Wild Women: A Cultivation of Self-Love & Sisterhood

Wild Women?! Sounds like a crazy time! 

At least that’s usually the response I receive when I mention the weekend retreats hosted by Wild Women Midwest. 

And you know what? It is a wild time, but it’s also a sacred time of community, self care, and personal exploration. 

The premise of the weekend retreats (a much-needed getaway for many of us) is to connect with other women, our wild ancestors, and the sacred feminine in order to better understand ourselves. 

This past summer, the three day event was held on Leisure Lake in Washburn County, Wisconsin. The setting was gorgeous and the activities were simple, but soulful. 

So what can you expect at a Wild Women retreat?

1. Body positivity

Wild women come in all shapes and sizes — petite to plus size – and we’re all beautiful. Whether you’re comfortable with your body at arrival or not, you’re certain to become even more so during your stay. There are numerous body positive activities, open discussion about sexuality, and a non-judgemental community.

2. Self reflection

Bring your journal and favorite writing utensil because there’s a heavy focus on self reflection and healing during this time. Whether you’re struggling with your job, personal relationships, past traumas, making next steps, or anywhere in between, you’ll learn methods to help search for answers and be encouraged to dig deeper. What you bring home is sure to be more than literal dirty laundry.

3. Non-traditional healing methods

Or maybe I should say traditional methods of healing and spiritual guidance. At this particular retreat, in addition to the availability of tarot cards, there was also a lesson on the moon phases by Ash from Ashtrology and on herbalism and decolonizing our relationship with plants with Kerri from River Prairie Apothecary. Both presentations were enlightening and provided some wonderful food for thought.

4. Creativity 

Wild Women are some of the most wonderfully creative people you’ll ever meet. This retreat included several activities to help participants express themselves including a lesson in painting (Dana, Paintings by Dana), crown-making with Kerri, and the availability of stencil art. There was also plenty of time and space to dance, hoop, or write.

5. Time in nature

The retreat’s locations offered access to a beautiful lake for swimming, canoeing, kayaking or fishing (if that’s your thing) and trails for hiking.

Nature has a special place for Wild Women. It helps us reconnect with our inner and ancient selves – all the wild women who paved the way before us.

Highlights:

• An avid mushroom hunter picked a basket full of chanterelles
• Kerri assisted in identifying plants on a nature walk
• There may have even been a skinny dip or two!

6. Camaraderie

Every great girls weekend is sure to have camaraderie and there was no shortage of it here! At a wild women retreat, it’s sure to start along with the opening circle around the fire on the first night where we set guidelines for the weekend and bear our souls.

This may sound like a daunting experience, especially in front of strangers, but I assure you that it’s quite therapeutic and will promote organic growth, conversation, and transformation over the weekend. 

Mixing soul-exposure with a few cocktails and camaraderie is sure to follow. After all, there’s nothing like shirking your comfort zone with other kindred spirits to soothe your spirit and help you find your sisterhood.

So if you’re looking to getaway from the usual and to do some soul-searching with a sisterhood, look no further!

 To learn more about the next gathering, check out Wild Women Midwest’s events!

Wild Women Midwest is owned by yogini and Thai massage therapist, Sarah Thearin. The retreat was co-hosted by she and Wild Woman, Michelle Anthony of Bliss Tonic podcast and Moonrise Aerials.

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