20/09/2025
It drives me crazy when I meet people who are all doe -eyed and about to give up their day job because they want to "run retreats".
The truth is running retreats isn't sexy. It isn't fun. And it sure isn't an easy way to make a living. Well, not for me anyway.
For me, it takes every skill i've developed in the past 30 years. It takes vision and courage. It take an immense amount of energy and total willingness to work with whatever and whoever walks in the door.
But it's best said in the words of Renee, a parent of 3 disabled children:
"Last year I found myself in desperate need of somewhere to go, to rest.
I had tried to find respite places where I felt safe on my own and didn’t have to organise too much (because I couldn’t).
Deep in burnout, I wasn’t functioning within society, I was meeting the immediate, urgent needs of my children but had no capacity to care for myself.
I dragged my broken, unfit for human company, exhausted body to this retreat designed especially for parents like me. There was no energy for expectations.
I rested. Ate the most delicious, nutritious meals sprinkled with love.
Liz is an incredibly gifted reflexologist, she was able to calm my inner mayhem so that I could deeply relax.
I enjoyed safe, honest, heartfelt, uplifting conversations (relevant to me!). I soaked up all the insights and knowledge Liz generously offered not only within our sharing circle, but also indirectly, gently, as the opportunity arose over the course of the retreat.
In the tranquillity, I was able to notice the rhythms of my body, pay attention to the parts that were disconnected or overly reactive. The coaching Liz provided helped me to see a slither of light in the darkness, giving me the courage to make small goals towards shaping a healthier life plan, where my needs are accommodated too.
Toward the end of my first retreat I felt a slight colouring return to my soul like it hadn’t done for years, there were moments where I even felt like myself.
My second retreat held a different kind of magic. I’ve done a lot of inner work in the last year, it's so valuable to have a check in point, to reflect on the progress I have made, what I’m still working on, and to gain a few new life goals.
Liz, you make me feel so supported on this journey. I will come to your retreat every single year (full of my usual nonsense!), open and ready to rest, heal and grow with you. You are such a gift to those of us in need of nurturing!"
