Riding at the Bonanza Creek Ranch.
I highly recommend the healing retreats that my colleagues host. I just returned home from a Cowgirl Retreat at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Montana led by Melisa Pearce. I have much more clarity around where I am called to go next.
My retreat started with a 14-hour drive as it seemed silly to drive four hours on one end and have a one-and-a-half-hour transfer on the other end or spend the kind of money it would take to fly from Hays. So, I had much alone time in my Jeep.
I arrived at the ranch at around 2:00 pm on Wednesday. Greeted by a colleague that I had met while we were still both in the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method program. Followed closely by a hug from Melisa that started the tears flowing.
The view when I woke up in the mornings.
In our opening circle Melisa mentioned that Mike had talked to her at my Equine Gestalt Coaching Method Graduation. He had told her how grateful he was that I had been through the program and how proud of me he was. If she had told me that before I had no memory of it.
The opening circle was followed by a delicious dinner and more talking about our spirituality. Then it was back to our cabins for the night. Where we had wine and talked between the three of us. One a Equine Gestalt Coaching Method graduate, the other a newbie in the EGCM program, and myself.
Hoss and me at the BBQ on the last night. Photo credit: June Voldseth
Our morning started with a fabulous breakfast. Then we moved on to working with the horses. Melisa and the horses did three beautiful healing pieces in this session. This was followed by lunch and a short horseback ride if we chose.
I think I’ve only ridden two times since I became pregnant with John, so I chose to ride. The horse I was assigned was named Hoss. He was a plain bay gelding with a big stride which made for a lot of hip movement. Good for my sore hips that had been sitting in the Jeep for two days.
As if the coaching and the riding wasn’t enough the meals were to die for. We had drinks and social time on the deck then we enjoyed another gourmet dinner that night. Then I ended that day with a full body massage. Making it the perfect time to head to the cabin and bed.
After another great breakfast we went to the barn for the daily check-in and coaching session with the horses. Melisa noted that I was rather raw in the check-in and asked if I wanted to be coached. Yes, I need to get some clarity about where my life is headed.
The table set for breakfast.
I explained the situation to the group and Ruby, the coaching horse. It was clear to the entire group that I need to move on wherever my life takes me. We did a polarity piece with Ruby and at one point I felt like she was going to push me to the side of the pole that was moving on. OK, I get it.
Melisa also said she felt Mike’s presence telling her that I need to move on. Which sounds like something he would say. He loved me enough he would want to see me happy.
This was followed by a couple more pieces of work by Melisa, another gourmet lunch, and then a few hours of free time to enjoy.
After that we went on a more strenuous trail ride that ended at a BBQ with a quick ride back to the stables. We also had more wine and talking back at the cabin while we watched a storm roll in then a beautiful double rainbow.
The double rainbow to end the retreat.
The next morning was our last meal and breakfast didn’t disappoint. We had a group activity with Melisa, we each checked-in with how we were feeling and ended with Melisa giving each of us individual thoughts.
Then it was another two days in the Jeep alone to process the retreat.
If you’re interested in a similar retreat here is a link to a page with a couple that are hosted by colleagues of mine at Bonanza Creek Ranch.
Meet Me In Montana for some healing. I saw a friend shortly before I left and he reminded me of this song. It’s been stuck in my head ever since.
Make a Connection in the comments below.
Onward! Time
