They came from all over US and Canada, from Arizona to Montreal, from New York to Vancouver. But they all had something in common – they wanted to explore their depths and know themselves better, and they were all drawn to the ultimate place of teaching: nature’s classroom in Maui. Many were in for some pleasant surprises, because nature sure has her own unique way of teaching. And they wanted to connect with like-minded women to share the journey. 

Their intentions were varied and yet on a similar theme – whether it was rejuvenation; to be present and authentic; to heal; to have fun and remember how to play again; to open to spirituality – all spoke of their desire to feel a deeper level of self trust. They wanted to stop holding back and leap more bravely, more audaciously, into life. And who can teach that better than the one who constantly embodies that – nature herself?

What was delicious was observing the way nature played with each one of the women, teaching her in the perfect way to meet her needs. For one, the spiky lava fields were a place of rest, comfort and connection. She lay back on the rock and felt herself letting go, as if floating. I took a picture of her in her bright aqua colored dress and she really did look as if she was floating. It’s surreal (see attached pic). Another found a black, one-clawed crab that taught her about compassion. Seeing it all forlorn in it’s tiny pond, she remembered her ex-husband (Cancer star sign) and felt a softening of her judgement of him.

One woman felt a deep sense of belonging as she entered one of the sacred temples (heiau) and she wept at the release. It had been many years since she’d experienced such acceptance and love. In a mystical valley we visited the next day, as she sat in the stream and allowed the water to flow over her, another woman finally allowed herself to grieve after the loss of a loved one a few years before. Something she’d never allowed herself to do as she’d felt the need to be ‘on’ for her children. Another woman, in a pool the group named the ‘birthing pool’ (because of a game they’d spontaneously created there) recognized where in her life she’d been swimming upstream, and where she now needed to put her foot down. It was a revelation to her that when she did put her foot down on the riverbed she felt stable and clear.

I could go on and on. These are just cameos, little aperitifs, of what’s possible when we are still enough to listen to the wisdom nature provides. I’m thrilled to enjoy journeys like this regularly with awesome women from around the world.

Come join us in February when the WIN has arranged a special retreat in Maui for you! Let’s play in nature’s classroom and be audacious about life! Check out what’s in store: http://thewinonline.com/win-maui Blessings, Rachel">http://thewinonline.com/win-maui

Blessings and Aloha

Rachel