Carole

Carole has attended several women's retreats and recently wrote about her experience:

I attended my first women's retreat about a year ago. It was in a beautiful setting on the Washington State coast. I had been to retreats before, but this was beyond any comparison to anything I had ever previously attended. Some of the parts were very challenging, but as I moved through the activities I felt a kind of freedom that I'm not sure I have ever known. Being able to share amongst such an edifying, supportive group of women was deeply meaningful. The love that exists in these circles are sacred. I don't mean that in a "religious" way, but in a soul centered way. Don't let any kind of fear stop you from attending. These retreats fill me up so I can be the best version of me for my family, loved ones and those I serve.

Gratitude in All Things

Gratitude in All Things
Women's Retreat

Whitefish, Montana

Spring 2011

"I can't tell you how awesome and wonderful the retreat was! Thank you to each woman that was there. It's been a long time since I've felt like this. I have 20 new fantastic friends!!!

"Thank you is not close enough to say to you for the work and space of this retreat!!! It was beyond anything I thought it would be. My heart is full and stronger too. Thank you! I love you!!!!" ~ Tammy 

"There are really no words to describe the transformation and the growth that took place these past 4 days with every single sweet soul who joined us at our Women's Retreat in Montana. WOW.....I'm glad I found my purpose. Nothing will ever be the same in this world. Thank You ALL for giving me the strength and the courage to keep moving forward in a positive direction." ~ Kristi 

"Thank you again for absolutely hands down, one of the best times I've had. It was wonderful to meet such awesome loving women. I hope to do it again. Love you." ~ Donna. F

"I really believe that there are angels amoung us." ~ Kimber 

"Thank you for an incredible weekend retreat. I feel so grateful for the love that I have in my life, for my children that I adore, and for my heart that feels so full. I am blessed in my life...thank you GOD, my higher power and my spiritual guides for being present and allowing healing to take place in such a sacred space. I am FULL and this is the best feeling. Peace and love." ~ Kimber

 

"Had such an amazing weekend in Montana at the retreat! It was such a wonderful experiance. I don't even know how to describe how I feel... I met such wonderful ladies and made new friends and strengthed friendships with others! Thank you for everything you did for me these past few days! THANK YOU!" ~ Aly 

"Had the most amazing weekend of my life. Met some women that have transformed my life. You all know who you are - - thank you from the bottom of my heart." ~ Stefanie

In their own words...

Some of the couples who participated in the most recent retreat have written to share their feelings about the experience. This is what they wrote:

The couples retreat broke down barriers to conversation and created intimacy for communication. It held a space of honesty and healing that opened doors and hearts. It allowed for things to be said that needed to be said, and things to be heard that needed to be heard. I felt free to have the opportunity to be so open and honest. I feel a closeness and a bond that has added to my relationship. I am thankful to have been a part of such a special experience. Thanks for creating a place of love and compassion so that movement could happen. It feels good to move. ~ Kimber

I was excited about this retreat. I don't remember having any kind of expectations, but once I got there I could sense this connecting with all these other couples in a very strong way. It changed my whole perspective of what I was going to get from this retreat. I got a sense of relief knowing that I was struggling with the same issues as everyone else. It gave me permission to open my heart and mind to experience this retreat in its full capacity. Because of my heart and mind being open, I learned valuable, intimate knowledge about my partner and soul-mate. The bonds that now connect us together are so much stronger than when I came to this retreat. I came away with a sense of great confidence in my relationship knowing my foundation has become much stronger. I know now what my partner needs to create the love and happiness that she wants. ~ Rich

 

Rhonda and Barry Moses share a gift of bringing together individuals with personal challenges and beliefs to a safe place of discovery and healing. Through connection with others, we realize that we are not alone in our struggles, and are able to share the joys of true compassionate love. Couples retreat not only helped us understand each other as partners, but also as individuals on our own personal spiritual journey. We would recommend couples retreat to anyone interested in learning more about themselves and their partner, whether the partnership is new or aged. We will surely do it again! ~ Ray and Sandy

The Sacred Journey

Summit Quest recently completed a couples retreat in McCall, Idaho. Eight couples attended, each one bringing a great diversity of experiences and life perspectives.

We’ve been doing this work for several years, and yet we’re always inspired and amazed by the personal transformations that occur in three short days. On the first day of retreat, participants often arrive with varying degrees of anxiety and mistrust. Some withdraw themselves to the comforting superficialities of small talk, while others present a flat and lifeless exterior. Despite the obvious challenge of trusting a group of relative strangers, the couples invariably move forward with determination, honesty, and courage. By the last day of retreat, a distinct shift occurs where participants relate to one another from what we sometimes call the “heart-space.” Barriers melt away and are replaced by deep connection.

The couples retreat is not aligned with any religion, and yet the process is deeply spiritual. Couples most often leave the retreat energized and more in love than ever before. The couples retreat truly is a sacred journey.

Couples Retreat: The Sacred Journey

We have made some changes to the upcoming Couples Retreat: The Sacred Journey that will make the weekend more accessible to a wider audience.

We condensed the time to create a greater urgency of purpose. Instead of beginning on Thursday, we will now begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 5. The Couples Retreat will end on Sunday, as originally planned.

We also reduced the price from $450 to $350.

Choosing Joy

Twelve women gathered near Priest Lake, Idaho for the Fall 2010 Women's Retreat. The theme of this retreat was Choosing Joy.



During this retreat, the women focused on the beauty of 'living in the moment.' In this photograph, the women were sitting on the shores of Priest Lake as they painted a sunset.



Strengthening friendship is a core aspect of the women's retreat.





This retreat helped us to reflect upon who we really are.



Connecting with nature is always a core part of the Women's Retreat.





During the retreat, the women participate in group processes that provide insight into how people relate to one another.



Every Women's Retreat provides a time for silent reflection.

Stacy

Stacy Chandler comes to the women's retreat from Houston, Texas. She initially expressed some hesitation, but after making a commitment to attend, her feelings changed. Each person comes away with her own experience, but for Stacy, the women's retreat offered a deeper connection to her family and her faith.

This is her experience, in her own words:

"The boys and I are reading our scriptures, saying prayers, spending time together, visiting, and learning more about each other. I've been gone for so long that I was a stranger to them. This summer has been a wonderful time for me, thanks to Women's Retreat. I can share with them now. I can talk with them now, instead of talk at them. I think they've noticed the change and feel more comfortable sharing with me because I'm no longer a closed shell.

"I've also been working on relationships with people in my community. I actually feel human instead of fake or robotic. Now my smiles are genuine, instead of automatic, for the public. I wish you could fully understand the darkness I came from and know the light I feel now.

"When I try to describe retreat to someone who has never been, the same three words are always spoken first: 'OH....MY....GOSH!!!!!!!' Rhonda has been inviting me for years and I had never gone, although almost every year I said that I would. I always thought retreat was a time for women to get together to talk and be "touchy feely." I wasn't interested in confiding in a group of women I had never met before, not to mention, "touchy feely" isn't my thing. But I discovered for myself that retreat provides an environment to explore the inner self, to discover where you are, to see where you want to go, and to develop a plan to get there. When retreat is over, you're left with a dynamic group of friends who will always be there should you need them or want to reach for them. For myself, I left retreat feeling new; I am a better, stronger person, I and can't wait to go again."