Year-of-Self-Care Retreat Giveaway

Many of my major life shifts came while I was on a retreat. 

Whether it was spending eight hours alone at a friend's house unplugged, surrounded by my sketchpad, colored pencils and Wisdom cards, circling up to dialogue with men and women who were defining the next stage of their lives, or gathering with "sisters" at a yoga & wellness center in the mountains to hear what our "Wise Selves" had to share--these retreats or pauses from everyday life, had a profound impact on who I am today.

This Mother’s Day win a Yummy Mummy Year-of-Self-Care Retreat Package and enjoy relaxation, nurturing, nourishment, empowering coaching and inspiration for an entire year!

The amazing giveaway--which is open to all "women who nurture"--whether that's students, children, pets or plants--includes:

■An all-expenses paid trip to life balance author Renee Trudeau’s New Way of Being: Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat at Kripalu Yoga & Wellness Center in the MA Berkshires mountains (includes program registration, all meals and lodging--airfare excluded); Value: $900

■A Personal Renewal Group Starter Kit: includes a Personal Renewal Group Facilitator Membership (learn more) and 10 copies of The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life Value: $749

■A personalized, high-level coaching session with one of our nationally-recognized Senior RTA Career/Life Coaches --Angela Estes or Sarina LaMarche--via phone; Value: $225

■A registration to the highly popular New Way of Being Telecourse with Renee Trudeau; Value: $99

■ A vintage yoga soft, organic cotton Live Inside Out or I Choose Love t-shirt-- sizes are limited; Value: $20

■One-year supply of delicious and delightful Mighty Leaf Tea (various flavors); Value: $250

■ Beautiful hand-made string of 108 beaded Gemstone Serenity Beads for prayer or meditation from Renee's friend/wellness teacher Elizabeth Irvine. Use these beads as a touchstone throughout your day to promote peace and serenity; Value: $250 
Total package value: $2700

How to win? It's easy-breezy! From May 6th-12th, "Like us" on Live Inside Out Facebook and share your answer under the comments section below to “What does self-care mean to you?” We’ll draw a winner at random on Mother’s Day!

Questions? Additional details here. Or mail info@reneetrudeau.com or visit www.ReneeTrudeau.com. Learn more about the practice of self-care here.

I love to hear from, connect with and meet The Journey readers at our events. I invite you to:

• Find Your Tribe: Join or learn to facilitate Personal Renewal Groups for women
• Attend a retreat/event including my June 8th Empowered Entrepreneur and June 22-24 Kripalu retreat;check out all upcoming events
• Learn about Live Inside Out and receive weekly inspiration on our Live Inside Out Facebook Community
• Pick up my life balance title The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal from the library or buy it here or at your local bookstore
• Read past issues of my Life Balance newsletter or Career Management newsletter
• Take Action: Contact one of our career or life balance coaches for 1-on-1 support; receive an initial complimentary consultation
• Empower Others: Schedule Renee for a private workshop or retreat for your company or organization
• I Choose Love PSA: a reminder that when we come from love--one of the most powerful yet underutilized forces on the planet--we have the ability to transcend fear and remember what we're really hear to do: give and receive love. Learn more.

Subscribe to The Journey, a weekly blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey to creating balance from the inside out. 

Photo: Some of the beautiful, soulful women that attended my recent Women's Self-Renewal Retreat at Esalen in Big Sur, CA. Think retreats are not your thing? Think again.

Perspective

Last Saturday while I was at Esalen--a beautiful, legendary 40 year-old retreat center in stunning Big Sur, CA--leading a women’s retreat, I participated in a writing exercise that I assigned to the women in my group.

As I lay on my belly on the grass with my journal and pen, listening to the ocean waves crash against the rocks 100 yards away, my attention was repeatedly drawn to a 200 year-old tree whose trunk was the diameter of a small yurt. It held court like a wise grandmother with outstretched arms, watching over me with wisdom and compassion. And I felt her quietly and persistently whispering a word to me: perspective.

Lying there on the lawn—-I saw my life from 30,000 feet up. All the tasks, to-dos, and deadlines I was juggling two days ago that had seemed sooo timely ...no longer were. All the emails and calls that had seemed so urgent on Friday, were now distant memories. Even my biggest work projects—like completing my book edits for my publisher—-took on a different hue.

I felt a warmth spread across my chest and sitting with this, I recognized it as longing –for my husband and son. I missed them. And I realized what huge blessings they are and how much they enrich my life. Gratitude flooded my body and I dropped my pen and journal, rolled onto my back and rested my head in my hands.

Often when we’re gifted with a mile high view, we try to hold onto it for as long as possible. Grasping and wishing that this new, lighter, looser take on things could hang out with us for another night or two.

This morning in yoga, I anchored back to this higher perspective.  And what came flooding into my awareness was that this way of seeing things—where "people first, deadlines second" and "choosing love over fear" rule the roost—was my true state of being. My innate nature. My birthright.

Perspective is not a remote island I get to visit on occasion, but a large, vast, place within me that sees things as they really are.

I just have to let go and surrender long enough to let my boat dock, anchor and rest awhile.

A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT FOR YOU: In honor of dia de las mamas, we're giving away a Year-of-Self-Care Package, which includes an all expenses paid trip to my Kripalu retreat (a $2700 value). Learn more.

I love to hear from, connect with and meet The Journey readers at our events. I invite you to:

• Find Your Tribe: Join or become trained to lead Personal Renewal Groups for women
• Attend a retreat/event including my June 8th Empowered Entrepreneur and June 22-24 Kripalu retreat;check out all upcoming events
• Learn about Live Inside Out and receive weekly inspiration on our Live Inside Out Facebook Community
• Pick up my life balance title The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal from the library or buy it here
• Read past issues of my Life Balance newsletter
• Take Action: Contact one of our career or life balance coaches for 1-on-1 support; receive an initial complimentary consultation
• Empower Others: Schedule Renee for a private workshop or retreat for your company or organization
• I Choose Love PSA: a reminder that when we come from love--one of the most powerful yet underutilized forces on the planet--we have the ability to transcend fear and remember what we're really hear to do: give and receive love. Learn more.

Subscribe to The Journey, a weekly blog about coach/author/entrepreneur ReneeTrudeau’s personal journey to creating balance from the inside out.

Photo: My tree at Esalen. Artwork on the path to our retreat space. The front lawn at Esalen, facing the Pacific ocean.

Why Do I Lead Retreats?

Driving back from a yoga class this morning, Stephen Cope’s quote flitted across my mind:  “Retreats don’t change our lives as much as they change where we stand in relationship to our lives—and our capacity to see the hidden possibilities there.”  (Stephen Cope, MSW, is the director of Kripalu’s Institute for Extraordinary Living)

As I prepare to head to Esalen—the mystical, infamous, world-renowned retreat center in Big Sur where my mom used to hang out in the 70's when we lived in Northern California (read more)-- I reflected on why I lead retreats. Really. Honestly. What is my drive for dropping everything and heading off to hard-to-reach spots on the east and west coast to help others reconnect with themselves and hear what their lives—and inner teachers—have been trying to tell them for weeks, months or sometimes years?

There are a lot of reasons I do this work, but one of the biggest is because I believe taking retreats should be as essential to our life as breathing. Or getting our car’s oil changed. Or going to the eye doctor. (Read more.)

I loved sitting with this question and as I reflected, I got clear that I lead retreats because:

• they provide attendees with a 30,000 foot perspective—and the opportunity to see their life through a fresh lens
• for many, slowing down enough to hear their inner wisdom can be—and often is-- life changing
• they validate, affirm and remind the participants that they’re not alone, we’re wired to be interdependent and receiving support is essential to our emotional health
• it is inspiring and moving to see how blown away women are when they engage in and observe the power of women’s circles
• I love holding “space” for participants in way that makes it possible for them to hear what they MOST need to hear
• I love experiential teaching (I recently discovered that this is how I learn best) and when I’m doing this, I'm in flow, in my zone and doing what I'm truly here to do
• I get the chance to deeply connect to and follow my intuition—so much so that I’m prepared to scrap my whole retreat schedule and take a totally different route-- if guided to do so in the moment
• I get to share the powerful, life-changing practice of self-care—a spiritual path that has radically and profoundly affected me, my family, my relationships and my career on every level

This evening while visiting with my neighbor over dinner, I told her I have a strong hunch that this upcoming retreat may bring many revelations and unexpected gifts that could impact my life for years to come.

I believe there are no mistakes—-particularly when you gather a group that has traveled from far away spots to be together--and I’m relishing this opportunity to venture into the unknown and to see what awaits me. And what awaits the women who will be joining me.

Invitation: I'd love to have you join me April 27-29 at Esalen in Big Sur, CA or June 22-24 at Kripalu in the MA Berkshire mountains. The retreats are almost full; learn more here.

P.S. In honor of Mother's Day, we're giving away a Yummy Mummy Year-of-Self-Care package, which includes an all expenses paid trip to my Kripalu retreat (a $2500 value). Learn more.

I love to hear from, connect with and meet The Journey readers at our events. I invite you to:

• Find Your Tribe: Join or become trained to lead Personal Renewal Groups for women
• Attend a retreat/event including my April 27-29 Esalen, June 8th Empowered Entrepreneur and June 22-24 Kripalu retreat;check out all upcoming events
• Learn about Live Inside Out and receive weekly inspiration on our Live Inside Out Facebook Community
• Pick up my life balance title The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal from the library or buy it here
• Read past issues of my Life Balance newsletter
• Take Action: Contact one of our career or life balance coaches for 1-on-1 support; receive an initial complimentary consultation
• Empower Others: Schedule Renee for a private workshop or retreat for your company or organization
• I Choose Love PSA: a reminder that when we come from love--one of the most powerful yet underutilized forces on the planet--we have the ability to transcend fear and remember what we're really hear to do: give and receive love. Learn more.

Subscribe to The Journey, a weekly blog about coach/author/entrepreneur ReneeTrudeau’s personal journey to creating balance from the inside out. 

Photo: (above, by Sara Bogan) A beautiful mother and daughter who attended one of our Kripalu retreats last year. (Below): the view from the front lawn at Kripalu Yoga & Wellness Center in June.

Meet Me on the Mountain Top!

Early last week, after our son went to school, my husband and I took an early morning walk together.

This doesn’t happen often. Like most families, the mornings are usually very full. But we feel certain my husband will be working again soon and these rare opportunities to do out-of-the-ordinary stuff will be gone, so we grab them when we can!

We caught up on day-to-day activities, but had an ah-ha that when it came to the BIG life stuff, we weren’t really synched up.

Sure, we try to schedule time for date nights, meditate together most mornings and visit in the evenings after dinner, but here we were at major life junctures-- he is exploring/interviewing for new job opportunities and I’m in thd midst of creating new ideas/projects around everyday spirituality—and we weren’t harnessing or leveraging our collective power, intention and strengths.

It’s as if we have both been hiking in the woods—intersecting at rest stops—but neither of us had met the other on the mountain top in quite some time.

So, we cancelled all of our meetings and plans for last Wednesday and scheduled a visioning retreat together from 9-2 to specifically to focus on our careers, how/where we share our talents with the world and our highest vision for what we’re manifesting in our lives right now.

We meditated and prayed together, shared and read some inspirational readings, listed and voiced our talents to one another, created beautiful vision boards, enjoyed some yoga/stretching, had a luxurious lunch and finished with a walk and visit to my parent’s memorial bench on Town Lake where we did a gratitude sharing.

The vision boards were wonderful because when we were done, we each took turns sharing what images we had chosen and why—this was a great way to get a snapshot of where the other person’s thoughts and heart are focused right now. And, it allowed us to really synch up and align on a much higher level.

We both agreed it was the best use of five hours in a long time (interestingly, my husband received five calls from recruiters between 2-4 p.m. that day!).

I once heard a success coach say that professionally, people see their friends/family ten years out from where they actually are. I agree. We do typically hold the highest/best for those closest to us and can often see who they are becoming before they can.

But often we don’t slow down enough to share this vision or allow them to do the same for us. Maybe we should. Around our house, we always love the reminder: "Be careful--don't believe everything you think!" Seems a change in perspective and a few more visits to the mountain top could do us all a world of good.

P.S. If you read my blog regularly you know I’m a huge fan of retreats (many of my biggest shifts have happened on personal and group/guided retreats). I’ll be holding a one-day self-renewal retreat on Nov. 5th for women, but I ran across this great link this morning listing many fantastic spiritual retreats centers in the U.S. Enjoy—it’s a keeper.

FIND YOUR TRIBE, ATTEND A RETREAT/WORKSHOP OR JOIN THE DIALOGUE: Would you like to receive support from like-minded women and be with people who hold the highest and best for you? Join or become trained to facilitate a Personal Renewal Group, visit our calendar to learn more about upcoming events including our November 5th One-Day Reflect, Reclaim, Re-Balance Women's One-Day Self-Renewal Retreat and our FREE October 14th Live Inside Out teleclass on Being More Present and Remembering What Matters.

Also, check out our Live Inside Out community and read how people are living more intentionally.

The Journey, a blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey to life balance and living life from the inside out, comes out weekly.

Photo: Renee Trudeau--the view from a mountain top on the Olympic Peninsula, WA.

Inspiration

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. -- Twyla Tharp

I finished my writing sabbatical on Friday and felt some sadness.

I could have kept going. Maybe I’ll take another break this fall. I’m definitely feeling ripe around some themes that are brewing, emerging and calling to me right now.

It’s been interesting to keep expanding the boundaries of the themes I speak a lot about—self-renewal and life balance—and taking these teachings into other realms. Like peeling away the layers of an onion.

During the last week of my sabbatical, my husband and I attended a benefit concert for the Midwives Alliance of North America. Iron and Wine (and Calexico) played. I had just been introduced to Sam Beam (singer for Iron and Wine) through Austin City Limits and was really blown away by his songwriting and artistic ability. His poetic music really moved me (I love the Trapeze Singer).

During that same week I finished Crossing to Avalon (a chronicle of a woman’s spiritual pilgrimage) by one of my mentors, Jean Shinoda Bolen. I was transported to Glastonbury and the Chartres Cathedral felt like I was walking besides Jean as she rounded labyrinths, crossed seas and explored these ethereal sacred sites.

And yesterday I spent the day relaxing in the cool waters of the Guadalupe under the tall rock wall at Guadalupe State Park with some friends. The natural beauty of the river, thousands of different colored and shaped rocks and hundred year old trees lining the banks were so delicious, I almost felt stuffed--as if I’d eaten too much.

Since I unplugged last month, I’m much more attuned to sounds, colors, smells and aesthetics. Last week, I couldn’t get enough art, music, books and found myself experiencing sights and sounds like I never had before.

For me, a central component of emotional well-being or balanced living is living an inspired life.

I think we all have moments where we feel like we’re in a black and white movie and our actions seem rote, but when we take the time and energy to breathe color, vibrancy, poetry and passion into our lives, we feel inspired. And often, we remember who we really are.

And for me, that’s what it’s all about.

P.S. August is a great month to take a retreat. I just shared some tips in my latest life balance newsletter on how to create a “pause” in your life. Check it out if this speaks to you.

JOIN A GROUP, ATTEND A RETREAT/WORKSHOP OR DIALOGUE WITH ME: Would you like to learn more about the power of self-care and how being kinder to yourself can change your life? Join us in the cool Berkshire mountains in MA, August 13-15 at the beautiful Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for our Self-Renewal Retreat. One of my favorite spots on the planet and the retreat center that I visit when I'm ready to make a huge life shift! Visit our calendar to learn more about upcoming events including my Aug. 27th Career Strategy Workshop: Find a Fit, Create a Plan, Love Your Workshop and our FREE September 9th Live Inside Out teleclass on Strategies for Balanced Living.

Also, check out our Live Inside Out community and share how you create balance in your relationship.

The Journey, a blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey to life balance and living life from the inside out, comes out weekly.

Photo: While on the banks of the Guadalupe River, this stunning bird (I later found out it's called a painted bunting) visited us while we lounged in the shade. We couldn't take our eyes off of her.

Creative Expression=Balanced Living?

I attended a creativity party this past weekend at my good friend author/writing coach Carolyn Scarborough’s home.

She asked her friends to bring something to the party that illustrated how they "get their creative game on.”

Guests sang, tap danced, recited poetry, read from published or yet to be published books, shared paintings, textiles, mosaics, photography, journals, played instruments, talked about new businesses that were being birthed and cheered each other on for their bravery and willingness to express whatever it is that lights their fire.

I loved this opportunity to think about what creative endeavors fuel me. I’m a big believer that it’s not about being great, it’s about picking up, continuing or starting creative pursuits simply for the joy of it (read more on this from The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal, chapter seven: Unleashing Your Creativity).

I remember when I signed up for an acting class—just for fun and because it sent terror down my spine--shortly after my thirtieth birthday. It was one of the times in my life that I felt most alive—yes,most scared—but most alive!

I was raised by an artist/musician/philosopher mother who believed creative expression was like oxygen—it was essential to being human. (Interestingly a debate broke out in my son’s second grade classroom recently about what humans need to survive; apparently a line was drawn between those who believed art was essential to our sustainability and those who believed it was not!)

I know when my plate is full (we have seven events in the next 60 days, many of them national) and I’m struggling to keep a sense of equilibrium and sanity in my life, thinking about creative expression may not be at the top of my list. But maybe it should be?

I find that when I live more in the right hemisphere of my brain and give myself breathing room to “create” from nothing, I feel more alive, more connected to others and more in touch with the mystery, magic and bigness of life. And, I feel more balanced. Not a bad place to hang out.

I love the following quote from well-known artist/dancer Martha Graham. My entrepreneur brother sent it to me when I was two months into launching my first business ten years ago and singing the “start-up blues.” It really resonated with me:

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others"'

AN INVITATION: Interested in exploring and tapping into the power of self-care? Learn how you can join or become trained to lead a self-renewal circle for women. And, view all upcoming events--including March 26th and April 23-25 spring renewal retreats--here.

Also, visit Live Inside Out to register for our Feb. 25th FREE teleclass from 7:30-8:30 p.m. CST on Good is Good Enough: Releasing Perfection. And sign up to receive weekly tips on how to live more intentionally through our Live Inside Out Facebook Community.

The Journey, a blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey to life balance and living life from the inside out, comes out weekly.

Photo: A natural elements creation I photographed while vacationing with my family on the Olympic Peninsula, WA.