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Our highest highs and our lowest lows in life often occur within the context of relationships. They hold the highest potential for healing and joy, as well as for deep wounding. We’ve all been hurt in some way or another by those we hoped we could trust. When this happens, our instinct (not always a conscious choice!) is to shut ourselves off from others by building walls and acting in ways that protect us. But when we live in protection, there’s not the vulnerability and openness for connection. We may be lonely, even if we are surrounded by people. We may “hide in plain sight,” wearing masks that we think will hide our “unloveability” from others – and in so doing, we never let others be close enough to truly see our real self. We are born completely dependent on others, gain independence as we grow, and sometimes fall into codependence as we try to connect. But the goal is interdependence: a mutually beneficial, healthy relationship with self and others, based on our interconnected design at creation. We are not meant to live life alone.In this retreat, you will:
Discover that you are not alone. Shame has a way of falsely accusing us of being the “only one” experiencing this pain. Working with the horses brings our struggles into the light without provoking that shame, and you will receive encouragement as others in the group relate to your struggles, too.
Identify your protectors – those defenses you’ve put in place to keep yourself from being hurt by others. Once we have awareness of the protector, and develop insight as to why and when we use it, we are empowered to choose more connection-oriented ways of keeping us safe in relationships. Horses are gentle but honest partners as we explore our defenses and learn to set healthy boundaries.
Find true courage. Experience safe vulnerability as you work through various group activities with the horses that help you learn to trust again. Trust is always risky – it takes real courage to trust someone – but these activities are designed to grow that vulnerable experience of trusting someone (human or horse!) in a physically and emotionally safe environment.
Learn that you are loveable! The horses, activities, staff, and other cowgirls ALWAYS challenge our harmful beliefs that keep us isolated and alone. It comes up organically throughout the retreat, as the supportive environment naturally promotes empathy and attunement that heal some universal wounds we all carry as women.
Embody Cowgirl Confidence that you take with you off the ranch as you learn how to attune closely with your horse partner, communicate your honest thoughts, feelings, and needs assertively, and explore your interpersonal boundaries and attachment styles.
Price: $459. Includes a 30-minute goal-setting phone call with Erin before the retreat.
Lunch and refreshments throughout the day are included.
Must have attended Cowgirl Up! Retreat: Connection to Self.
Email [email protected] to register or for more information. Space is limited to 8 cowgirls per retreat, so book your spot early!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
699 Wooltown Road, Wernersville, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19565, 699 Wooltown Rd, Wernersville, PA 19565-9515, United States,Robesonia, Pennsylvania