Lessons Learned
What began as a last minute inspiration has become a treasured experience. Thank you to each of you who joined our Mama Renew Virtual Retreat. While eight of us shared four days together at Hollyhock Retreat Centre on Cortes Island, almost 150 of you joined in for our Virtual Retreat on facebook posting over 500 comments – an experience that I treasure just as much as our time at Hollyhock.
Lessons learned:
1. Listen to Creative Whims!
It was a whim, really, to create the Virtual Retreat, and I’m still in awe of what it became. While my mind certainly pondered saying “no” to this last minute project in favour of all the other things on my “to do” list, my heart knew better. I’m so glad we were able to share in the retreat spirit with all of you who were unable to join us “live”. What’s your whim?
2. Just ask.
It’s one thing to envision a Virtual Retreat, and another to actually create it. Within 24 hours we were “live”, with a fabulous array of prizes for Virtual Retreat participants.
Deep gratitude to Meghan Rathwell of Nourishing Arts Collective, Kyrani Kanavaros of Klik Photographic, Lisa Marie Bhattacharya of Ocean Light Cottage & Spa on Bowen Island, and Maria Mizuno with Mama Goddess Birth Shop
for their support in bringing the retreat to life and helping the four lucky winners – Megan, Mika, Genevieve & Katy – to bring some renewal into their lives.
2. Make Room for Connection
It seems to me that we need far more openings for connection as women and mothers. Your response & engagement blew me away, and I was surprised by the ways in which your virtual participation enriched our group experience at Hollyhock. Thank you all for reaching out – I hope we can keep the dialogue going here, through our RENEW newsletter & on our facebook page!
3. Eat Oysters Whenever Possible
Ok, so they’re slimy looking & more than a bit intimidating, but we savoured every slurp, as seen in the finger-licking photo above. While these won’t likely be appearing on our family dinner table on a regular basis, we appreciated the reminder to take risks and try something new.
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[...] Rathwell (who also inspired this great post on new motherhood and donated a fabulous prize for our Virtual Retreat this Spring). Just moments before I had been on the phone with a friend who needed a listening [...]
[...] where to begin (which is why I’m starting here…) My experience with you all during the Virtual Retreat was so exactly what I have been envisioning for Mama Renew, I want to see it come to life here on [...]
LOL – oysters are one of my most favourite foods! I told Harry that my upcoming 40th birthday celebrations should involve oysters for sure! I’m glad you were brave enough to try them!
(and the above photo of you is stunning BTW!)
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I am sorry that it didn’t work out for me to come this year, but I am so glad that the weekend was a success. I really hope that this becomes an annual retreat, as I would love to attend next year.
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I like them with hot hot hot sauce!
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I have never had a raw oyster. I think I must remedy that.
And the Virtual Retreat sounds fabulous. Hooray for listening to whims!
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admin Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:03 PM
It’s an experience! Everyone told me not to chew, but I rather enjoy the texture.
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