As the first golden leaves began to fall in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, our Embodied Experiences community gathered for a long weekend of rest, renewal, and reconnection. This intimate wellness retreat called SHE RISE was designed for those who are overextended, overwhelmed, and craving space to breathe again.
Nestled among towering pines and gentle streams in the Ouachita National Forest, our retreat offered a chance to slow down, let go, and remember what balance feels like.
Moving with Nature: Qigong in the Forest
A forest bathing outing led to Qigong practice in the national forest, surrounded by the soft rustle of leaves and the earthy scent of pine. As sunlight filtered through the trees, participants grounded themselves in mindful movement—reconnecting body and breath, presence and purpose.
Many shared that this ritual became a turning point—a moment to truly arrive, to release the weight of everyday life, and to rediscover stillness.
Dipping into Flow: River Meditation and Forest Bathing
We followed the call of the nearby river, where cool water flowed over smooth stones. There, we dipped our toes in the crystal-clear water, a symbolic act of release and renewal. Through forest bathing, a Japanese-inspired mindfulness practice known as shinrin-yoku, participants learned to engage all their senses and find peace in the natural world. No phone. No deadlines. Just presence.
Sound Healing and Sleep Hypnosis Beneath the Stars
As dusk fell, the group gathered for an outdoor sound bath and guided sleep hypnosis session. Beneath a sky full of stars, sound waves from crystal bowls and gentle voicework lulled everyone into deep rest. Finisehd with a cup of sleep time tea, the night carried a sense of surrender—of resetting the nervous system and allowing true restoration to begin.
Firelight, Full Moons, and Finding Your Voice
No Embodied Experiences retreat would be complete without a little wildness. Around the fire pit, under a glowing Broken Bow full moon, we shared stories, laughter, and a few joyful howls. It was a moment of liberation—a reminder that even in stillness, there’s power and playfulness to be found.
Art, Balance, and Creative Expression
Throughout the weekend, we explored art exercises around balance—using paint, collage, and journaling to express the dance between giving and receiving, effort and ease. These creative moments became both therapy and revelation, allowing women to see how art can mirror life’s natural rhythm.
Sunset Serenity: A Tiki Tour on Broken Bow Lake
To close our retreat, we embarked on a sunset cruise with Tiki Tours on Broken Bow Lake. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the water glowed with golden light. There was laughter, quiet reflection, and deep gratitude. Watching the women gaze at the glistening water in silence stilled something in me.
Why Retreats Like This Matter
In a world that asks women to give endlessly, retreats like this are not luxuries—they’re necessities. They offer space to rest the body, reset the mind, and rekindle the spirit.
If you’ve been feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or simply ready to come home to yourself, our next Embodied Experiences women’s retreat may be exactly what you need.
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