the METREAT Origin Story
I was a new mom, but not that new. My baby was turning one, and despite settling into the role and truly loving it, I was a hot mess. Half the time in full-on mom mode — unbrushed hair and teeth, yoga pants covered in crusty food---you get it. and the other half of the time, I was "old me"-- the me before I was a mom.
It was a constant game of costume change. I finally I ran out of gas – it wasn't working anymore. I had to look inward to figure out who this new me was. To do so, I knew I needed to formally step away from the obligations and distractions (major thanks to my family for supporting me and holding the fort down while I did!)
I wanted to go some place where I could immerse fully in the present. But I also know that I'd need help getting there, I wanted access to guided yoga, meditation, nature, sound baths etc-- all in one place.
I was shocked at how hard it was to find what I was looking for.
At first, I googled exotic off-the-beaten-path places where I’d be fully secluded in nature. But that was wayyyy to much money, and a recipe for a panic attack after the stark contrast of life I’d been living. Even the "wellness resorts" which were $$ didn't really offer more than a nice room with a view and maybe one yoga class, if any a day?
I then investigated formal retreats — but again, multiple flights and a full week away wasn't what I was looking for.
So, I decided to DIY it. Take myself to Florida, a place I’m familiar with and know many amazing mind-body workers and piecemeal “a retreat” together on my own.
I chose Florida because two of my best friends lived there. At first, I worried that they’d distract me from the work I was carving out time to do, but I found that having collective feminine energy was actually an asset — the time I spent with them helped me dive deeper into myself. They served as “mirrors,” reflecting what I couldn’t have seen alone.... it also made it SO MUCH MORE FUN!
the METREAT was just a few days, but I packed with activities —leaving just enough room for rest, and going with the flow of universal nudges.
One of the days I was wandering around, I stumbled upon a lizard 🦎 But not an ordinary lizard doing it's lizard this. THIS LIZARD appeared to be EATING an entire layer of it's own skin.
I googled that REAL QUICK, only to learn that this is what lizards do to stay alive.
Without fighting, they take off layers… and instead of shedding them, they integrate the old as part of the new by consuming them.
A-HA!
That was the moment I realized WHAT I NEEDED TO DO —
Rather than trying to be two people, I needed to merge into one. I didn't need to fully let go of who I was, I just needed to INTEGRATE INTO ONE.
This wasn’t the “new me” – but the me now, unafraid to let her nurturing mothering qualities shine, while letting go of parts of myself that no longer fit.
I left the METREAT with confidence, clarity, and a deep connection to this version of myself I was ALL ALONG!
Here I am now, creating exactly for you what I needed then.
I hope this serves as your safe container to eat your own skin, and merge into one whole being.
see you at the METREAT,
xx ♡, LiLi
