AWiB Retreat: Pause to Renew

Life often moves too fast, leaving little space to process, heal, and reflect. Yet, taking time to reconnect with ourselves allows us to release old burdens, awaken our bodies, and gain clarity for the future. In this retreat, we create a safe space to explore self-forgiveness, experience the transformative power of movement, and pause to reflect on the year that has passed while planting seeds for what lies ahead.

The sessions that follow guide this journey through Forgiving Oneself, Movement, and Closing the Year: Planting the Future. 

Do you find yourself holding on to your past guilt or shame?  Do you find it hard to move on from things that have caused you pain? It’s time to take the step to letting go of the past.

We often fail to realize that forgiving and healing don’t have anything to do with people that has done us wrong but ourselves. Forgiving ourselves entails letting go of the feelings and emotions associated with what went wrong in our lives. It’s a journey towards embracing the flaws in ourselves & others and by choosing to forgive ourselves, we are relinquishing the weight of the anger, resentment, and guilt in our hearts. Learning to forgive ourselves is not a one-time act but rather a gradual process achieved through emotional work and reflection.

Outcome

Upon completion of this Round Table Discussion (RTD), you will:

• Reflect on feelings of pain, shame, and guilt you’ve been holding on to for long
• Understand the role self-forgiveness plays in your interpersonal relationships and in creating a joyful life
• Identify the potential reasons why you struggle to forgive yourself and the steps to take to practice self-forgiveness

This Round Table Discussion (RTD) will be facilitated by Lidya Yohannes, Membership Programs Manager at AWiB

Movements and physical exercises do more than move the body, they open a pathway for emotional release as well as stress relief. When we engage in movement, we give our bodies permission to let go of feelings that have been stored deep within us, sometimes for years. These emotions often sit in our muscles, breath, and posture, and movement helps loosen, express, and release them, creating a sense of lightness and emotional clarity.

Outcome

Upon completion of this activity, you will:

• Get emotional release and relief from the stress
• Learn which simple movements you can use to release stress and overwhelming emotions
• Get tips and practical tools that can help us incorporate physical exercises into our daily habits

This session will be facilitated by Zochi Young – Wellness Architect & interdisciplinary Teacher.

Movement awakens the body, mind, and soul. It boosts feel-good chemicals that lift our mood, sharpen our focus, and productivity and supports deep, restorative sleep. In every way, it recharges us from the inside out, helping us feel more alive, grounded, and balanced in our daily lives.strengthen our self-esteem. Movement also enhances

Outcome

Upon completion of this activity, you will:

• Get energized for the day and create a clarity of mind to be open for reflection on the next activity
• Learn about the importance of simple daily physical exercises in increasing our energy levels through out our days
• Get tips and practical tools that can help us incorporate physical exercises into our daily habits

This session will be facilitated by Heran Tadesse, a mother, yogi, poet, Forester, founder of Heran’s Yoga & Co-founder of Regina Family Center

How often do you pause and truly look back at your year—taking a moment to recognize how far you’ve come and feel gratitude for what you’ve achieved? For most of us, this reflection doesn’t happen nearly enough. Yet, taking the time to pause, reflect, and learn from the past can be one of the most powerful ways to prepare for what’s ahead.

The new year brings hope, fresh beginnings, and endless possibilities. But it’s also a unique moment to pause, celebrate your wins, and uncover lessons from the experiences that challenged you. By looking back with intention, you can carry forward clarity of purpose that the year ahead isn’t just another passage of time, but a chapter you actively shape for yourself.

Outcome

Upon completion of this workshop, you will:

• Reflect & take inventory of the year we are closing
• Learn how to intentionally take lessons from the past and let go of what doesn’t serve you any longer
• Learn tools & techniques to be present as we reflect and plan the new year
• Create a plan for the future with intention and purpose

This workshop will be facilitated by facilitated by Maskaram Haile, Recovery Coach & Author of “Abyssinian Nomad”

Note: Members only!

Snacks will be provided. Please reserve a spot only if you are fully committed to attending both days. If not, kindly allow others the chance to benefit from this opportunity.

With only 25 spots available, this is a beautiful moment to set a fresh beginning.

Share with your circle!