It wasn’t an intentional gathering of women, but looking around the circle there were only two men and one of them was an organizer. Twenty women gathered in the Italian countryside for a week of yoga, exploration, relaxation, inspiration, and as it turns out, transformation. In the opening circles, we learned what each was seeking: time for self, a break from work, yoga practice, freedom from tears, perspective on divorce, connection, friendship, fun. Everyone wanted space, not fully knowing what would show up in that space. As we shared together, common threads were revealed, starting to knit those connections among us.

Women connecting over shared experiences is age old, and uniquely transformative. When women listen to each other, hold space, and care there is comfort, vulnerability, and great potential for healing and new understanding. These retreat participants were in an unfamiliar place, navigating an unfamiliar language, awestruck by the surrounding beauty, and with nary a responsibility in sight. The hamster wheel of negative self-talk did not have room to spin here. There was no “should-ing” in this peaceful place. There was as much space as each person wanted to create for themselves.

By the time we were sitting in the closing circle one week later, there were many tears: of joy, gratitude, relief, release, compassion, declaration, and yes, transformation. One person found their true self again after too long. Two understood for the first time that their families will be okay when mom takes time for herself. Another declared she is done with cancer. One will stop caring as much about what others think. Three savored the time with their daughters.

Women gathered together are powerful. In these spaces we find the courage to be vulnerable, the strength to heal and the inspiration to create change. When women come together, magic happens. And in that magic, we find the power to transform ourselves and the world around us.