Sometimes you just know when something’s going to be life-changing.
I’m writing this weekend from the Omega Women’s Leadership Center, part of the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York. Omega is famous for its mindfulness and other holistic wellness workshops.
This is my first time here. When I checked out Omega’s website a few months back, looking for a learning experience where I could connect with like-minded souls, this weekend’s “Women & Power Retreat: Being Bold,” practically reached out and grabbed me.
The main draw for me was that Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love and The Signature of All Things is one of the keynote speakers. Her newest book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear comes out on Monday. Yahoo!!
It’s early Saturday morning and I’ve found a tiny spot of wi-fi. The weekend is only beginning, but last night’s speakers already inspired me in ways I never imagined. I wanted to share just a little taste of what I heard from Elizabeth Lessing, Wendy Davis, and Angel Kyodo Williams (I’m in a bit of a hurry so will just slap a few nuggets down without attributing them right now):
“Boldness is about being yourself.”
“Pay attention to your inner authority; your soul’s compass; your core self.”
“You need to first befriend yourself before you can help the world.”
“We’re here to pay attention to where your inner light meets up with the outer world.”
“We don’t have to diminish others to shine ourself.” (In other words, there’s enough shine to go around.)
“Let’s take responsibility for our ego’s shenanigans.”
“The path to connecting to the whole is by connecting inside.”
The core theme of this retreat is “How do women do power differently?” Can we nudge ourselves to do things differently? I’ll be writing much more about the conference after it’s finished, so stay tuned.
And just a couple of announcements for my DC-area readers:
On Sunday, September 27, from 1-5 p.m., Vienna’s Afternoon on Church Street theme is “Mugs and Mums.” I’ll have my garden photography and notecards on display (and for sale) in a tent set up next to the Historic Freeman Store. I’d love to see you there!
Also, on Saturday, November 14, I’ll be participating in Robinson High School’s “Marketplace,” an indoor craft fair that sounds like it will be a great opportunity for holiday shopping.
So go out and be bold, people! (Part of my being bold this weekend includes staying in a tent cabin, which is awesome.) More soon!
