women's retreat

**frugal is fun** · 03-23-2011, 11:35 AM

I just found a women's retreat that looks perfect for me. its an active retreat in Stowe VT. its hiking, running, biking, swimming, yoga and meditation. I have been wanting to do something like this for years.

however, its $1,695. Its scheduled for mid September and this does include accommodations and food for a week. Its within driving distance.

My first impulse is to sign up for it. the more sensible side of me is saying...wait a minute, just think about this for a while.

I could get the time off from work and I could come up with the money, however, this would push buying the things on my "want" list out for probably another year and longer. those wants include new living room furniture, new bedroom furniture for my son, a new bbq and a chimnea.

I'm so conflicted. I'm in a place lately where I'm feeling very uneasy within myself. I feel antsy and just not peaceful.

I'm going to pick up a new mediation book at the library this afternoon and try that with hopes of calming myself down.

The frugal side of me is thinking "I can make my own retreat". I can find a nice campsite in the woods somewhere hours from home and go by myself and hike and bike and run until I can't walk anymore. Not exactly the same thing but I could do it for a fraction of the cost.

And the non frugal side of me is saying....just do it. You've been wanting to do something like this for at least 10 years. Just for once, do what you want and don't worry about the money.

This is most definitely something on my "bucket list".

any suggestions?

**Telephus44** · 03-23-2011, 12:14 PM

This is something on my bucket list, too. What's the name of the place? Stowe VT is also within driving distance for me.

**Lady_V** · 03-23-2011, 12:47 PM

I'm not much of a hiker, I can't ride a bike and even if a herd of zombie (zombii ?) are breathing down my neck, I don't run

BUT - the idea of a women's retreat DOES sound like a wonderful idea. A quiet place for meditation would do wonders for just about anyone.

I am sure there are a few people in the New England area who would like to do a week/weekend get-away. Maybe you can all get together and do your own?

**frugal is fun** · 03-23-2011, 01:08 PM

womensquest.com

they have retreats all over country and I think even the world. this one is within driving distance so thats why its so appealing. Would hate to spend $500 on a plane ticket and then also spend $1700 on the retreat.

**nuisance26** · 03-23-2011, 02:49 PM

~I love women's retreats but I go to ones through church. They're still $100+ a day and don't include 'professional' activities. I share a room with my mom and that cuts the price down. Can you share the cost with a friend?
I'd recommend planning your own weekend one before going on a week long one. You could be bored out of your mind.
I know my tops is 4 days. Then I get antsy to get back to my routine. ~

**Darlene** · 03-23-2011, 03:36 PM

I'm betting this is going to mean more to you than you know. Taking time to take care of yourself in a positive way sure seems like a very good thing. Women supporting women like that can make for some very powerful growth for all. I say go for it.

**frugal is fun** · 03-23-2011, 03:56 PM

the more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards it. I just have to make arrangements for my son. My ex works nights so I would have to ask my sitter. Just feel like its ALOT to ask. but if I ask now, she has a few months to prepare for it LOL

**Ceashels** · 03-24-2011, 07:43 AM

Years ago, a friend of mine took a retreat at a monastery somewhere in Virginia or West Virginia. They offered lodging and meals and the only rule was to limit her interaction with others so everyone may reflect upon their own life and relationship. She also had to help with a daily chore each day and there was one brother assigned to her if she had any questions or just needed to talk to someone who can give her perspective. She loved it.

**VanVivCam** · 03-24-2011, 10:41 AM

I think it sounds wonderful and could be very good and lifting for your soul and mental stability! I would sooooo do it. This is something that I too would love to do (someday).

**krbshappy71** · 03-24-2011, 02:46 PM

Its not my cup of tea, therefore the $ side of it came to mind. If its for 7 days that's $242 a dollars a day. I can think of a lot of things I'd have fun doing if I stopped at the atm each morning for a week and pulled out $242 free and clear. Meals would be the least of that amount.

Not to be a devil's advocate, but its just not something I personally would do for that amount of money.