WOMEN’S IMMERSION RETREAT- MINDSHIFT: PUSHING BEYOND YOUR LIMITS- Feb 24-26, Cavite, Philippines.
Mindshift: Pushing Beyond Your Limits Women’s Retreat was unlike any other women’s immersion retreat. Immersion comes from the Latin word immersion, a stem of immerser meaning “to plunge in, dip into, sink, submerge,” from assimilated form of in- “into, in, on, upon.” This retreat was an immersion in nature incorporating the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), representing the retreat’s five core principles: creativity, solid foundation, growth, passion, and connection. Exhale. We decided to launch the first women’s retreat at Benito&Consuelo Farm, our family farm in the Philippines.. The sunrise and sunset are magnificent at Palangui, Naic Cavite, where the farm is located. In 2018, we saw 36 sunsets in 36 days while at the farm on an immersion retreat. Quietness and nature reflections. Five years later, in retrospect, St. Michael’s mission and purpose are more evident than ever.
About the Philippines: The Philippines known as the “Pearl of the Orient” is in the Southeast Asian archipelago with more than 7,641 islands with a coastline of some 22,550 miles (36,290 km), magnificent mountains, rivers, lakes, and white sand beaches near the coastal plains. In the 16th century, Spain colonized the Philippines for more than 333 years and was under the tutelage of the United States for almost five decades. Geographically located near China and India, these countries have a significant influence on wellness for Filipinos. Chinese medicine of acupuncture, acupressure, and Massage Therapies include oriental medicine and Ayurvedic treatments in wellness therapeutics.
Benito&Consuelo Farm is family owned with the purpose of leaving behind a legacy for our family and keeping the farm for our family generation. The farm is modest. A few cow pastures, a small vegetable garden but most importantly it serves as a safe haven to reflect, relax and recharge. We greeted the day with gratitude through prayer. Mindfulness is vital in setting our intention for the day. The entire day was filled with mind and body wellness activities to create that balance as we discover our inner strengths and reach our potential in pushing beyond our limits. Using nature as a platform to inspire us to set our future goals and make our vision boards. This unique immersion retreat was like any other women’s retreat. It is a 45-minute hike from the main road, a crosswalk to a bamboo-hanging handmade bridge to get to rural farmland with a minimal internet connection. It relies only on solar power, and the deep well provides the water supply. While the retreat place is out of nowhere, you will enjoy the open starry skies at night, the beautiful afternoon sunset, the nature walk, and the quiet space to meditate. You will be surprised how quietness and minimum bare existence can shift your mind and create a new energy that can transform your life. This retreat was for adventure seekers who wanted the challenge themselves. Unplugged from the busy city life of Manila, gain a unique experience of pushing beyond your limits and what comfort you are accustomed to. Necessities are provided basics such as food, water, and shelter- at the bare minimum at its best. No fancy air-conditioned accommodation or lavish food selection. You get the idea.
Sunrise and sunsets: When planning our destination retreat to the Philippines, we all considered luxurious tourist destinations. Here again, we heard God’s whisper, and we are directed to reach women who need wellness. There is no other place no other than where it all started. Five years ago, when we needed personal healing ourselves, we were led to come to this special secluded place, a special place for our family. Relying on solar power and a manual water pump supply, no internet access even. Under the serene tangerine sky, nature, and seclusion, the farm is the perfect space for reflection and meditation. This is where we heard God’s voice and showed us the vision for wellness.
Wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, creating vision boards, and goal setting filled up our days. At the end of the retreat, we definitely gained a new mind shift and mindset. Clarity and changing the mindset are our goals for this retreat.
Spa at the Farm. We enjoyed a spa day from the exotic aromatics of organic spa treatments to the most fragrant St. Michael’s essential oils. We treated ourselves to a day of recharging and relaxation.
Reflection – We began the day with an introduction for all the retreat attendees. Followed by a customary gesture of foot bath for all attendees, inspired by the servant leadership at St. Michael’s retreats.
Soulful Conversations: As the first of a series of women’s retreats in the Philippines, our goal is to promote wellness and inspire women to reach their highest potential. It all starts with soulful and brave conversations. Sharing positive vibes and love with these young women. The retreat incorporated yoga/meditation to relax the mind and body through group sharing. As women, wives, and mothers, we have to exhale, pause and prioritize to take care of ourselves and ensure our cup is complete before we take care of everybody else. While most of the time, our roles take over what we dream of. Our future is bright and full of optimism that our dreams are possible! The desires of the heart do come true. The intent of being “Back to Basic” enables us to find a “breathing space” and a “sense of belonging.” Our experience of being immersed in nature brings a sense of discovery, grounding us with our five senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste).
Goals & vision boards: These women are about to change the trajectory of their lives. Creative, inspired, motivated, and determined. These women will make a difference as individuals, wives, and mothers.
Economic empowerment– Recognizing women for their inspiration, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to empowering their fellow women. A core group of women will be creating aromatherapy products for Banaba Cerca. St. Michael will work with these women in an advisory capacity toward product development. Way to go! For more information about upcoming St. Michael Spa and Wellness Retreats, send us an email
at stmichaelandcompany@gmail.com or visit our website stmichaelandcompany.com Follow us on Facebook , Instagram
