It is always amazing to Debbie and I, now celebrating our 12th wellness retreat, that there is consistently a common thread (besides the obvious) that unites these individuals. This past weekend 12 on the participants had only been in contact with us via email - we had no history with them except the brief communications via email. What we met were extraordinarily warm and open women - this is our blessing.
We are always in awe at the breakfast introductions where the journeys are shared. This particular group of survivors had a recurring theme of self diagnosis and advocacy, knowing there was something wrong and not letting the doctors dismiss that gut feeling. Lesson to be learned for all of us - follow your instincts and do not back down.
We rolled with the punches (behind the scenes) as we lost volunteers and presenters at the last minute due to illnesses. Normally we shuffle the survivors without a breather from class to class, this weekend allowed more time in between to schmooze and recover.
Of course Penni Niles, our premier Zumba instructor, started the activities of the day warming up the muscles and bringing light and fun into the day.
Our yogi, Lida, moved away and in stepped Isabel to our rescue. We trust that the right people show up for us - her introduction to the class was emotional and so beautiful. Isabel, who wears many hats in fitness held a floor Pilate's class. Our intent with the retreat is to introduce many modalities of exercise to add to their treatment and recovery plan - and this was a first for Pilates.
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Debbie and I battle through strength training but the class survived the banter.
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Time for the Reiki Healing Circle...Rosemary Maginnis orchestrates this portion of the retreat, enlisting 20 + Reiki practitioners. This was a very powerful time for many. The meditation set the time and tone , the energy in the room was intense. Many did not have any knowledge of the practice of Reiki and allowed themselves to be open to these wonderful healers. Thank you each and every practitioner who volunteered their time and talent. You are a blessing.
For another first, we had Energy Healer, Theresa Walsh of The Sacred Walk join us for a presentation and then total transformation as she worked her magic with the Angel Gemstone Cards. Non-believers were enlightened, the energy work began...tears were shed and the awakening opened up.
Sunday is a lower key day, the intent was to have a hike and/or aqua ballet class (sound so much more refined) however as I mentioned we rolled with the punches - the hotel was at maximum capacity and I do believe they needed much time to clean and sterilize after the partying was over. We hiked and let the pool sanitize.
What need to be told was the bond that these women shared with each other - it is priceless.
Some of the testimonials received:
The Strength for Life Retreat was an amazing gift to me, and I feel completely blessed. The directors Jacqui, Debbie, and Denise are personable , kind, and uplifting. This retreat was really the most positive thing I have done for myself since my diagnosis, it was wonderful in so many ways.
I will always remember this time and always have appreciation for the connecting with all of the lovely strong women I met this weekend. The exercise classes gave me hope, for I was only use to exercise with weight and now I know, I can get a lot of benefits using pilates, zumba, and strength training with resistance bands. The volunteers that presented the classes were kind and giving.
Meditation and Reiki circle, made me feel amazing, relaxed, a feeling of calm...along with a oneness with all of the others in the room.
The strength for life team is commended, and the honor Evelyn Knapp lives on. Again I am thankful.
"Today I attended Strength for Life workshop at the Hyatt in Happauge, NY. It was a truly wonderful experience. Jacqui and Debbie did a terrific job organizing and planning a fun filled and informative weekend for cancer survivors. Thank you for all you do."
"I want to thank you and Debbie again for the gift given to me. It was a wonderful experience and I can say that it seems everyone love it as much as I did. Your contribution to my spirit and the community bond between most participants are certainly priceless."
For more information on Strength for Life – please visit our website www.strengthforlifeNY.org, you can see the photos and learn more on our FB page Strength for Life, or our Strength for Life blog
