Packing list & Information for the Glenwood Springs, Sparkle Your World Destination Retreat
In Greek Mythology, The Phoenix is a long-lived bird that dies in a fiery burst of flames, and is then regenerate and reborn from the ashes. The home in which you will be spending the weekend is The Crystal Phoenix and your journey over the weekend will mirror that of the Phoenix.
No matter where you are at in your life, there are numerous cycles of death and rebirth. As you prepare for this weekend, please take some time to ponder the phase of the cycle you are in right now. What parts of you and your life you would like to symbolically disintegrate into flames, and what do you want that new, rising version of self to be.
Friday: Check in is at 6PM on Friday and programming starts at 7:00. I’m arriving around 5 in order to get set up, so if you arrive early it won’t be a problem at all!
Please dress comfortably, (we are going to move and dance) and bring something a bit warm for Friday night as we will spend some time outside and it tends to get chilly! Having a water bottle is always a good idea, because it’s easy to carry and if you have any specific snacks or drinks that you prefer, please bring those along too.
You have each been paired with a roommate, and if you are a light sleeper, consider earplugs or a sleeping mask. Remember pajamas and perhaps slippers or socks.
The theme for Friday night is “Into the Darkness, Into the Ash” and we will move briefly into our own shadow. We will unearth and release our disappointment, bitterness, and pain, striping ourselves down to our core essence.
A symbolic death of the old will take place, as you let go and reduce yourself down, preparing for your own rebirth.
Saturday: Breakfast is provided, and will take place at 8:30.
The theme for Saturday is “Into the Light, the Rebirth of Self” and we will spend the day receiving and luxuriating in ourselves. Your job is to relax. To be served. To honor yourself, and each other as the divine Queens that we are.
Throughout history, women have tended to each other. Whether in labor and delivery, in preparation for marriage, in death, childrearing or in everyday life, women have supported and cared for each other. They had their own tents or rooms during their monthly cycles, they lived together in their own quarters and “women’s work” was often done communally.
Saturday we will act as each other’s symbolic doula, caring for each other and facilitating the rebirth of our authentic, divine selves.
In preparation for Saturday, please bring a device you can play music on. A phone, ipod, ipad or whatever. Spend some time putting together a brief playlist.
- Your requiem, lament, or death march
- A song or two that brings you to tears of power, excitement or joy. A song that touches your heart, causes you to well up, and feel all the feels.
I also want you to play around on a computer and print 10 or so pictures that give you the feels. Images of things you want, but more than that. I want these images to stir emption! They don’t have to be literal images either. If your life’s desire is to own a candy apple red convertible, because you FEEL the fun and freedom of driving that car around, you don’t need a picture of the actual car. You can find pictures that represent fun and freedom. Or, you can find a picture of the car. Whatever gets you really pumped up.
I use a lot of imagery from musical theater because I’m a musical theater junkie and those images cause me to feel, deep in my solar plexus. No, I’m not wanting to be Christine and be kidnapped by the Phantom. To me, that images conjures up feelings of magic and mystery and trust, which are feelings I’m going for in other areas of my life. Make sense?
Attire for Saturday morning is really going to be fun! Have you ever bought something that you LOVE, but then you never have the guts to wear it? Or you really can’t walk in the shoes after all, but they are simply too pretty to get rid of? Or you just feel that something is inappropriate or silly or that you don’t look the way you want to look? Too short? Too young? Too matronly, too cowboy, too masculine, too whatever… But you love it just the same.
This is a NO PRESSURE activity, but Saturday is your chance to wear that outfit and those shoes! If you honest-to-goodness have nothing, I recommend hitting up a thrift store and playing around a bit. My “OMG this is the best dress EVER!” came from Goodwill and no, it doesn’t match the shoes AT ALL, but matching is not the point. Wearing things that are extravagant that you love is the point. No, you don’t need a full ensemble either. (No pressure, remember?) Jewelry and shoes with some regular pants works fine too. The point is to wear what you wish you could wear, and to do it comfortably and without shame.
I don’t care if you are in a fuzzy leopard robe and those furry heels because you always wished you could lounge around in lingerie (I have a long, black, velvet robe and matching long, black velvet nightgown that is a vintage 1940’s ensemble that I LOVE! I wear it every Christmas morning and it’s fabulous!) or if you have workout gear or stretch pants or a cat suit or a prom dress. It can be tough, athletic, sexy, silly, or whatever. The purpose is not to be funny, (although your outfit might be giggle-worthy) the intent is to honor you, your desires and to give you the chance to admire and luxuriate in yourself and the things you like without judgment!
Saturday lunch will be on your own, so you will want “normal” clothes to walk to town in! You can dress normally for our afternoon activities as well. Saturday evening we will head to the hot springs, so bring a swimsuit, towel and whatever else you need to soak. Dinner will be on your own, and you can either grab dinner at the pool or pick up something in town. The pool closes at 10.
Sunday: Breakfast is provided and will take place at 8:30.
The theme for Sunday is “Into Life, Taking Flight” and we will spend the day diving boldly into life with power, purpose and intention. We are going to do some yoga/freestyle movement, so make sure you are dressed comfortably. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it! If not, you can use your beach towel! Also, be sure to have a pair of tennis shoes, as we will be doing an activity that requires tennis shoes.
Lunch will be on your own, and we will close out and be done with formal programming at that point. However, you are welcome to stay that day and shop, hike, explore or even stay one more night. My family comes in on Sunday, just so you know and aren’t shocked by the sudden presence of large men in the house!
*Keep in mind that we will be walking to and from town, so be sure you have comfortable shoes. No, it’s not far, but you don’t want blisters!
**If you are anything like me, you might want to bring a journal or notebook so you can take notes, jot down your thoughts, or simply doodle!
Please reach out if you have any questions, comments or concerns. This weekend will be truly transformational, decidedly delicious and I can’t wait to spoil you! Thank you for entrusting your re-birth to me! <3
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