In January of this year in the home of a friend (who I originally met on Facebook, yes Facebook) I attended a spiritual retreat that absolutely changed the direction of my life. I was at a point in my life where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with myelf. I was feeling unhappy, unsure, doubtful, & felt empty.

Despite all of my accomplishments like my great career, having a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a loving family I still felt that something was missing but I wasn’t sure what it was. I went there not knowing what to expect but hoping that this retreat that promoted itself as “spiritual cleansing and healing for the soul” would provide me with whatever it was that I was lacking in my life. 

I kept an open mind and an open heart and when I arrived, what awaited me was a room full of women who each had the same thought “It’s time for me to take care of me”. There were about 12-14 women who all had a desire to reclaim themselves. I had no idea how lost I was until this Visiones retreat that was being facilitated by Gloria M. Rodriguez, founder of De Almas Women’s Collective.

The De Almas Women’s Collective, is an organization whose mission is to promote the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual transformation of women through individual and group activities designed to strengthen and build capacity for healing and self-actualization. Its vision is to establish sacred and supportive community for self-awareness, empowerment, spiritual development and emotional healing. 

DeAlmas utilizes a feminine centered model for empowerment and esteem work, and facilitates women in becoming more self-loving, authentic, powerful and peaceful in relationship with themselves. The founding of DeAlmas fulfills a spiritual and passionate purpose to provide/invite women to reclaim and trust our feminine gifts, thrive, celebrate and create new facility to live more authentic and full lives.  Our divine mission encourages individual transformation as the foundation for social change.

At the retreat I found myself again. With the amazing facilitation of Gloria Rodriguez and through meditation, self-reflection, and self-work I was able to tap back into my spirit and nourish it with what it was missing. LOVE. Somewhere along my journey through life I stopped loving myself like I should have. I realized that I had spent so much time trying to please others that I was neglecting myself and my own true desires and dreams. The De Almas Visiones retreat helped me to realign myself with my heart’s deepest desires.

Now 6 months into the new year I am at a better place with myself than I’ve ever been. I am LOVE. I give LOVE. And because of this the universe returns LOVE to me. My life has changed significantly since that day in January. I am more at peace with myself. I wake up each morning with an attitude of gratitude. My Visioneras sisters help keep me focused on my intentions/desires and support me whenever I need it. I have never experienced such genuine love and support from women that I haven’t known very long.

Building strong relationships with women is so important especially in a society that is constantly trying to pit us against each other. There is nothing wrong with supporting another woman. If one of us is successful then we can all be successful.

Through De Almas I have learned to be more patient, more trusting and more faithful. My outlook on life is different. Open yourself up to your desires and truly visualize them and they will manifest into your life. I have experienced it which is why I am now a believer.

To all of the women that read my blog I am offering you a gift. On Saturday June 25th I invite you all to embrace your inner goddess by joining me at the 2nd Annual Goddess Festival in Central Park in NYC.

Don’t miss this soul filled event, gathering with other Daughters of the Divine Feminine in celebrating our wholeness, creativity,soul expression, body sensuality, and connection with mother nature. It is sure to be an amazing afternoon of sisterhood.

PLEASE JOIN US in celebrating ourselves.

Our gathering will include:

Belly dancing, healing circle, goddess creations, food & fun, SheSpeaks poetry, singing, testimonials, walking meditation to a waterfall,Tribute/Honoring water, Flower ritual, Emboddied affirmations, networking.

**Female children welcome. There will be children’s workshops facilitated by skilled childcare workers.***

BRING blankets, chairs, Food/Drinks to share, and a bright colored scarf.

You MUST RSVP to this event @ Dealmasinfo@gmail.com
(Please indicate # of children and adults attending)

For more info on Dealmas Women’s Collective check out the website www.dealmas.org or their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/dealmas