It is with openly mixed emotions that I write this heartfelt message to our Wholistic Woman community about a change coming soon. After a great deal of prayerful contemplation, I have made the difficult decision to retire from WWRA at the end of 2021. As you can imagine, this decision is one that I have approached wholistically – checking in with my heart, mind, body, and spirit over the past few years.
One of the many, many, emotions that I’m feeling is peace. God has been gently, persistently, calling me to new endeavors, which are undeniable but not fully revealed yet. During the housebound hours of the pandemic, I spent more time with God, quietly praying for clarity and direction. In the stillness, without the busyness of my pre-pandemic life, I was able to listen more intently to His call within my heart.
To be honest, I resisted the nudge that kept coming to step away from WWRA. I was fearful of the ripple effect it would have on others and myself. I mentally wrestled, argued, and at times ignored the nudge for as long as possible. Eventually, I took some baby steps in that direction and then re-evaluated to see if that was enough change. But it was not. It became clear that a big step is what I’m called to make. So, in a leap of faith, with courage, I am blessing and releasing my leadership of this wonderful organization. I’m curious to see what God has in store for me next and I am ready to grow in new directions.
That brings me to the other emotions that I am feeling.
I feel deep, abiding, gratitude as I reflect on the past 11 years. As a community, we have learned, laughed, grown, and supported each other through good times and bad. Whether you’ve been walking with me from the very beginning, have just recently started attending our retreats, or somewhere in between, I want you to know how much I appreciate you.
My dream to launch Wholistic Woman Retreats began with a similar unrelenting calling that God placed within my heart. I have learned to listen to such persistent messages and to trust that there is a beautiful purpose within them.
As the retreat dream kept surfacing within me, I casually started telling it to others. Women were excited by the idea of holistic retreats that would focus on developing the whole person – heart, mind, body, and spirit. Being a wordsmith, I playfully put a ‘W’ in front of holistic as a visual reminder of my intention to focus on wholeness. To me, becoming whole is a lifelong endeavor. A continual, personal, and richly rewarding journey to deeply know oneself. It inspires us to embrace our unique talents, to be fully ourselves while acknowledging that we will always be a work-in-progress.
As I shared my dream, women were excited. Some told me they wanted to attend the retreats I would be offering. Others said, “I want to help make it happen!” And that’s how this collaborative organization began, with women who co-created the retreats with me, and women who attended, learned, and grew from them with us.
Eleven years later, I gratefully look back and think about the many gifted coaches who offered their expertise to our community. I bow to your talents. I’ve learned so much from each of you.
I think of the talented alliance partners who offered their skills in marketing, event management, finances, and web management to help us fly. I deeply appreciate your gifts and contributions to the WWRA vision.
I think of the wonderful sponsors over the years who gave the gift of financial support to our endeavors. We couldn’t have made such a positive impact without your help.
I think of those who generously contributed to our scholarship fund which helped those in need of financial assistance attend our retreats. You have left a meaningful legacy in the lives of those women.
I think of the beloved coaches who co-founded this organization. You grabbed hold of the dream, walked with me (some for a leg and some for the entire journey) to make it become a reality. You have each been a precious gift to me, and to the community of WWRA.
Most of all, I think of the many, many women who attended our retreats. From our launch in 2010, on the first day of spring at ThorpeWood, to our most recent destination retreat in Sedona, AZ, each one has been uniquely special.
My heart is full of gratitude for all of you, each season of growth we’ve been through together, and for the richness of community and sisterhood that we’ve experienced. You have been a blessing!
And…I believe that God is not done with us yet! WWRA will continue under the expert and talented leadership of my co-founderKelye Rouse Brown. Kelye has been with me since the very beginning and knows the rich history of our organization. I trust that Kelye will build upon it and steer it in new and exciting directions. Quite frankly, I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Kelye, her team, and WWRA! I look forward to remaining in an advisory Founder role and be the wind beneath the wings of those who take it forward from here.
As for me, I will continue myprivate coaching practice, launch my Lost and Found Podcast, and keep listening to the nudges that God places within my heart.
The last emotion I feel is excitement so let’s celebrate these changes together! Understandably, this year our annual Gratitude Circle and Brunchwill be especially meaningful. For those who are comfortable meeting in person, please join us at ThorpeWood on Nov 14th from 12:30-3:30 pm. We will follow the current CDC guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. For those who prefer a virtual get-together, we will host a Zoom call on Nov 17 from 6-7:30 pm to celebrate, bless, and release what is, as we open ourselves to receive what lies ahead.
The pursuit of happiness has long been the goal of humankind. But, what is happiness? For us, it could be a feeling of calm and security. For others, it may be a feeling of success on a professional and/or personal front. Happiness is truly subjective! One of the keys to unlocking the path to being happy is to practice mindful happiness.
Mindfulness is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as, “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” So how does mindfulness increase our feelings of happiness?
By utilizing the power of awareness of the present moment, we allow ourselves the opportunity to connect with our heart, mind, body, and spirit with crystal clear transparency. When we allow our thoughts to be focused on the “now,” we invite our clarity to serve as a compass, guiding us toward the happiness that may have eluded us in the past.
When practicing mindfulness, we pay close attention to the signals that our bodies are sending us, those pangs of guilt, shame, regret, and learning to bless and release them through allowing those signals to remind us that we are a work in progress. Through the mindfulness practice of breathwork, we empower our bodies to cleanse some of the adverse biological reactions that our bodies and minds have created in reaction to our perception of the lack of happiness.
Mindfulness is a skill that takes practice! Our bodies and minds have a natural tendency to fight stillness. If you have tried meditation and find your mind racing with that list of “to-dos” or constant distraction, it’s not your fault! Our brains are designed to be the operating system that we rely on both consciously and subconsciously. Taking some small steps in quieting your mind will lead to training your brain to power down temporarily. Here are some steps to try when working on quieting the mind:
Find a space that will allow you solitude and quiet
Start with an intention of a short time period, perhaps 5 minutes. You can always increase this as you increase your skill level!
Pay attention to your breath. Using this awareness as a focus increases the release of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, and increases the “feel good” chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine: both of which are “happiness hormones.”
Notice your body: find a seated position that is comfortable to you and that will allow you to relax.
Allow your mind to wander. Remember, when your mind is sending you messages, it’s doing its job! Work on recognizing the thought without judgment.
Mindful happiness occurs when we align our mind, body, and spirit with our unique strengths. Happiness is not a destination, but a journey of the authenticity of our truth, a lifelong practice of pursuing a wholeness that is genuine and unique to each of us. Each moment in our life gives us the opportunity to be keenly aware of the path to follow, even if it’s one that you need to create. By following your individual journey through mindfulness, you will own the key to creating a life of fulfillment, which in my view is “happiness.”
Wholistic Women Living, LLC is ready to embark on their 6th soulful journey to beautiful Sedona, Arizona. There is plenty of time to pause and play in a supportive space with certified coaches and reconnect with our wise women selves.
This three-night Soulful Sedona destination retreat: Amplify What’s Inside is held at the award-winning Arabella Sedona, where you get to experience nature and discover yourself at this laid-back desert lifestyle resort. Sedona, a land of timeless beauty, is surrounded by natural red rock sculptures and national forests. It’s suggested that Sedona, as a whole, is a vortex, a place in nature where the Earth is exceptionally alive and healthy.
Kelye Rouse Brown, founder of Wholistic Women Living, LLC, has been traveling to Sedona for over 30 years and says the more you develop your relationship with this land, the more it will reward you with magical experiences. Any season is a wonderful time to visit Sedona, but we find October’s average high temperature of 77 is the best for immersing yourself in this soulful splendor.
Our Sedona adventure begins on Thursday evening with our signature Prickly Pear Reception to include what else, Prickly Pear Margaritas and some tasty Prickly Pear Flan and more at the Molé restaurant, fine cuisine of Mexico.
Each morning, we enjoy a hot breakfast followed by meditation and movement, like Let Your Yoga Dance to awaken your chakras, crystal energy and gentle yoga. Daily journaling and personal growth sessions are facilitated by our Wholistic Coaches with fun red rock excursions added each day to play.
The sunset vista, stargazing and smore’s by the firepit are available every evening. In closing, we have a special ceremony and gift planned to help you celebrate and create a more positive pathway to living your best life.
In addition to our soulful retreat program, there are opportunities to hike or bike, shop at Hillside and Tlaquepaque Arts Village with famous galleries, within walking distance, from our accommodations and/or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross or the Stupa sacred landmark and so much more. Our accommodations are in the heart of Sedona, so location, location, location is a big part of our destination retreat. We enjoy our new sister insights, stories with women on the grow and wholehearted awareness to bring back and embrace Wholistic Women Living.
We can’t wait to explore, wonder and Be Whole at our Soulful Sedona 2025 Destination Retreat.
Soulful Sedona 2025 Waiting List
Sign up here to be added to the waiting list or note interest for the 2024 Sedona Retreat! We hope to see you next year!
“This journey was empowering and magical beyond all belief. I was able to be in touch with a childlike and primal part of myself that I thought had long gone extinct. I enjoyed every single aspect of the trip from the seminars, to the art, to the activities, to the nature, and the beautiful Sedona surroundings. Plan to attend next year.”
“Sedona and Wholistic Women have been life-changing for me. I feel that I have, and continue to grow spiritually.Thank you for making this world an even better place! ”
“This is my second year in a row attending this magical and spiritual Soulful Sedona retreat and I plan on attending again next year. This is a safe place that allows you to feel your feelz with no judgement. The energy alone in Sedona is so magical. Soulful Sisters for life!”
“The Wholistic Living Women’s retreat was truly a life changing adventure. From self-discovery, releasing of emotions, new friends and deeper bonds to the incredible conversations and gorgeous views. Just almost leaves me speechless, yet I could go on for hours about this trip. I am already dreaming of our next adventure!”
“I love that Wholistic Women Living give an opportunity to women to experience the magic of Sedona and the transformation that occurs during the high-level quality that is put into this retreat.”
“I didn’t just connect with parts of myself that I had forgotten about, I connected with a group of beautiful, strong women that I can call sisters.”
“Going on the Soulful Sedona trip has been a dream of mine for the 5 years it has been in existence. To finally have been part of it was a dream come true and did not disappoint. Meeting the amazing women that I met and gew to love in a very short time is something I will take with me forever. Thank you for following your dream and sharing it with all of us Kelye!!! I love you all!”
“The Sedona experience has given me strength to let go and find peace in my soul!“
FAQ:
What is the agenda of the retreat?
Cost
What does the retreat cost?
Pricing will be available closer to the retreat dates.
Are there payment options?
Payment plans are available if paying by check.
To participate in a payment plan check that option when completing your registration.
Do you give refunds?
We do not give refunds. Contact our wholistic community support team for assistance in transferring your retreat registration and call Arabella directly to cancel your hotel reservation.
Soulful Sedona Orientation
Once you have registered for our Soulful Sedona retreat you will be invited to our virtual orientations prior to take-off. We hold these to answer additional questions, start forming the sisterhood/re-connecting, and discuss logistics or rooming. Many ladies are open to sharing a room to help on cost.
Flight & Accommodations
How do I get there?
Flagstaff Airport is the closest small commercial airport, just a 45 minute scenic drive from Sedona.
Phoenix International Airport is a lovely 2 hour drive from Sedona.
We recommend that you book your flight with Southwest Airlines (typically $450)
It is recommended that you talk to others about sharing a rental car. We will help you connect with other attendees.
What hotel do you recommend?
A special block of rooms under Wholistic Women Living has been reserved for us at the award-winning Arabella. Visit their website and call their hospitality staff directly to reserve your room at 928-282-7151. They’re expecting your call!
What can you tell me about the hotel?
Cradled among the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona and rambling Oak Creek, experience the spectacular beauty of Sedona with us! Enjoy a complementary cruiser bike to explore Historic Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and Hillside Galleries or relax with a glass of wine at sunset from the picturesque Scenic Overlook, complete with comfortable Adirondack Chairs. Experience nature, discover yourself, at the award-winning Arabella Sedona!
If I had to make a guess, I would say that November is probably the most likely month in which most people think about all the things for which they are grateful. And, it’s probably no surprise that this is my guess because we have a national holiday that is dedicated to the idea of giving thanks.
I can definitely attest to the power of gratitude in my own life. I’ve kept gratitude journals, or daily lists of the top three things I am grateful for, for years. I’m sure many of you have probably done the same. I think that the coolest impact of gratitude is that I can honestly say I feel a shift mentally when I stop to focus on what is good at any particular moment, rather than the negative circumstances in front of me. Gratitude seems to direct my brain to shift attention away from things like exhaustion, frustration or other overwhelming thoughts and replace those things with hope and renewed energy.
Recently, I saw a fun You Tube video by Marie Forleo that offered a new perspective on gratitude that I have been trying out. I really like it so I wanted to share it with you.
Marie talked about a study that was done at USC with three groups of people. Group one wrote down a list of five things that they were grateful for each day. Group two wrote down just one thing that they were grateful for each day and wrote down five specific reasons for that gratitude. Group three just wrote down how much better they were at things than others. The study shares that the group that focused specifically on one thing that they were grateful for, rather than a long list, and also wrote down 5 specific reasons why they were thankful for that thing, benefited more than the other two groups on several measures related to well-being.
So, I tried it and here is one of my examples.
One thing I am grateful for: I am grateful for the Wholistic Woman Retreats (WWR) Community.
And, 5 specific reasons for my gratitude for this group are:
WWR gives me an opportunity to get to know some really great women I may not have ever found otherwise.
WWR helps me to keep personal growth front and center in my life, by attending a variety of interesting events that the group hosts.
WWR provides an opportunity to be part of a fun WWR virtual book club that enhances my feeling of community and opens me up to different perspectives and insights.
WWR allows me to be supported by a group of like-minded women who are on a similar path of self-care and self-discovery.
As a partner coach, WWR provides me with a unique opportunity to share my coaching brand with other women on a their own life journey.
After using this technique for a bit, I found that this method of listing just one thing a day with 5 very specific reasons for the gratitude really caused me to embrace the gratitude more fully and it made the process feel less like a laundry list and more like a sincere thank you note!
So, here’s my challenge to you! Buy a pretty notepad, or create a list on your phone where you can write down just one simple thing that you are grateful for each day. Don’t overthink it! Write down the first thing that comes to your mind, it can be something small. It might be the unconditional love of your furry four legged friend, the fun adventure of shopping at Trader Joe’s instead of a traditional grocery store, or the thrill of traveling to a new city. Whatever it is, keep it simple (just one thing a day) and specific (five detailed reasons why you feel that gratitude) and see how this tweak to your regular gratitude practice could have a lasting impact on your energy and sense of joy!
I’d like to invite you to try it for a few weeks, and then let me know how it worked for you when you join me at the Wholistic Woman Retreats Annual Gratitude Brunch, on Sunday Nov. 17. You can check out our website for more details. And if you have not become of WWR member yet, please consider a 2020 membership, which will make you eligible to join us at this wonderful members only event as well as provide discounts on all other events throughout 2020. I hope to see you there and hear how this new gratitude practice might be working for you! I am grateful for each of you for reading this blog and wish you an autumnal season full of wonderful things for which to be grateful!
Today’s blog was written by WWR Partner Coach, Donna Kettell. Donna is a certified professional coach (CPC) and a master practitioner in energy leadership (ELI-MP). Her certifications were earned through The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Have you ever had a day where you ran from one activity to the next, barely having time to catch your breath? It’s on days like these that I tend to lose sight of the small things that bless my life. I may miss a kind look, word of encouragement, or the beauty of the world around me.
At this time of year, we focus on gratitude and giving thanks for the big and small blessings that surround us. In the busy-ness of daily life, it’s easy to be distracted. Here are four tips to develop a gratitude practice.
Gratitude Tips for Busy People:
1- Prime the Pump – Priming is the cognitive state which increases sensitivity to certain stimuli. For example, it can cause you to see a certain type of car on the road more frequently after you buy one yourself. When you are intentionally grateful you prime your mind to see reality through a filter of thankfulness and abundance. The more you do it, the more you’ll feel it. Develop your ‘gratitude muscle’ by noticing things every day for which you are grateful.
2 – Play a Gratitude Game – Take a few minutes to reflect appreciatively each day. Whether you do it before bed, or over your morning coffee, or as you’re driving, notice 3 things that are right and good. Consider including yourself on the list. Say it out loud, or write it down, in this format: “I am grateful for __________because________.” Knowing why you are grateful expands and deepens the experience, bringing it more fully into your heart.
3 – Give to Get More Abundance – When we give our time, attention, or money we are using our resources for the benefit of others. Something magical happens for both the giver and the receiver when we share. It becomes a powerful force of positive energy. Until we give, it is only a potential source of power. It is through giving that you are able to realize the full power and extent of the gifts in your life and the true nature of abundance. When we recognize that we have enough to share we are making a statement to the universe that we are living abundantly, and we shift our hearts to a place of generosity. This circle of good energy expands every time we give.
4 –Being Grateful Even in Hard Situations – For many of us this is the most challenging step of all. Let’s face it, learning to apply gratitude around the unpleasant, negative and painful situations in our lives is difficult. The key lies in realizing that we don’t have to be grateful for the event, person, or thing itself but rather in the learning that occurred from it. Notice how you are growing, or what opportunities are opening up for you as a result of the experience to shift to a more positive perspective.
Most of us were taught to say “thank you” as children. We know those two simple words can have a powerful impact, smoothing out the rough edges of our interpersonal interactions. “Thank You” can become so much more when we develop a practice of mindful gratitude. It has been said to be the most powerful form of prayer and is the simplest way to shift our energy from negative to positive. Try it today. Being grateful-on-purpose will help you see the abundance in your life on a regular basis.
Today’s author:Carol deLaski, PCC, is a strengths-based executive coach who guides individuals and businesses to be their best. For more information about her coaching services, and her book Lost and Found: Discovering Strength in Love and Faith, visit www.caroldelaski.com or email her at [email protected]
“Meditation is like giving a hug to ourselves, getting in touch with that awesome reality in us. While meditating we feel a deep sense of intimacy with God, a love that is inexplicable.” ~Paramahansa Yogananda
Last week during our annual Gratitude Dinner, I led a guided meditation on gratitude. As I was thinking about what I wanted to write about, the idea came to me that instead of my normal written word style blog, it might be fun to record a meditation that you could save and use as part of a gratitude practice.
Yes, November is the month when we all seem to focus on thankfulness, but practicing gratitude works best when it is something you do regularly throughout the year. If you know me, you know that I am a very positive person, but there are times when I am “off” and the thing that helps me get back on track better than anything else is practicing gratitude.
So, if you could use a little more positivity in your life – and who couldn’t – then I invite you to sit back and enjoy this guided meditation. It will take you 12 minutes to complete and ideally you want to find a spot where you will be comfortable and undisturbed.
Today’s author: Laura Hall, CPC, CDWF: As a certified professional coach since 2009, Laura Hall, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator has been helping people just like you make changes in. As a mother of 2 girls, Laura has a special interest in coaching parents, so if you still have children living at home, ask Laura about her Wholehearted Parenting programs. Laura can be reached via email at [email protected] or feel free to visit her website HallCoaching.com
“
