In 2003 I was struggling. My mom died, I was laid off from a job I loved and I lost a good friend for reasons I still don't understand. I felt lost. I needed a safe space, a community where I could be myself without fear of being judged or having to act or dress a certain way.

In 2004 I created Retreat in the Pines as the safe space I needed. It saved me. Losing my job was the catalyst I needed. I made new friends. I still miss my mom. I came into my own and I discovered who I was and what I wanted in my life.

I was inspired to create Retreat in the Pines after teaching at a fitness retreat. While I was disappointed at the “un-retreat” like weekend – a full schedule with non-existent free time, very little sleep, and highly restrictive meals (no coffee, no carbs, no fun!) – I was also inspired.

Walking my dog after I got home from what I felt was a stressful and disappointing weekend, I allowed myself to dream.

I wanted to create a “retreat like” experience, inviting guests to indulge in some of my (and hopefully their!) favorite things – wine, coffee, chocolate and delicious meals cooked from scratch – all as a complement to yoga, meditation, time in nature and free time to reset. This was way before their was a yoga retreat on every corner.

After a disastrous attempt at co-ed retreats (involving a case of beer and decidedly unfunny remarks during yoga (courtesy of one of the guys who came with his girlfriend), I chose to make our Retreats “Women Only.” I want women to feel comfortable and relaxed and not worry about makeup or wearing pajamas to breakfast. I want women to feel free to share their challenges, their successes and their sorrows. Having men drastically changes the dynamic.

Since that decision I've received only positive feedback from women who are grateful for a women only safe space.

We come from different places, we're different ages and at different points in our life. It seems like we would have nothing in common, but as we talk and laugh together we realize we have everything in common. ~ Diondra - a repeat guest

Women Only Yoga Retreats

Diondra is right - we have so much in common even though we are different. Guests share they always felt so alone in their struggles and they find reassurance in knowing we are in this together in the challenges we face.

Women need their own spaces. The retreat feels a little bit like a slumber party – instant connection and comfort with each other. My favorite part of hosting a retreat is seeing all of the connections made. While women come as strangers, they leave on Sunday as friends.

Connections in the Pines

Connections start at the retreat and blossom into friendships. Real world friendships grow between women who live near and far. Guests retreat together, after meeting at a retreat. Friends who gather together periodically for dinner. Our Book Lovers Retreat guests take their connection to a group chat. Not only do they share the books they're reading, but their real life ups and downs.

Over Twenty Years of Retreats

Since that humble beginning to today, many women have journeyed to Retreat in the Pines to experience the magic of women only sacred space. Women have traveled from as far away as Chicago, NYC, San Francisco, Seattle and Boston to experience a weekend of yoga and healing. We've even had a guest from Ireland a few years back. I’m always thrilled to have guests visit more than once.

When I opened the doors, there were very few retreat centers in the state of Texas and none were women only. As the yoga industry boomed, so did the retreat business. While I have seen many retreat businesses come and go, I’m proud to say Retreat in the Pines (formerly Yoga in the Pines) is still growing strong. And while Yoga and Meditation are certainly an important part of our retreats, the sharing of stories, laughter and tears while gathered around our community dining table is the real essence of our retreats and what sets us apart from other retreats.

Looking to the Future

Retreat in the Pines isn't going anywhere.Our amazing team is as passionate about sacred space for women as I am. I believe in the power of women only spaces and I am committed to providing a safe and sacred space for women as long as I can.

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Originally published May 2012.