Speaking From The Scar - Women's Retreat Sorrento

Speaking From The Scar - Women’s Weekend Circle Sorrento

17-19 May 2024

Designed for any woman that has experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA)

| Writing Prompts | Movement | Meditation | Expression | Journalling | Fire Circle |

“There’s no point telling anyone”.

“I’m okay, I’m fine”.

“I can’t change what’s happened, so there’s no point ever speaking about it”.

These are all thoughts that played over and over on repeat in my mind. Minimizing my experiences and attempting to fool myself that what happened was of no real consequence, wasn’t serving me. My failure to acknowledge the depth of my experiences, and trying to ignore them, eventually came back to bite me. There were times when my emotions would erupt unexpectedly and disproportionately. I often felt I had no control.

I was sexually abused by a trusted neighbour when I was just nine years old. And for 36 years I held that story in.

Within my being. Within my body. I never told anyone. 

I believed that because the abuse had stopped it wasn’t hurting me anymore.

I now understand that every experience we’ve ever had energetically resides in our body until it is processed.

Speaking about my story of trauma and literally shaking it free from my body has gifted me liberation. Speaking the truth of my experiences has delivered self-acceptance, self-compassion, and peace.

This weekend retreat is offered to serve any woman who wants to reconnect with her true, authentic self and unravel her stories from the past. Within the safety of a confidential container of a small group of women, I lead you through the practices that have worked for me on my journey.

On this weekend, you'll connect with your body, your feelings, and your stories.

• We'll use writing prompts to tap into expression.
• We'll use movement and dance to shake out the stuck energies – like wild animals, we'll allow the wild woman to emerge.
• Women will speak their truths and be witnessed in their uncensored expression.
• And unapologetically express their emotions.
• We'll use meditation to connect within, discern our needs and nourish our souls.
• We'll connect with the wisdom and gifts of our experiences.
• And sit in a Cacao Fire Circle for release and invocation

Through sharing a story into the listening circle, the energies of that story can be witnessed and transmuted.

Do you have a story of CSA that lives within you? A story that’s not serving you?

In the words of Brene Brown: "When we don’t own our stories of failure, setback and hurt, they own us. Owning our story and loving ourselves through that story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do. When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending".

This is my invitation to come and sit in my circle, where you can explore and release the wounds of your story, so that you can also Speak From The Scar. Numbers will be limited to a small group of 6 participants only. 

Your investment for the weekend is $190 plus booking fee.
This incredibly reasonable price is possible because the accommodation is donated.   

Included:

• accommodation in two-bedroom self-contained units (private bedroom, shared bathroom and living space) just a short stroll to the front beach (address provided upon registration)
• linen and towels
• all meals excluding breakfast (minimal communal preparation and clean-up requested) 
• the company of supportive and curious women

Additional optional activities:

• Morning Beach dip/swim
• Beach walks

Healing and personal growth can be life-long journeys that are unique to each individual. Being surrounded by supportive people sharing similar experiences can be incredibly transformative. Participants can share as much, or as little of their writing as they choose, however sharing is encouraged, as I've found being witnessed in your truth is incredibly healing.

This is a safe, private and inclusive peer-led program that is intended to complement (but not substitute) professional therapies and mental health supports.

Even within a safe and supportive environment, it's likely that engaging in these introspective and reflective activities will evoke a variety of emotions and memories that may be triggering. In purchasing your ticket for this weekend retreat, you acknowledge this and agree to seek appropriate support for any emotional or psychological reactions that may occur.

Should you have questions about the content or the structure of the weekend, please contact Karen Garton @ karengarton5@bigpond.com and I'll be happy to address your questions or concerns.