The roots of women’s retreats may be less documented, but their surge in popularity in recent decades reflects the growing emphasis on self-care, wellness and women’s empowerment. Today, retreats are recognized as powerful tools for helping women disconnect from daily pressures, realign with their goals and build communities that support their growth. This is also why corporations support them.
Why Retreats?
Historically, retreats were often religious, with women participating in spiritual or religious pilgrimages as far back as medieval times. The modern concept of women’s retreats emerged alongside the feminist movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. But today, retreats incorporate elements like yoga, meditation and creative expression, aiming to cater to the mind, body and spirit of women.
Bernadine Rosso-Galarneau, founder and owner of Women Who Are Up to Something in Santa Cruz, is hosting her third Women’s Evolution Retreat on Nov. 1-3 at the Green Mountain Retreat Center.
I asked Bernadine to answer “Why she likes doing Retreats” for women and small business owners. She greatly enjoys every aspect of organizing them, and “… loves bringing women together. We inspire one another by sharing our challenges and how we can move and grow through them.” Her weekend retreat gives women ample time to slow down without cooking, driving or caretaking.
Jennifer Young, owner of WISER (Women Inner Strengths Events & Retreats) in Felton, is co-hosting this event. When also asked about “Why Retreats?”, she shared her favorite quote:
We Gather
To see each other; our strength, beauty and humanity.
To create a place that’s here and now.
To celebrate each other as friends, mothers, leaders and citizens.
To help each other thrive as individuals and as a community.
To pause, breathe, look, laugh—take a moment to belong.
What You Will Gain
By stepping away from daily demands, you can return to work with fresh perspectives and renewed energy, making you more efficient and effective in your roles. This retreat is not just a break, but an investment in your personal and professional growth.
Retreats also provide space for self-reflection and community building. Stanford’s Women in Leadership program research indicates that time spent in reflective environments boosts strategic thinking and creativity.
Join Us for Transformation
Eight prominent women, all Santa Cruz County business owners, will be speaking:
- Silvia Austerlic, The Art of Radical Self-Love; Healing into Wholeness with Fierce Self-Compassion
- Jennifer Young, Vision Walk
- Terry Williams, An Experiential Introduction to Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
- Wendy Meg-Siegel, Create Visioning; Tapping Into the Power of Your Intention
- Roxann Baurele-Foster, This One Life; How Well You Live It
- Kylie Strijek, Using Pilates to Let Go
- Bernadine Rosso-Galarneau, The True Wisdom Method
- Janet Janssen, Empower Your Voice; Unleashing Your Speaking Superpowers
The Green Mountain Retreat offers a perfect setting. “Most people in business don’t last longer than a decade if they don’t have some kind of management technique in place for their mental, emotional and physical health. Taking time for a regular retreat can fulfill this need.”
Register today; rooms may still be available, or you can attend daily: womenwhoareuptosomething.com/women-s-evolution-weekend-retreat.
“I have learned that regardless of content, time together over a weekend with other women, many of them new to one another, allows for a fresh perspective and encourages personal growth,” states Bernadine.
In researching the value of retreats, magazines and institutions, such as the Stanford Graduate School of Business, emphasize that retreats provide a crucial space for personal reflection and professional growth. Programs like the Executive Program in Women’s Leadership offer insights into how stepping away from daily routines in a retreat environment can improve leadership skills, creativity and strategic thinking.
Join us for an unforgettable experience. Connect with like-minded women, forge lasting relationships and unlock personal and professional breakthroughs, with massage and sound immersion available.
Janet Janssen, a Life in Business and Speaker Coach, offers 1:1 coaching, Leadership Development Icebreakers and workshops. Visit JanetJanssen.com or call 831-335-0553 for more information.
