“Are you ready to pamper yourself?”
If the answer is YES then Jody Elle has the solution for you! Beginning in January 2008, Jody will offer Stargazer Women’s Retreats at a charming Inn in southwestern Michigan. Jody states that “many women are realizing that the much needed harmony missing in their lives can be easily discovered by simply taking the time to pamper themselves. To just listen to that ‘inner voice’ is challenging. Life can be incredibly full, busy and hectic.” Jody knows that listening to our inner voice is not easy and states “we begin to understand our journey in life if we allow ourselves time to become involved in the practice of yoga and meditation” which she plans to offer at her retreats.
“In most cases women are the nurturers in their family. Many baby-boomer women are waking up and realizing that for many years they have bypassed their own nurturing. It’s very important that we allow ourselves a gift of time. Aim to take a break from the action without feeling guilty. By integrating solitude into our lives, we will notice a profound positive impact on our wellbeing.”
A typical retreat will include a Friday evening welcome with wine and appetizers. It is then that all the attendees will be able to pre-schedule their one-hour full-body massage. While becoming acquainted with one another, all will have the opportunity to unwind in the hot-tub, relax and chat with new friends by a warm fire, or simply spend time in the privacy of their own room.
Saturday’s events include a morning session of yoga and meditation followed by a hot breakfast. Later in the morning, a featured speaker will take center stage to address a particular women’s topic of interest. Such topics will focus on dealing with stress, listening to our inner voice, understanding the need for solitude in our busy lives and exploring our creativity.
Saturday afternoon presents an opportunity for the women to spend time in reflection or in practice of the methods learned thus far in the retreat. Also, providing the weather conditions, just about anything is possible such as cross country skiing and sledding in the winter or perhaps time spent on the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Michigan regardless of the season. Additional possibilities include wine tasting, attending a local village festival, participating in an art workshop offered by several of the local artists, or perhaps a visit to the many art galleries and antique shops in the local area.
After a catered dinner at the Inn Saturday evening, plans are optional. Participants can avail themselves of entertainment opportunities in Three Oaks such as those offered by the Acorn Theater and the Vickers Theater. The new Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo is an exciting addition to the southwest corner of Michigan. If your desire is to take a risk, the casino offers the chance, the glitz, and the excitement.
Of course to simply hang out at the beach and watch the sun set, followed by an evening of beautiful star gazing is always an option!
Stargazer retreats are affordable. Jody offers single room rates as well as shared costs for two, three and up to four women in some room. Jody comments that “our service providers are working with me to make this retreat extremely cost-effective. If you add up the charges of all these services outside of the retreat, it would practically double.” Participants of the Stargazer Retreat can expect to leave with a renewed sense of tranquility and several methods to maintain that serenity in their day to day lives.
Jody asks us to keep in mind the power of relaxation and restoration in women’s lives and to consider the quote by Diane Mariechild
“A woman is the full circle – within her is the power to create, nurture and transform."
