space where I can just be me while surrounded by kindred spirits. A few weeks ago, I discovered a "new-to-me" yoga studio that seems very much in alignment with that essence inside me. A few times a week, I visit their website. I look at the class descriptions. I come up with another reason why I probably can't go this week. And then I find myself alone in the quiet wishing for that space to show up as me.

Are you nodding over there and thinking "me too" as you read my words and come up with reasons why you can't find this space in your corner of the world? If yes, I'm wondering if you might want to join me in taking one step toward finding that space for yourself. 

This one move might look like going to a yoga class or signing up for an art workshop or asking that other mother at daycare to get coffee this weekend or reaching out to an online friend you met in an ecourse and saying "Can we Skype?"

But most importantly, this move is going to look like practicing showing up as you. That's the only way you're going to know if it is the right space for you. 

I'll be over here working toward making my small move and cheering you on as you make yours. Let me know how it goes or share what's stopping you. Know that you aren't alone over there.

*****

If you've been feeling called to take time away from your day-to-day life to practice showing up as you and deeply connecting with others, consider coming along to the March Your Story Retreat. Due to cancellations, there are a few more spots available.

Join Elise Blaha Cripe, Kelly Barton, and me and a circle of kindreds as we share our stories, play with paint, write, walk on the beach, and laugh late into the night. 

We will also look at how our dreams can inform our stories and dive into the topic of how to embrace the everyday joys and the messy parts of daily life. 

Learn more about the Your Story Retreat here. And please just reply with any questions. (Note that there will not be a five-day summer retreat this year, and this will more than likely be the only Oregon Coast retreat in 2014.)

Spring 2014 Your Story Retreat

Come along to the Oregon Coast for five days with Elise Blaha Cripe, Kelly Barton, and me as your guides!

Next year's Your Story Retreat will take place March 26-30 in Gearhart, Oregon. During our time on the coast, we will explore ways to tell our stories through writing and poetry, painting and printing, sharing stories, and lots of other creative fun. We will look at how our dreams can inform our stories and dive into the topic of how to embrace the everyday joys and the messy parts of daily life. 

Throughout the retreat and workshops, Elise, Kelly, and I will share stories and creative tools while creating a safe, encouraging environment for everyone. We will let our cameras guide us, walk on the beach, and let the sun shine upon our heads as we listen to one another and share pieces of who we are.

Note: Registration for Your Story 2014 will open at 7AM PST on Wednesday, November 13. (Last year's retreat sold out in less than 24 hours so keep that in mind.) There are just 25 participant spots at this small retreat. 

Head over to the Be Present Retreats site to check out the retreat details including the workshops each teacher will be sharing. And just let me know if you have any questions.

retreating

Writing in The Lodge :: Gearhart, OR (photo by Vivienne McMaster)

When I get home from retreats, I always have plans to share photos and stories in this space. But each time it doesn't really happen. I get swept up in being back in the midst of family life and work stuff waiting for me. And I just can't seem to find the words for the few weeks after a retreat. By the time I do, I'm ready to talk about what's happening in this moment.

Photographers at play :: Gearhart, Oregon

Recently, I asked the ladies from the Your Story Retreat if they would share some words about their experience. When Hannah wrote the following in our private Facebook group, it was like a collective sigh of "Yes, just like this" was heard.

This is possibly the biggest and best gift you could give yourself, and actually your family and loved ones as well. You will change on a deep and meaningful level, and begin the transformation into the person you were meant to be.

Forget any little voices telling you that you can't take time for yourself, or it's not your cup of tea, or you don't know anyone and what if they're all weirdos....(all thoughts I had before I went!)

The truths are these: you do deserve it and taking this time to care for yourself will equip you to be present and truly see and love the people in your life when you return.

You already know the other women going, you just haven't met them yet. Within a few hours you will feel so comfortable talking and listening to them that you'll feel as though you've known them for ever. You'll make some deep connections with beautiful souls who will continue to touch and bless your life after you leave. 

You will laugh and cry and talk and write and dance and draw and breathe and heal and grow and be nourished and loved. 

But the most important truth is this: encircled by this group of women you will catch a glimpse of yourself as the woman they see (instead of the woman your inner critic tells you you are) and you will like her, you will want to see more of her. And when you get home and the laughter has faded, and the sand is shaken out of your shoes, you will make time for her. Maybe not every day, but she will stay with you forever.

-Hannah, Your Story Retreat 2013

So if you've been wondering about what it would be like to come to the Pacific Northwest for a Be Present Retreat, well, it's a lot like that.

Come to the Oregon Coast

 

We still have a few spots open at the Story Excavation Retreat with Jen Lee, Kelly Barton, and me. The dates are September 11-15 and we'd love you to come along to the Oregon Coast and connect with the kindreds you've been waiting for.

Learn more right here.

make a list

Thank you blue sky.
Thank you rumbling waves.
Thank you sand between my toes.
Thank you laughter drifting through the air.
Thank you new friendships.
Thank you bravery that surrounds us all.
Thank you trusting what I know.
Thank you stories.
Thank you food that nourishes.
Thank you breath.
Thank you.

Yes.

***

Over here I'm beginning to navigate that unique time that is re-entry after one of my retreats. The Your Story Retreat was truly incredible. I suppose I say some form of that after each one, but this one, yes, this one, it was some kind of magical. 

Sending light and love to your corner of the world. Tell me what is happening over in your corner. I'd love to know.

Blessings,

Liz

PS If you're feeling disconnected today, make a list of "Thank you." It gets you back in touch with what you know. 

story excavation retreat: registration is open!

I am delighted to announce that registration for the Fall Retreat, Story Excavation, begins today!

This is the retreat for those of you who have been asking me when Jen Lee and I were going to join forces for a retreat!! I am truly so excited that she's coming to join Kelly and me on the Oregon Coast this September 11-15. 

At Story Excavation, we will really get into our "story" dig sites and explore several ways to excavate our stories, including: the art and craft of storytelling, the creative power of community, and meditative art practices. 

We will also have some juicy conversations around navigating our public and private lives online, how we practice creative self-care, and how collaborating deeply inspires Jen, Kelly, and me.

And of course we will be recharging, walking along the Pacific Ocean, laughing into the night, and so many other good things. And my dear friend Sasha will be joining me again to nurture and nourish us in the kitchen.

Find out more about Story Excavation and register here.

it's a lot like this...

Frog Creek Lodge front porch . Feast Retreat (photo by Sasha Clements)

When I return from hosting one of my Be Present Retreats, I always struggle with how to talk about it here in this space. Capturing the truly life-changing moments with words escapes me. I seldom take photos because I am too busy with other pieces of the experience.

Feast was one of those retreats where I repeatedly found myself whispering silently, "I am home" as I moved from one moment to the next. I felt firmly rooted in knowing I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, and deeply called to circle with women more often.

On that final Sunday, just as we finished unloading the car back at my house, an email from my friend Sasha arrived. She was one of the first to leave the lodge that morning and during her time alone traveling home, she wrote a poem that captured Feast. 

I stood in my studio reading these words with tears in my eyes so grateful to be on this path.

***

Tiny nature altar . Feast Retreat (photo by Sasha Clements)

I carry

In a basket woven of chartreuse moss,
Stitched together with needles of pine,
Bound with multicolored scarves and scraps of lace from women before,
Strengthened with reeds smoothed flat by rocks of vulnerability,
Infused with scents of rose petals and patchouli…

I carry

Doubt,
Love,
Strength,
Confidence,
Fear,
Stories,
Courage,
Friendship,
Connection.

I carry
The glittery bits that spill out of the cracks
Of souls and hearts and minds,
Wet with tears and echoing laughter.

I carry
A white cup cushioned by a mothers gentle hand,
A white bowl still perfectly warm from the feast of nurturing kindness.

I carry
Circles of fabric and dreams,
Circles of pencil and paint,
Circles from the sea,
Circles of flickering light,
Circles of memory.

I carry it all
In the basket by my side,
In the pockets of my soul,
On the bookshelf of my mind,
In the space around my heart.

I carry
A filled up basket
Forward with me to the next journey.
Fortified,
Ready,
Open.

I carry
All I have gathered,
All I need,
To save myself again.

- Sasha Clements

About Sasha: I am... a free-spirited wild child, tethered to the responsibilities of the real world, walking a tightrope of compromise, and searching for a sweet blend of dreams and reality.

I work a full time as a communications and project coordinator for an electric cooperative in Indiana. After 30+ years, I’m still in love with my high school sweetheart. I’m a mom to a grown son and a “G” (grandma) to a 4-year-old superhero in training. When my alter ego demands creative play, I dabble in writing, photography, food, clay, yarn, and paint.

I believe the recipe for “retreat magic” includes a lovely combination of wise and generous teachers, like-minded souls circled together, and the invitation to share the truth of your story in a safe space. I crave the nourishment this magic gives - it’s why I attend retreats.

Connect with Sasha at her blog.

***

And today, I'm so excited to announce that a sneak peek of the Fall Retreat, Story Excavation, is up over at the Be Present Retreats site.

Registration goes live on Wednesday, May 1 at 8 AM PST.

If you feel called to join Jen Lee, Kelly Barton, Sasha, and me on the Oregon Coast this September, please be aware that the summer retreat sold out in less than 24 hours. We don't want you to miss your spot!

Learn all the juicy details here.

here: retreat prep

it's to-do lists next to to-do lists

and grocery shopping

and laying out several possible outfits for EJ in case her daddy has trouble getting her dressed

it's freshly laundered stacked vintage quilts

next to super secret good stuff + my favorite pens

next to art supplies, a new instax, and starry lights

next to spices, a food processor, and pepitas

it's picking up my partner in crime at the airport

one last run to Target

and squeezing in a haircut

it's a basket of poetry

two suitcases full of books

and one vintage typewriter

it's slowing down to soak it up

it's counting down the minutes until they arrive

it's creating space to feel the expectations

and deciding again and again to just show up as me

it's opening my heart to this

yes, this.

Feast

Over here, I'm continuing to get things ready for the Feast Retreat that happens in less than three weeks.

Hannah is gathering feathers and other good things she will be bringing with her across the miles. Kelly is emailing me with new ideas and photos of goodies she's creating. Persephone and I are working on the menu. (Oh my gosh I LOVE having an official chef for this retreat. Something tells me if you check out Persephone's Instagram feed you will get some sneak peeks.) Boxes of goodies are arriving.And super secret Pinterest boards are a very good thing to help with brainstorming. Yes.

I've learned so much organizing and teaching at retreats these past few years and planning Feast has felt very sacred to me. I'm bringing all the knowledge of these past retreats to this one. And I've spent time really sifting through the moments that filled us up, what needs a bit of tweaking, and what new things I'd like to share.

I'm so grateful for another opportunity to circle with women in an environment of inclusion where we can beautifully show up as ourselves. Yes.

We'll be exploring ways to practice soul care through sharing our stories, creating with paper and color, journaling, photography, cooking, and being in community. Hannah, Kelly, and I will be telling a few stories about our real self-care that isn't really about taking a bubble bath but about digging deep and realizing that even in the midst of the hardest moments we can find our way to be rooted in the joy, beauty, truth, love around and within us. 

Oh and there is going to be yoga. Yes. A morning of "yoga + poetry + stories" is on the schedule. Cannot wait! And some time with self-portraits and walking along Puget Sound and cooking together and how the list goes on. We still have a couple of spots left. Join us. Find out more and register here.

Note: If you feel a longing to come to the Pacific Northwest for Feast but gathering the full payment feels a bit overwhelming right now, payment plans are possible. Please contact me for more information.