Nestled amidst the lush green hills of North East, India, was our retreat—a sanctuary exclusively for women seeking solace, creativity, and connection. Imagine waking up to mist-kissed mornings, surrounded by ancient forests and the whispers of forgotten tales! Picture cozy cottages with wooden decks, each named after a local legend. The air smells of pine and adventure. Welcome to “Get Mindfully Sorted.”
Jyoti and I buckled up our hiking boots and grabbed our paintbrushes because we were heading to Kalimpong to facilitate a retreat for 30 women from FICCI Flo. A taxi ride to the Mayfair Hotel brought us to the retreat centre atop a hill that moonlights as a bollywood set! The mist? It’s our personal special effect.
Imagine downward dog with a view—mountains stretching as far as your chakras can see. And when you say “om,” the hills echo back, “You rock, warrior goddess!”
Why Women-Only?
- Empowerment (with Jazz Hands): Picture this—women high-fiving each other, jazz hands in the air, shouting, “You got this, sister!” Our retreat was like a Beyoncé concert meeting a TED Talk. We were there to lift each other up, one empowering quote at a time.
- Safety First (and Second): No creepy dudes lurking around. Just us, the hills, and maybe a mischievous squirrel or two. Safety? Check. Comfort? Double-check. Judgment? Nah, we’re too busy laughing at our own dance moves.
- Art Attack!: Our art sessions smelled of creativity and chai. Sip your masala tea, dip your brush, and create masterpieces that’ll make Picasso jealous. Bonus points if you accidentally paint your neighbor’s face! You grabbed a canvas, channeled your inner Frida Kahlo, and let those emotions spill out like a burst piñata.
- Story telling circles: As the ladies gathered around, shared their heartaches, triumphs, and that embarrassing thing they did in college, the stories turned out juicier than a mango in monsoon season. We won’t judge—much.
It wasn’t just a retreat; it was a cosmic giggle, a soul hug, and a chance to be un-apologetically you.
Disclaimer: No squirrels were harmed during the making of this retreat. But a few got excellent dance lessons.