Retreats R Us from Nan

About once a year, the Brandywine Center Collective (consisting now of SIX awesome women therapists) comes together for a retreat experience. This year we hunkered down at Robin’s warm and welcoming art-filled home. After a breakfast nosh and hugs, we moved into our time-honored ritual of personal sharing (which always precedes the day’s business agenda). I so look forward to this moment because it allows us to connect in very deep and satisfying ways, something that we can’t accomplish during the work week.

When it was my turn to share, I talked about the spaciousness that I have recently created in my life. Working a little less gives me more unstructured time—for my relationships, for studying French, re-familiarizing myself with cooking, reading, moving my body, and just being. I expressed gratitude for my ability to mostly live in the present and not sweat the small stuff.  

I reflected on the hardships and losses that have gotten me to this point. Over the years, I’ve learned to ride the waves of painful feelings that come and go, which then allows me to be present for the abundance of riches that is also my life.   

When I was finished, there were some offerings of support, feedback, laughter and love. Then onto the next person, and so on until everyone had spoken. Six people who care deeply about each other, speaking the truth even when it hurts, being seen and heard and so respected by each other. This is a deeply precious thing. 

At lunch we reflected out loud, because after all, we ARE therapists, and we process everything! What emerged was a feeling of profound gratitude for the trust and safety that we have built and continue to cultivate together.  We hope that in the sacred spaces of our offices or through the energy of cyberspace, you feel it too!