13/02/2024
Breathwork & Singing Retreat with Simon Lubkowski & Olivia Mendoza
For some experiences, words just seem so insufficient. The words I use are just a temporary placeholder for an experience I know will stay in my heart and bones for years to come.
To quote one of our participants, Magical is an understatement.
Holding a retreat was never something I 'wanted' to do. It wasn't something conjured into being by thought or by ambition, but by trust - by leaning into the steps laid out in front of me by the stars, by the universe, and by the people put in my path who I couldn't forsee.
What unfolded in the most organic way was something so wonderful, so ethereally beautiful, so deeply and profoundly connecting. I think each of us departed the weekend with a slightly softer heart and a little bit changed.
Both Breathwork and singing have been life-altering for me. Both have burst my previously hardened heart wide open. I once said in early recovery I didn't think I was capable of love. I'm so very, very glad I was wrong.
It was therefore the most natural thing in the world to create an offering interweaving these two things, and to co-create and to co-facilitate it with Simon was the only conceivable way. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for saying yes.
The synergy of our sessions seemed to flow in an enchantingly tender way. What I believe we all experienced throughout the weekend was a harmonious fusion of joy, grief, affirmation, and boundless possibility - felt, expressed and released through our voices and through our breath, in an atmosphere of pure love and acceptance.
My intention for the retreat was to create a space for each and every person to feel loved and to feel held, knowing and trusting that I was receiving the same from the universe (and from Simon). To expect the unexpected and to lean in and let go.
I keep using the words 'seamless magic' but that's exactly how it felt. Something that could have felt overwhelming and terrifying (I've never had 30+ pairs of eyes on me before, or held space for that many breathing bodies) just felt effortless and it felt RIGHT.
The whole thing needed to feel enchanting, like a fairy tale bubble of support and nurturance, so the venue had to be perfect. I searched for months and months to find the bricks and mortar version of my vision, and I do believe I found it.
From the earthy wooden floors to the copious strings of fairy lights, from the candles, flowers and oracle cards comprising the mesmerisingly beautiful centrepiece (thank you Vanessa!) to the boutique bedrooms and open fires, it all felt like a dream.
In the days that follow I'm left carrying the deepest sense of awe and gratitude for what just happened. For all the incredible people who attended (some of whom we'd never met before), showing up so fully and open-heartedly, and entrusting the two of us to hold the space for them. You were all shining stars.
Thank you once again to Simon. For your heart, for your words, for your songs. None of this would have been possible without you. Here's to possibility, to more opportunities, and to co-creating more alchemy and wonder xo
Olivia Mendoza
