I have a habit of browsing social media when I’m bored, but now I have convinced myself it is a part of my job to identify wellness retreats that may or may not show up on my Google searches. So, Innherwork Wellness Retreat was another one that I found randomly on Facebook. I was drawn into this one because it focused mainly on the soul of a person to identify that inner woman and what she desired in life. I was not sure if it was intended for me because it explicitly stated it was a luxury retreat for women who are busy, high-performing, and professional. Initially, I was on the fence about paying $2,500.00+$62.50 service fee to attend the retreat, but it included the hotel room, food, yacht excursion, and special surprises. Since I did not know the host, I attended a few of her free online ‘coaching’ sessions and an informational session about the retreat. I also had airline credit from a previously canceled trip, so I decided to book a weekend of luxury. Prior to the event the host, Angela Kerri, held one-on-one virtual sessions to meet the participants before the retreat. I thought this was a great idea! I could tell she was initially taken back that I would spend this amount of money, travel to another state, and attend an event with someone that I did not know personally and had not “vetted”. She seemed almost puzzled by my randomness. I did not realize that my randomness and ability to live outside my comfort zone was viewed as unique. But I am grateful for this quality. And because of my uniqueness and appetite for adventure, I can share my experience with others.
The retreat included a small number of women (approximately 25) provided a few exercise options, but I honestly found myself eating and lounging most of the time. The speakers and presentations were interesting, but did not move me to an ‘aha’ moment or spiritual breakthrough. I am not sure if the other women did or not. But one of the speakers, Carol Muleta, did inspire me to continue writing a resource book for parents who adopt from foster care. She was led to focus on parenting and being a child advocate based upon her own experiences as a mother. Very similar to my own experiences.
There were some other special touches like the yacht ride that included dinner, music, and drinks. But the size of the hotel and other guests took away from my full ability to immerse into myself…I discovered on this trip that I enjoyed the size of the group of women, but I value seclusion, quietness, calm, and elegant simplicity. So, if you are looking for a retreat that everyone shares their business, cry uncontrollably, and get into a prayer circle, this is not the retreat for you. BUT, if you are looking for a relaxing retreat, that does not require much unnecessary thinking like “what I am going to eat for lunch?”, then this is the one for you! If you are trying to find your purpose and need help doing so then maybe this is something to consider….
Personally, I know exactly what my purpose is, I just need the practical knowledge to support it such as how do I start a business? What are SBA loans? Do I qualify? My brain moves at 150 mph constantly…I just need the space to let it all out then organize it and process it. So if you are like me, you may need someone to process things with or just talk them through. But I have a therapist, family, friends, and colleagues that are my support system for that. So, don’t forget your tribe…but if you don’t’ have a resourceful tribe then you need to identify the steps to create one. And that may include a life coach.
After reviewing the agenda and materials from the retreat when I returned home, it mentions reiki. I am sure it was discussed during the retreat, but I don’t remember it. I’m honestly not familiar with the practice and the research evidence that supports its impact on health. But…for some reason when I hear the word “Reiki”, I honestly have thoughts of a 1970’s line dance to the rhythm of the Hustle…”Do the Reiki”. So, that is obviously incorrect, so I’ll do more research on the topic and will reach out to Angela to learn more about her practice.
My main take away from the retreat was that I personally was not in a place that requires a life coach. What I needed was rest and relaxation and the retreat provided me that. What I also realized is that I refused to let anything or anyone steal my joy. American Airlines lost my luggage during this trip. I didn’t receive it until almost 2 weeks later. So, I spent a lot of time at the mall (mainly Macy’s) buying clothes, shoes and other essentials. But I remained calm and just casually road the wave of chaos.
So, another characteristic of mine is that I am not easily impressed by titles, materialistic things, or much of anything that is not genuine. But I do have strong values and I spend time not only observing my surroundings, but also people’s behavior. I do not know Angela well, but she not only verbalized that she poured herself into the retreat and her business in general, but I could honestly feel it. This was her very first retreat, so kudos are definitely in order! Mariposa’s Place of Wellness is about women building women if you want to learn more about Innherwork be sure to visit Angela Kerri’s website she not only hosts wellness retreats, but she is also a life coach and reiki practitioner.
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