Mindful Monday: Our Need to Belong

I write about what’s alive in my heart in the moment—and this past week, I’ve been reflecting on a retreat I recently hosted and all that unfolded there.

What stayed with me most was the transformative power of gathering in a safe and supportive space. I witnessed women simply being who they are, sharing their stories, softening into presence. Many were surprised by how at ease they felt among people they had just met.

It reminded me that intimacy isn’t defined by the amount of time we spend with someone. We can know someone for years and still not truly see them, or feel seen.

We live in a society where many people feel disconnected from themselves, from each other, from what truly matters.

But we are wired for connection. We long to belong, to feel part of something greater.

This retreat was about returning to our true essence, to our roots which, in turn, created a sense of belonging.
 

We had a creative workshop with Heather Cabral. Many of us had that initial voice pop up: “I can’t do this. I’m not creative.” But once we relaxed into the process, the magic began to unfold. At the end, each of us shared our beautiful and unique piece of art—an expression straight from the soul.

We also danced barefoot. For some, the belief “I can’t dance” showed up. But our guide, Juna Guetter, held the space with such gentle, intuitive energy that we softened. And once again, transformation happened. The woman shared how they felt freer and more relaxed as they moved their bodies and were part of the group.  

Our morning yoga sessions with Mel Dodge were the perfect way to arrive in the moment, to ground ourselves, and begin the day connected. These gentle movements helped us return to our breath, our bodies, and our essence.

Throughout the weekend, we also shared in several meditations that deepened that sense of awareness and stillness.

I led a workshop where we explored the contrast between disconnection and connection—moments when we feel ungrounded, stressed, or not present, and those when we feel grounded, empowered, and at peace. As the women shared their insights afterward, several mentioned that it helped them realize how much they all have in common. That realization created an opportunity to relax into being. Almost like a big sigh of relief and the feeling "I'm not alone".

The doorway to deeper connection was authenticity—first with ourselves, then with one another.

This kind of openness may initially feel intimidating. But as these women—and so many others—have discovered, it leads to a space filled with grace, acceptance, and love. When one person speaks their truth, even just a little, it creates a ripple. That ripple doesn’t stay in the circle—it moves into the world.

The journey of self-discovery is one of unlearning.

It is not about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who we are, underneath all of the conditioning, beliefs, and ego structures.

We do this by being here, now—with curiosity, compassion, and presence. Honouring all parts of ourselves.  Noticing how it feels to move, to speak, to be seen. To listen. To feel. To live.

No one can walk our journey for us, but we don’t have to walk it alone.

And when we are in a safe and sacred space with like-minded people, our hearts can open, masks dissolve, and true intimacy can happen.  

This is what I witnessed.

I am deeply humbled to have shared this time with such an incredible group of women. I am grateful to the Divine and the grace that guided and held us.

Our souls long for meaningful connection—within and with each other. This retreat was a powerful reminder of how sacred it is to come together, share our truths, and remember that we are all connected and belong.

With love,

Diane