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

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."

The Dance of Life

Women's Retreat

I am a woman, mother, wife, sister, daughter, full-time student, massage therapist, and much more. Like many others, my life is busy and full, constantly running from one thing to the next. I love my life! I am thankful for the opportunity to be and do these things, but there are times when I begin to forget to take a moment for myself and just breathe. The Dance of Life retreat gave me the opportunity to do just that and much more. I laughed, loved, cried, and danced. I was free to be me! I thank each of the amazing women who shared in this beautiful experience with me! It was such a joy to see each of you shine. You touched my life in a very special way! Remember your goals. Keep breathing, loving, laughing, and dancing!

~Rhonda



For this retreat, the women gathered in a beautiful spot overlooking the Puget Sound, near Marysville, Washington.







A simple reminder to breathe, love, and dance.



Spring was in full bloom.



Retreats are special time to renew important relationships. Mothers attend with daughters, sisters with sisters, and friends with friends. Many others attend to make new connections.



Our retreat was located a short walking distance from the beach.

Each day of the retreat, we take an hour of silence to reflect, meditate, journal, and connect with nature.

Did you attend this retreat? If so, we encourage you to leave a comment and share what you gained from the experience.

Humanity

madonnaw002, originally uploaded by sulustumoses.

Madonna Wiltse has attended every women's retreat since the retreats began in 2001. She is the mother of five children and a grandmother of one. Recently we asked her to write about her experience of the retreats:

No matter what we believe or what differences we have, most humans desire more humanity.

The world tells us success comes from education, power, money, and possessions, but our conscience tells us that kindness and humanity are the real treasures we seek. We admire strength, but we are so much more touched and moved by compassion.

To feel comfortable and safe within my own soul causes me to look beyond me to see you, so we can change the world for us.

The women's retreats are about us. They're about connection with humanity and success in the truest form.

Kimber

Kimber Mannlein, LSW is a licensed social worker who obtained her degree from Boise State University. She has attended Summit Quest retreats faithfully for the last 9 years and is a mom to three beautiful daughters. Recently, Kimber spoke to us about what she gains from attending retreats:

Sometimes in life I feel connected to who I really am.

Each person tries to find a purpose to life or some sort of deeper meaning. For me, I turned to a power greater than myself and asked for help. The answer came through a process of deep self-work that awakened me to see the world through a different lens and to become more aware of the world around me. It awakened me to living in the present moment and to remembering who I really am.

Part of my work from this higher state brought me to women's retreats. Sometimes I resist going because I know have to look at myself and accept everyone as a mirror of my true state. Itʼs hard to do, but when I accept this work of loving unconditionally and being loved, of letting go of masks, of being raw in the essence of who I am, I become clear. I go through pain, joy, laughter, darkness, and whatever issues are up in my life and I become closer to what I am searching for.

Without fail it happens. I cannot explain exactly what transforms, but at the retreat I feel powerful and clear.