“Rested Bitch Face,” quickly became the tagline of the Fall Equinox Retreat last month. It never ceases to blow my mind how a group of strangers can all be holding each other through both tears and belly laughs by the end of day one. This group was no exception. We had women from 27-58 years young, hailing from 4 different states. And it’s like they were meant for one another. Meant for me, too. Each retreat clarifies my vision of what Persephone’s importance in this world. Now more than ever, I am absolutely positive of my place and purpose in this beautiful Collective. And I’d like to see you try to stop me.
Details for the 2022 Persephone Unleashed Retreats will be coming together this winter.
Be sure to join the mailing list to be the first to know when registration opens!
COSMIC COLLABORATORS of CREATIVITY:
Photographer + Hostess: Sarah Kathleen
Venue: Flying Caballos Ranch
Florals: Lilies of the Field
Catering: Flora & Fauna Fine Food
Hair + Makeup: Rozetree Bridal | Rhyan & Juju
Stationer + Artistry: Nicole Joy
Yoga + DJ: RyToast | Yoga & Mixtapes
Shamanic Healer + Workshop: Jen Chen
Spa: Fable Soap Co.
Vintage Rentals: Embellish Vintage Rentals
Table & Tabletop Rentals: All About Events
Wine: Ruby Cellars
Coffee: Spearhead Coffee
Massage: Kate Cody
Sweatshirts: The Pine Torch
DAY ONE arrived with the last Full Moon of Summer…
And with temperatures in the low 80’s, it truly was the last remnants of Summer. The ladies arrived to Flying Caballos Ranch and the cutest yellow farm house settled before the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo, which would be their home for the next 3 nights. Upon arrival, they were handled a cocktail and invited to indulge in the bounty of delicious snacks. After we opened our circle with introductions, we migrated to a table laden with floral pretties and guided through a floral crown workshop by Ranay from Lilies of the Field. Rose was poured, laughter started to bubble throughout the space, and Joy was unavoidable. Next, we slipped into cozy evening wear and were treated to a skin and self care session with the lovely ladies of Fable Soap Co. Our time with Jeriel and Bobbie reminded us how important and truly simple loving our skin really is. As the sun set and the twinkle lights came on, we moved inside and treated our tastebuds to a build your own nacho bar — a genius slumber party inspired meal by Flora and Fauna Fine Food. The Harvest Moon rose above the hillside and a few of us slipped out and just watched her in sweet reverence, sipping on glasses of red wine. And it was a perfect day.
DAY TWO arrived with the last day of Summer…
We awoke to the smell of coffee and a beautiful breakfast spread, before circling up on the lawn for our first yoga practice with Ry (owner and founder of Yoga & Mixtapes). This was my 2nd retreat with Ry (who also happens to be my cousin), and I love hearing the women’s experience of her. So many women have arrived to the retreat having never taken (or perhaps never enjoyed) a yoga class before. And Ry is the perfect guide into the sacred practice of observing our breath and bodies. She doesn’t take life too seriously, and loves to weave fun, laughter, and exploration into her classes like I’ve never seen in my 12 years of practicing yoga. Not to mention her playlist BUMPS.
It was a fluid transition out of yoga into our part one of a ‘Release to Receive’ Workshop with Jen Chen, Shamanic healer and now dear, dear friend. These energy workshops are absolutely impossible to describe through words alone, and really beg one to experience her work firsthand to KNOW the powerful healing she brings to the Persephone experience. If you know, you know. And I would LOVE for you to Know. Day one was dedicated to Releasing fears that no longer serve us, to make room in our heartspace for what was to come the following day. And boy, did we let that shit go.
Rhyan and Juju, the badass babes of Rozetree Bridal arrived ready to pamper and glam five women for their bare sessions. All the while being musically hyped up by DJ RyToast, the vibe queen.
I guided five women through their bare session journeys, and witnessed each and every one of them transform before my very eyes. It’s like watching a terrified kitty cat evolve into a lioness, as they dropped in and took a piece of their power back. These sessions are another thing that is impossible to describe to someone who’s never done it. And if I have my way, every woman will Know this one day.
As day two came to a close, we gathered around a beautifully set table for an Indian inspired meal by chef Heidi of Flora & Fauna. After such a big day, we all wandered off to bed early to get some rest before doing it all over again.
DAY THREE arrived with the Fall Equinox…
Women woke with the shifting of seasons, and I found them scattered amidst the property soaking in the magic of this first day of Fall.
After another glorious breakfast, we joined Ry for our 2nd yoga practice. More laughter. More juicy movement.
Part Two of our ‘Release to Receive’ workshop with Jen Chen brought with it joy, singing, dancing, and a reception of ALL THE GOOD THINGS we made space for the day before.
Four women were photographed this day, and it was just as powerful. Watching women give voice and movement to their truths is the greatest gift, and I will do this until the day I die.
To celebrate the Fall Equinox, we dressed in our fanciest wares for a Goddess Feast and gathered around a bountiful table set by the lovely ladies of Flora & Fauna. We dined on comfort foods and drank deeply of conversation, belly laughs, and delicious red wine. We ended the night with a spontaneous rap show by RyToast and danced in the moonlight until our bodies could dance no more.
DAY FOUR arrived with the foggiest of mornings, Fall had truly arrived…
A group of women who started as complete strangers was now faced with the difficult task of saying goodbye (for now).
After a gentle, seated yoga practice where we just loved on our throat chakras (they did WERK) and gave ourselves the most intentional of hugs, we sat down together for one final meal: BRUNCH.
With full bellies and fuller hearts, we departed one by one.
And it’s so good know that we’ll all find our way back to one another.
Because I’ve only just gotten started.
Back in November, I had the distinct honor of hosting a special edition of Persephone Unleashed for a retreat alumni’s 40th birthday. This gaggle of goddesses welcomed me into their girl squad like I’d been there the whole time.
Ladies & gentlemen, we’ve done it again.
Staring at a blinking cursor, wondering how in the world I could ever put this experience into words. It all started with a wish that floated around in my imagination for years, and now staring at these photos I see the transformation of a wish given breath. And I am undone. It will be absolutely impossible to rightly express the divine magic of this retreat, but I will do my damnedest. Here it goes.
