Dani Cirignano
DFY’s Executive Assistant and Retreat Coordinator
One of the cooler parts of my job is getting to meet our clients in person at live retreats. A long-time yoga teacher and practitioner myself, I’ve attended many retreats over the years as a participant. Now, working behind the scenes at our Divine Feminine Yoga retreats I have an entirely new view!
I love watching as women shift their perspectives about their businesses. Most yoga teachers and health practitioners tend to be really good at our craft, and quite frankly, we sorely lack in the business department. Many of us hesitate when it comes to really owning our expertise and worth.
Through the support of the group at the retreat, along with our amazing coaching staff, I witness women break through blind spots and fears. It’s an incredibly moving experience. The difference is often visible in women’s body language and voice, as a whole new world of possibility arises. These shifts and transformations, however big or small, ripple through the rest of the group. I see a remarkable difference between Day 1 and Day 3 of the retreat.
What I really get from working at these retreats is that we are not meant to grow and nurture businesses all by ourselves: starting a business can often feel isolating, and community is vital.
Most recently there was a participant who had always longed to put on a big Yoga Flash Mob. We could all relate on some level, and the group offered plenty of support. However, the real breakthrough happened the next day, when we surprised her by asking her to lead us in our very own Flash Mob!
She stepped into her leadership so gracefully, and a group of 35 of us took our Flash Mob into the hotel lobby, where we were joined by other hotel guests. This fun, spontaneous action ~ initiated by other women present ~ brought her dream into reality and gave her the confidence to go do this in the world! I appreciated seeing that what can feel insurmountable on a personal level can transform beyond our wildest dreams by the power of community.
Here are 3 tips to have a totally awesome retreat ~ either as the leader or as an attendee ~ on all levels:
- Prioritize Self Care: Get plenty of rest, eat the foods that you know work best for your body, stay hydrated, and move your body. If you need support, ask for it, from either one of your teachers/coaches or a fellow participant.
- Lean Into The Discomfort: I often liken the retreats to a roller coaster ride: you would never get off a roller coaster in the middle! Know that you will experience ups and downs, and that this is perfectly normal. When moments of fear, insecurity, or comparison arise, use your yoga: be curious, breathe deeply, and pay attention (and see Tip #1!).
- Toot Your Own Horn: As you build your business, or develop your yoga practice, there aren’t a lot of places where you can celebrate your successes. Share who you are with other participants, be vulnerable, and authentically acknowledge yourself for all that you have accomplished and are creating. When you do this for yourself, you allow others to do the same, and I promise you, that is where the retreat magic happens.
I (and the rest of the Divine Feminine Yoga team!) would love to meet and support you and your business in person. To learn more about our upcoming Sacred Business Woman Retreats (on both the East and West coasts), Click here.