A Breath and Story retreat is not simply a group of women coming from different places to vacation together. It is a meaningful journey. Yes, it is an escape to an exotic, historic, legendary or otherwise unique location with women from all over the country, but it is also the intent, attention to detail and personal touch woven throughout each day that shapes the experience into something more; perhaps even magical. I had seen photos of previous Breath and Story retreats to France, Italy and Mexico, but a photo is one dimensional. It wasn’t until I took a leap of faith and said “yes” to the “Wild and Warm” Iceland retreat, that I realized how worth it and wonderful it would be.
I know Heather, so I had an inkling of what might be in store, and then I met Mindy in Iceland. When you meet Heather and Mindy they will make you feel like you’ve been besties since forever. These two women who were already friends, had common goals. Then, they decided to unite their knowledge and talents to become “Breath and Story.” Together, they are a dynamic team that makes extraordinary things happen!!
The “Wild and Warm” Iceland retreat was just that! Chasing waterfalls and exploring geysers in the wind and rain, riding Icelandic horses-sometimes with minds of their own-for three hours through the rugged countryside and learning the age old tradition of baking rye bread underground while the wind and rain swept around us was wild! The weather changing its mind every hour was wild! The number of rainbows we saw in a week was wild! Rooming with a complete stranger and spending a week with fourteen women I’d never met, to experience the adventures of a lifetime together was wild (and wonderful!)
Warm were the cozy spaces and moments-eating delicious, thoughtfully crafted meals together with lit candles at the long wooden table, practicing yoga while taking in the view of the lake and rolling hills dotted with sheep, finding yourself in a conversation with someone or a small group while sipping a steamy cup of tea or coffee, a meaningful conversation with your roommate and realizing she’s no longer a roommate, but a cherished new friend. My roommate, now friend, just happens to live ten minutes away from me, but apparently we had to go to Iceland to find each other! Also warm was the freshly baked rye bread with a thick spread of Icelandic butter and locally caught smoked trout, the greenhouses while we learned about how tomatoes are grown with geothermal energy and the garden fresh tomato soup and bread basket that followed. Warm were the vans we came back to after adventuring in the unpredictable elements that are Iceland and the conversations and laughter within. Warm and oh so wonderful was our spa day at Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik and warm was our final four course dinner together and personal affirmations-gifts from one heart to another. Finally, “Wild and Warm” were the moments I carved out for myself; to reflect, to write, to try a new food, to snuggle in for a nap, to reach outside my comfort zone, to pray and to be present, look around in awe and feel gratitude for being a part of it all.
Traveling will enrich your life. A Breath and Story retreat will enrich your soul. Come and see!