Surrendering to the Feminine Flow of Bali: A Transformative Retreat Experience
I want to share how my time in Bali has been going and why retreats, like the one I recently attended, can be life-changing experiences.
The Reality of Overseas Escapes
Alright I'm gonna get real... Arriving in the enchanting lands of Bali has not been the smooth, glamorous adventure many expect. I was recently chatting with a client about the often-glorified image of overseas trips. We tend to imagine exotic destinations as magical escapes from our everyday troubles. But the truth is, you can't outrun your problems; they follow you wherever you go.
Sure, the hustle and bustle of our daily lives might push these issues to the background, hiding behind the veil of busyness, partying, and avoidance. But they're always there, waiting for a quiet moment to resurface.
If I'm honest, before leaving Melbourne, I was stuck in a shadow masculine mindset. My schedule was crammed with social engagements, work was all about productivity and results, and I was struggling to find moments of rest, stillness, and connection with nature.
Why Bali?
I chose Bali because I knew I needed a break. I've crafted my business in a way that allows me to work from anywhere in the world, and Bali, with its deeply feminine energy, seemed like the perfect place to recharge. Plus, I was asked to facilitate on a retreat so…who was I to say no to my first international job!
Embracing the Feminine Flow
For the past days, I've been immersed in a retreat in Ubud, Bali, surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful environment steeped in intention, nature, luxury, and peace. This retreat provided the space and support I needed to let go of my fixation on productivity, schedules, and results.
Instead of being driven by the grind, I allowed myself to be held.I was held by a team of incredible facilitators who guided us through yoga, vocal alchemy, human design, and psychic development. I was held by the staff who served our meals, made our beds. And unspoken helpers even adjusted the lighting, ensuring we always had soothing background music, and anointing us with mood-enhancing elixirs.
But one of the most profound experiences was participating in a Balinese water purification ceremony. The deep reverence and spiritual connection of this ritual moved me to tears, making me reflect on what it might have been like to grow up in a culture so intimately connected to the spirit of the land.
The Modern Day Juggle
In our modern society, we are expected to juggle multiple roles. We work to make money, shop, cook, clean, maintain friendships and social lives, nurture romantic relationships, and pursue personal growth and relaxation. We're responsible for creating our own atmosphere, setting the mood with lighting and music, and making time for learning and unwinding, all while trying to keep our lives balanced.
The Retreat Experience
On retreat, all these responsibilities are lifted. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. This space of being held and cared for allows profound inner work to unfold. It's a rare and precious opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.
Another beautiful benefit of being on retreat is the opportunity to stay with the same group of people for an extended period. This continuity allows for deeper connections and friendships to form, far beyond the often surface-level interactions we get from a one-hour coffee date.
Spending time together in a shared, intentional space fosters a sense of community and support that is both healing and enriching.
Bringing the Lessons Home
One of the most valuable takeaways from this retreat is the importance of integrating and balancing the masculine and feminine in my life...I think this is one of humanities biggest quests. The feminine flow of Bali is reminding me to make space for surrender, for dropping into the slip stream of life. To let go of the constant need to control and produce, and to embrace moments of stillness and connection.
With the rest of my month still here in Bali I know that the lessons learned on retreat are my duty to continue on. I could slip back into my shadow masculine and work work work, I could become anxious about the endless traffic and the unsettling experience of living out of a backpack. Or I can create safety, love and space for my feminine to feel seen, nurtured and relaxed the way she was on retreat.
Why You Should Go on a Retreat
I am a BIG supporter of retreats. Whether it's in Bali or somewhere else, gifting yourself this experience is transformative. Retreats offer a unique opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, reconnect with your inner self, and gain fresh perspectives that can enhance your overall well-being.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of a break, baby...I reckon a retreat might be just what you need. It's a chance to reset, recharge, and return home with renewed energy and clarity.
Plus, the friendships you cultivate during a retreat can become a lasting source of support and joy in your life.
Join Us
If this resonates with you, I'd love for you to join our upcoming Winter Witches Retreat Online Immersion.
It's a 2.5-hour online event with yoga and a winter ritual with myself It's designed to help you find balance and connect with your inner wisdom. The event costs $22, and you'll have access to the recording for 7 days if you can't attend live.
Go all in
Or if you're like, Chloe, I want the FULL experience, you can book yourself into our upcoming 5 day retreat in Venus Bay Australia from the 22nd - 26th of August
Book a discovery call to see if this retreat is right for you.
Let's take this journey together. Let's surrender to the flow and embrace the magic that comes with it.
In big Bali Love Chloe