WOW, what a group - one more beautiful than the next. It wasn't five minutes into our meeting that the energy in the room was powerful and welcoming. Having 20 individuals come together not knowing one another, not knowing what to expect from Strength for Life has to involve a fear - which was eradicated within the first 5 minutes.
Our lineup included the 'usual suspects'...starting the day with Dr. Siobhan of Inner Source Health. Dr. Siobhan has been with Strength for Life for the last 3 - 4 retreats taking over for Dr. Peter. As a Naturopathic Doctor who studied Nutrition she is able to answer all the questions we have. Her presentation is so complete and covers such an array of important ideas that she seems to answer the question before they are asked.
After the presentation of Dr. Siobhan, everyone introduced themselves sharing their cancer journeys, however it was quite eloquent for one survivor to point out that the "cancer" is "not to define them." Intellectually we know that but having it pointed was a very poignant thought.
We started the hustle of the day, with our strength training class. It is always so much fun for us to get these newbies moving and recognizing that the seemingly small resistance bands can definitely work their muscles; and the instability of the exercise ball adds another dimension to movement and even sitting.
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Penni Niles of True Living Yoga relieved them from our grasp and joyfully added the zumba movements and laughs to our ladies. Penni is beyond perfect in adding excitement and fun to the day, she has also been a presence for many many retreats - and we are so grateful.
We did let them break for lunch :)
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Our dearest friend Lida was not available for this retreat and of course we missed her tremendously, however there are always wonderful yoga instructors who offer their time and talent. Debbie befriended Allison at one of our fundraisers and with one simple ask, she was there - 'kindness and yoga' seem to be synonymous.
Somehow, I am missing photos of Carolyn Calvacca of White Lotus Massage who treats us to something new and improved every retreat. Carolyn just came back from Sedona where she was learning and practicing "balancing your root chakra" and I only heard wonderful comments about Carolyn. Thank you!
Then the troupe of Reiki practitioners entered .... 17 Reiki practitioners, organized by our dearest friend Rosemary Maginniss of Reiki Sojourns, nearly one for every survivor.
You want to feel energy ????
That was the room to be in. Donna Nesturuk of Sound Healing Pathways and Inner Source Health using crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs and other beautiful instruments that encircled the room and magnified the energy. Sandra Caruso led a beautiful, peaceful and healing meditation.
This was a first for many of our 'thrivers' and I am confident that the blessings they walked away from, in that room, will be remembered for a very long time.
Dinner is served!
Our after dinner treat and presentation by our favorite Feng Shui Guru, Laura Cerrano of Feng Shui Manhattan and Long Island. Laura explains the 'Bagua', 'Saging' and many of the basic principles of feng shui, with gentleness and kindness. Leaving all with the following message "If you decide to implement Feng Shui into your lifestyle and home please try not to have a fear based approach. Feng Shui always comes from a place of light, good energy and positivity. When learning about this beautiful art form keep it simple and have fun. Understand you are becoming a more aware alchemist, so experimentation is a given, it's all good."
Good Night for some and others were up until the wee hours of the morning!!!
SUNDAY morning.... breakfast and no hike because of the icy trails and the hilly terrain. But not to worry we had more activities to enjoy.
Our newest BOD member Denise Chapman, an avid swimmer and triathlon participant many times over led an incredible water aerobics class in the hotel pool.
Love, love, love these ladies!!!!
To read reviews of our programs and the latest retreat visit Great Non Profits, Strength for Life, Port Jefferson Station... here's one excerpt "I attended the wellness retreat this past weekend was just amazed at the dedication these ladies had to helping us through a very rough time in our lives. The information provided to us was so helpful and the support system created was just priceless to me. A cancer diagnosis can be a very scary thing. Even though I am lucky enough to have the support of friends and family, this group provided the missing piece of the puzzle I needed to help me through."
To find out more on the Strength for Life programs visit our website www.strengthforlifeNY.org or call 631-675-6513. All our programs are funded by private donations and by our fundraising efforts. Please consider a donation and/or support our upcoming events. We are currently growing our “Team Strength for Life” for the June 7th LI2Day Walk for Breast Cancer and Other Women’s Cancers – it is a 13.1 mile walk with powerful and emotional energy.
