A CONNECTED HEART-FELT WEEKEND
                     A CONNECTED HEART-
FELT WEEKEND
https://www.wholesomebellies.com.au/
A week ago, I ran my first plant-based cooking retreat at 
Woody Grove Retreat, Mapleton. What an absolute privilege it 
was. And I don’t say that lightly.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I’d be 
leading a retreat of my own. Let’s be honest, I’ve been a 
‘retreat junkie’ most of my life – attending all sorts of retreats 
around the world and growing and learning from each 
experience. This retreat felt so different – whilst I was 
organised and everything was carefully planned out, it was 
one of the rare moments in my life where I felt totally in flow, 
and not in control. I didn’t really know where each day would 
take us, and I was so comfortable with that. I was out of my 
head the entire weekend and in my heart. And there was a 
sense of ease and joy everywhere.
I headed home with a huge smile on my face. I took the next 
day to sit quietly reflecting on the weekend that was. 
Memories floated in and out, the many conversations 
replayed in my mind, and each time I reflected I felt immense 
gratitude. Grateful that I ‘got’ to spend a weekend connecting 
with women I’d never met. Grateful that 12 women, with no 
past history, came together with complete trust and 
connected and opened up. Grateful that I get to share my 
passion of plant-based food with like-minded people. Grateful 
for the laughter – boy did we laugh!
I wasn’t looking for the usual growth and learning from this 
retreat. My intention was to create an incredible weekend for 
my guests and give ALL of ME to them. To give back this time. 
But what I received and learned was bigger than I could have 
ever imaged. I learned that:
 women are more incredible than I ever realised;
 when you truly stare into the eyes of another human, you 
see yourself;
 we are all equal;
 we are all beautiful;
 women are strong and can overcome absolutely anything;
 differences are to be celebrated;
 opening your heart is the gateway to deep connection;
 Joy is our birth right, not something we should strive for;
 when women come together, we truly know how to have a 
good time.
And on that note, I end with quote that resonates so deeply 
with me. For we are not broken, we are just butterflies 
waiting to spread our wings.
“She is a beautiful piece of broken pottery, put back together 
with her own hands. And a critical world judges her cracks 
while missing the beauty of how she made herself whole 
again.”
Jm Storm
   
   
  
Contact US
Email  -
[email protected]
Phone - 0416 250 969
https://www.wholesomebellies.com.au/