Ep 145: What I Learned Hosting My First Retreat to Bali

Karolina just returned from hosting her very first alcohol-free retreat! Spending a week with 12 incredible alcohol-free women, she gives you the incredible details and powerful impact it had on her and the attendees. There is so much power to be found in leaving your comfort zone. Through it, we open ourselves up to new growth and possibilities. Add on being surrounded by a supportive community and a profoundly immersive experience, it’s no surprise Karolina is still taking in all that the trip offered to her and these women!

We invite you to listen and reflect on how an experience like this could impact you, and stay open to the incredible opportunities that are awaiting your willingness to dive in.

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Abandoning comfort.

Bali is so different from Western countries. There is a beautifully deep sense of reverence, holding things as sacred and with gratitude. There are flowers with incense boxes everywhere, all meant to be blessings, and there are endless temples.

This alcohol-free retreat allowed all of us to step out of our comfort zones, not only through travel, but also through immersing ourselves in a culture and a place so different from home. It was truly beautiful, and that wasn’t all! On this trip, we all had the opportunity to fully unplug from life, to take a week off from work, childcare, responsibilities, and be present there.

Every day we met for a women’s circle where I shared one of my powerful curriculums on being reverent for your life, and reflecting on the choice to live an alcohol-free life. We then explored how to use that choice to discover our deeper purpose and what it looks like to take actual steps toward that purpose after the retreat has ended.

Now, we could have done these groups anywhere. In fact, there are groups I offer online where a great community is created, but a key player in our deeper reflection and growth, was taking ourselves out of our comfort zones.

Each of us was in a foreign country, with women we didn’t know, having an experience we’ve never had. We all stretched ourselves in ways that were only possible because we openly stepped into the unknown.

A sisterhood of support.

Curious to hear more about the retreat? This trip was for women who have already entered into an alcohol-free journey and were ready to tap into even more transformation. Because every woman on this retreat was alcohol-free, we were able to focus on leveraging that decision and crafting a future, honoring this incredible person they are each becoming.

It was so amazing to see the beautiful ways these women would support each other. They would jump in and be there for one another. They offered encouragement and reminders of truth. They held space for processing alongside accountability.

On our first day, we participated in a water healing ceremony, which is a monthly practice of the Balinese. Entering the water temples in the jungle, you release and cleanse yourself of the past and things you no longer want to hold onto. Then you invite newness, asking God, or Spirit, or Universe to bless you with the new.

Following this sacred ceremony, we went to a rice terrace where we each had the opportunity to sit on these giant swings, strapped in, that swung out off of a cliff. Despite fear and nerves, we all took a turn swinging!

I can’t begin to explain what a powerful expression it was of trust in a tangible and active way. It was a chance to embrace faith that it is all going to work out; The universe is holding on to each of us.

As we continued through the week, the friendship and bonds among all the women flourished. Because of their sisterhood, this trip became the beginning of an incredible community. These women are supporting each other as they go back into life to pursue their deepest dreams.

The power of immersion.

I strongly believe that immersion is one of the best ways to change your life. When you submerge yourself into something completely different, your brain changes. These opportunities give us a sense of boldness to take big steps, big risks, and to make changes toward what we really want!

In doing these types of experiences myself, I’ve found my power. I discovered a confidence and fire to go after what I know I’m meant to do. It’s something that cannot be described, but is felt.

Think about it - would you rather have someone describe to you what a Baliniese water healing ceremony is, or experience it firsthand with all of your senses, emotions, and soul?

This trip has solidified for me SO MUCH the power of these alcohol-free retreats, and as I plan for more in 2023, I want you to get still with yourself and ask your soul: is an experience like this meant to be a part of your journey?

“Yes, my dream life is waiting for me. I have everything I need inside of me to make it happen. And I’m meant to do this because it's my bigger purpose to make an impact on this planet. And to say that with real resoluteness, and not feel doubt and not feel impostor syndrome and not feel all the things, the only reason I'm able to do that is because I've done these immersive experiences, and I know the truth of my soul.” -Karolina Rzadkowolska

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

This episode is brought to you by Wild AF. If you’re looking for a deliciously authentic non-alcoholic wine that’s all natural, check out Wild AF Wine today, and give their Sparkling Rosé a try! Use code EuphoricAF30 to get 30% off. Try it today.

It’s not too late to join Karolina’s free 5-day workshop, Ditch Alcohol And Discover Your Purpose. Learn how to leverage a break from alcohol to discover your greater purpose, and unleash your special gift into the world. With lifestyle tips and strategies for facing your limiting beliefs, and the gift of support and empowerment to challenge the norm, sign up today and get access to replay the days you missed!

Karolina’s group coaching program Become Emboldened will be available for sign-up after this week's free 5-day workshop. If you are at least 2-months alcohol-free, this program will help you become confident in your alcohol-free identity and unleash your greater purpose. The program starts November 22nd, and spots are limited.

Karolina’s book is available in hardcover, Kindle, and as an audiobook. Be sure to get your copy of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You today and leave a review.

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