Retreat - What to Expect

Heading to a retreat, especially if it's your first time, can sometimes feel exciting and nerve-racking both at the same time. Even when you know you deserve this time for yourself it takes courage to make it happen and open yourself up to a fantastic new experience. And every retreat is that - a new experience. I know from my own experience that every retreat is different from the previous one - different women, different activities, different food, different energy. What I can say though is that all the retreats I've attended, in their own way, have held special moments and allowed me to walk away with something new. 

It can help to know what to expect beforehand and I'm hoping this entry will answer some of your questions, as well as settle any nerves that might be lingering. 

Attending on your own? Feeling nervous? Worried? Anxious? 

Some women feel more comfortable attending retreats on their own, where-as others feel a little anxious if they're arriving alone. If you're feeling nervous even just considering attending retreat with us, one thing you can be certain of is this - you are not alone! Most likely there will be at least one other woman feeling exactly the same way you are. But the best part? It won't last long! Here's how I know...

Because I've been there. I've attended a number of retreats both on my own and with a friend, and I have found that women who attend retreats are kind women. It sounds so simple, but it's true. Even those who are attending because they need solitude are kind, warm and welcoming. 

The retreat Host plays a big role here too. At all my events a top priority is making sure my women are feeling welcome and comfortable, and are able to relax and let their guard down. I love a chat and a hug so that helps! Haha. I also firmly believe that it helps to be greeted with a friendly, familiar face and so I do my best to welcome each attendee upon arrival and to show you to your room myself. 

A group chat will be set up before the retreat so you can get to know me, your Host, and meet the other women online beforehand and begin to get to know each others names before you've even arrived. 

What happens when I arrive?

When you arrive you will be shown to your room, given time to pop your things down and familiarise with the house. There will be nibbles available in the main room for you to come and have a snack, and join the other retreat attendees when you're ready. 

After everyone has arrived we'll have a little meet and greet to break the ice and I promise I'll have you all feeling settled in in no time. 

The Schedule

Yes, I absolutely have a schedule we'll be following for the duration of retreat, BUT I can promise you that you won't feel rushed, or pressured or busy. Without a schedule I can't guarantee we'd be able to offer all the incredible experiences we have created, so it helps me stay on track and ensures I can't forget anything!

The itinerary for our upcoming retreat is available on the Itinerary page. Note that all activities are optional. Whilst we encourage participation for your own enjoyment this is YOUR retreat time, so if there's something you don't particularly want to participate in, that's absolutely ok. 

The retreat has been carefully planned to include time and activities for fun, reflection AND rest and allows time for solitude if needed. 

The Food

Our meals will be shared together around the large dining table, which will be intentionally set to please. This is a time for discussion and connection with the other women in attendance. If you find it challenging to start new conversations, don't stress, there is always enough chatty women at the table to keep the conversations flowing! 

Might I add that the food is AMAZING! Our meals are chef-prepared by a leading Gippsland professional using fresh, local ingredients. I am a big lover of nourishing wholefoods, but I have a major weakness for desserts. So you will enjoy such an incredible mixture of nourishing meals, indulgent desserts and tempting snacks. I can guarantee that you will not be hungry.

Have some questions?

If there is something in-particular that is making you feel uneasy, or queries you'd like to discuss, please reach out for a chat. I am more than happy to talk specifics with you and hopefully help put your mind at ease so you can look forward to this beautiful experience. 

Leah xx

Founder & Facilitator

Nourished Woman Co