Reflections from running my first coaching retreat.

Magical moments

‘Magical’ that’s the word that came to mind when I reflected on the experience of running my first coaching retreat with wonderful women in Southern France.

Views of the ancient ruined castle, the backdrop of the Pyrenees black mountains, the lush valley and terraced gardens set the scene for some transformative conversations.

Client feedback

The themes of recharge, reset and refocus were woven throughout the programme. As one participant described, “Simply getting away from home and going somewhere else where I could pause for a moment, think, reflect. Stepping off the merry go round and getting away from the home routine in such a lovely place was a really good way to reflect on where you are at and where you want to be.”

Client feedback

Morning sessions involved practising stillness, somatic practice and reconnecting to the authentic self. In between coaching sessions, clients were invited to recharge by wallowing in Himalyan salt baths, painting, walking or journaling. “The downtime was important to allow time to assimilate and integrate everything.”

Group sessions gave us chance to reset and refocus on what matters using Five Ways to Focus in practice. Taking our coaching outside brought chances to explore new places and new perspectives generating fresh thinking and peace of mind. With renewed clarity first steps started to emerge.

Client feedback

It wasn’t just the location that felt special. Chahira Safar, the kindest of hosts, welcomed us to her beautiful home. She nurtured our guests with cosy places to relax and think, and nourished them with soulful vegetarian food, lovingly prepared. Chahira delivered an incredible session on gratitude which gave everyone goosebumps.

Our visit to the fabulous Chapters restaurant on the last evening was a delicious 5* encounter with Sebastian’s culinary prowess and Roisin’s friendly front of house service. As one client said, “I think you created an environment where people could truly get new perspectives and insights. The careful selection of people, the mix of 1-1 coaching and group sessions, the house of dreams, and a little taste of French life.”

Client feedback

Personal transformations took place, and firm bonds formed within the group, which was wonderful to witness. I encouraged my clients to travel within the programme at their own pace, exploring what needed attention and pausing when needed, adjusting the sessions to create stillness or energy as required. One client described her coaching experience, “You were very open in terms of letting me focus on what I thought was important and I found your comments, and observations so positive and empowering – it was brilliant.”

The words awe and wonder kept appearing the more we explored the place and ourselves. There were tears, and laughter and then more laughter, we lifted each other up. “I felt really connected and at ease with the other people on the retreat. It made for an extremely fun, pleasurable and meaningful experience. I soooooo enjoyed it.”

Being with inspiring women journeying to discover their true potential was a both a pleasure and a privilege and will have lasting impact as one client put it, “I feel like I’ve come back a different person. So many ideas, insights and connections to take forward in this next chapter, I am still in a bubble of bliss weeks later.”

Perhaps it was not one single thing but all the elements woven together that made it seem truly magical. And there is more magic to come as I plan the next retreat. Will you be joining us?

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