Portugal Retreat Reflections: Part 1
Practices for YOU for Fall & sharing all my favorite retreat goodies!!!
After a busy, bouncy summer, I am loving leaning into the fresh feelings of a new season — a welcomed next chapter. But before we get too into it… I am sharing reflections from the We All Feel Retreat I led to Portugal in July.
I’m also sharing practices that YOU can apply to this phase of your life, whether you traveled this past summer or not. The second part of this letter includes all the goodies that retreat participants enjoyed throughout the week that I am so grateful to have been able to partner with.
There was a lot to share, so part two of this letter will arrive in your inbox tomorrow!
Portugal Retreat Reflections:
The Magic of the Alentejo Region
The retreat took place at a property called Cocoon, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, two hours south of Lisbon. The untouched coastline really was the perfect backdrop for a week of resetting. Days included early morning walks or jumping into the lake on property, afternoons exploring stunning beaches nearby and many moments taking in expansive views. The landscape itself was a source of healing and inspiration. The peaceful energy of the animals, ocean and the natural beauty of the region was grounding, reminding us of the serenity and balance that nature offers.
PRACTICE: Take time to connect with nature in small ways every day. Get outside and feel the wind on your cheeks, listen to birds chirp, smell flowers and watch as the leaves will soon change colors. Nature has a way of resetting our minds and offering perspective.
Savory Nourishing Moments
Every day, the Cocoon chefs treated us to the most delicious jaw dropping beautifully prepared meals using fresh, local ingredients. If you’ve heard me talk about the retreat, you’ve heard me rave about the food, it was exceptional and a true lesson in savoring life's simple pleasures.
PRACTICE: We all have a different relationship with food and with cooking. Whether takeout is your BFF or you prepare meals regularly, I challenge you to try a new recipe over the next month! Pick a day to create a meal, where you are mindful of the ingredients and you can incorporate creativity. Eat slowly and feel appreciative of what you have created for yourself. If cooking feels out of the question, this practice could also be pausing to delight with your favorite drink, like a saffron latte, which retreaters enjoyed (raved about) every day.
Boat Days are the Best Days
Our boat day in Lagos was absolute pure joy! We sailed through the sensational limestone coastline of the Algarve, kayaked and paddle boarded through caves, and jumped off the boat into the ocean too many times to count. One of the inspiring retreat chef’s joined us and created the most delectable spread of food, including pastel de nata. We danced to Chappell Roan & Charli XCX - it was the first time I heard the catchy songs - and of course they replayed in mind and everywhere for the rest of summer. The boat day was also a retreat participant's birthday, adding to a day of contagious energy, reminding us all of the importance of embracing playfulness in our lives.
PRACTICE: Incorporate fun and play into your routine through dance & music. Whenever I hear “Hot To Go” I am immediately transported back to the boat in Lagos and feel a lightness overcome my body. Play your favorite song or create a fun playlist, and have a care-free dance party - solo or with friends - in private or in public. Moments of joy are more important for your well-being than productivity.
When putting together the We All Feel Retreat to Portugal, I thought about some of my favorite brands, and could not have been more excited to partner with these companies. I will probably share about these brands again, or you have already seen me share about them, because I really love, trust and use them regularly. For some of the brands, I have affiliate links or discount codes.
The first three brands are Southern California Women-Owned Businesses!!! Each retreat participant received a Yoursy Grounding Roll On during night one for the yin yoga practice. Founded by my friend Mel, the incredibly soothing oils are ethically and sustainably sourced. On the last night of retreat, everyone received sweets from French Squirrel, a delicious company who’s founder Sydney is transparent about her journey with food and is on a mission to empower women to feel more confident in their bodies. Throughout the week participants also enjoyed endless Saffron Latte’s from The Fullest. No words, they are the best (and the clinical dose of saffron has a multitude of mental health benefits including decreasing anxiety) so if you didn’t know… now you know.
LivOn Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C has been my go to supplement for what feels like forever. Participants each received a month long supply to support the immune system during and after retreat. Retreaters also enjoyed ceremonial-grade Pique Matcha and stayed hydrated with LMNT electrolytes!
YOURSY Essential Oils: WEALLFEEL to save 20%
The Fullest Saffron Products: AMANDA15 to save 15%
xoxo,
Amanda
PS In case no one told you today, I love you
PPS If you’d like to join a future retreat, reply and you’ll be the very first to know what I’m planning!!
PPPS The next Community Mindfulness Session is Tuesday October 1st at 6:30pm EST / 3:30pm PST