Weekend retreat dedicated to the healing arts: healing the body, mind and soul.
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Just like a day in my garden, no retreat is ever the same....and each one is just GREAT!
Attend this weekend retreat to activate your passion and awaken your dream. We'll focus on the healing energies of ultimate self-care, communication and self-expression, quiet reflection and meditation, nutritional guidance, stress reduction, and energy enhancement techniques.
Taking time for yourself and learning to care for yourself is a critical leadership function. Having the energy and health to pursue your dreams enables you to offer your gifts and talents to the world. The actions you take today to demonstrate your commitment to your dream will inspire others to pursue their dreams tomorrow.
Our group workshops are designed to engage the senses and experience the healing power of self-care with the creativity of art, the magic of developing friendships, and the support of a kind and loving group. There is something magical and mysterious that happens when pursuing an artistic project. As your mind focuses on the present creative energies flowing into your art project, the mind simultaneously releases its grip on the usual outside stressors that flood our day-to-day thoughts. The process of creating art induces a meditative state, incredibly powerful in its inherent healing properties. AND, you have something to keep (or wear!) as a finished product! Regardless of your assumed artistic talent - you may come to the retreat with the thought that you have little creative talent - you'll leave with the completed work of a master!
Free Time is built into the weekend retreat schedule (PDF download) for you to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil environment with nature walks through the forested trails, morning and evening prayers in the chapel, read a book beside the lake or pool, gaze at the grounds while simply rocking on the porch, or walk the sacred path of the Labryinth in the chapel. Free Time activities (PDF download) also include optional sign-ups for additional art classes, yoga classes, skeet shooting, horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing on the lake - available at additional charges, per person.
Top this all off with an EXPO of incredible exhibitors with free product demonstrations, book signings, raffles and door prizes, and you have a perfect weekend in the making! Share the Retreat Brochure with a friend!
Cost: $599 per person registration includes 2 nights lodging, all meals & workshops. Registration fee is not refundable. If attendee is unable to participate in the retreat, registration is transferable (to another female, at least age 18) if notification and registration form for the substitute is provided to Jill Hickman Companies prior to the first day of the retreat.
Registration: Registration available in two formats: online and PDF download to fax, email or mail
Save even more on this retreat and all other workshops, webinars, cruises, professional development opportunities by becoming a Women's L.A.B. Partner. Join The Women's L.A.B. (Leadership Advisory Board) to receive exclusive invitations to special events and workshops at NO COST and others at incredible discounts throughout the year. Become a L.A.B. Partner today!
Beneficiary: Jill Hickman Companies is honored to offer this retreat as a major fund-raising event for The Weathervane Foundation: a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of providing funding for research into the cause and cure for breast cancer.
Exhibitor Benefits & Guidelines:
EXPO will be held in conjunction with this Women's Wellness Retreat. This is a PERFECT TIME before the holidays to display and sell your products and services. Make it easy for women to buy from you - have products pre-packaged for gifts at a variety of price ranges! Download an Exhibitor Brochure for more information!
Exhibit Space: Exhibitors will be offered one 6 ft. table, 4 hours of dedicated exhibit hall time (two hours on Friday and Saturday evening) for all participants, and the exhibitor's choice for staffing the EXPO table during 7 one-hour meal times as well as during the two hours of scheduled free time each day.
Free Time Activities: Exhibitors are also welcome to offer activities during the scheduled FREE TIME each day of the retreat. These activities can be at no charge or at an additional charge per person. Contact Jill to place your FREE TIME option on the schedule, confirm the fee and determine if a minimum number of persons per activity is required. Exhibitors who schedule FREE TIME activities for participants will receive their EXPO tables FREE!
Product Demos: Exhibitors are offered the opportunity to schedule product demonstrations and door prize give-aways throughout the weekend to encourage participant traffic during non-dedicated exhibit hall time. (Contact Jill to schedule your exclusive showcase time. No two vendors will have the same showcase time to maximize attendee traffic to your booth.)
Registration: Exhibitors must be registered for the full retreat.
Space Available: Exhibitor space is limited - register and confirm your space early. Preference is given to sponsors and those exhibitors whose products offer women the opportunity to start their own businesses as a distributor or consultant (e.g., Pampered Chef, Gold Canyon Candles).
Cost per exhibitor: $99 per table, for the entire weekend. Table skirts are not provided. Contact Jill to secure your registration and your table.
Marketing for EXPO participants: register early to ensure your company is positioned to capitalize on all retreat marketing promotions eginning July 7 (email blasts, newsletter distributions, website listings and links, press releases in local papers, social media announcements -LinkedIn and Facebook, postcard mailers, networking fliers, and phone calls.)
Save money on your own registration and EXPO table: Distribute the announcements and invitations to your own client lists. Have them download the PDF registration form and write your name on it as their referral. When their registration is complete, you will earn a $50 commission per registration!
Detailed Retreat Schedule
READ on for details describing the FULL RETREAT SCHEDULE or CLICK HERE to download the PDF
Friday, November 5:
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Welcome & Introductions with your host, Jill Hickman:
Our Purpose & Special Welcome by Janelle Hoyland, Spiritual Guide and Intuitive Advisor
Our Schedule and Events
Special Guest Speaker: Fran Padgett, Founder, The Weathervane Foundation
Group Session: Principles of Self-Care
Sign-Ups for Free Time Activities
11:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. LUNCH
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Special Presentation, "Organize or Agonize" with Marla Regan of Organized Time. A time and place for everything equals peace of mind. We have the challenge of too much; too much to do and too many things. Marla Regan of Organized Time gives practical tips on organizing for everyday routines for home, office, paper, and time. This presentation is full of suggestions for organizing your life to experience peace of mind with Organized Time. http://www.organizedtime.com/
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Feng Shui: You Are the Attractor Factor with Katherine Ashby, Feng Shui Professional Consultant, http://www.fengshuihouston.com/
If everything is energy, anything is possible. Are you open to a holistic approach for expanding your capacity to receive an abundance of whatever your heart desires? What would it be like living in a house that is so perfect for you that is makes your life easier? It's possible with feng shui, the Chinese art of placement.
The energy of your wardrobe should match your energy vibration - your Spirit. Knowing how to dress your Spirit as well as your body has a significant affect on what and who you attract. Putting a zip in your personal style helps you to understand and love yourself and to relate to others more authentically, dynamically and totally through energy. This workshop is fun!
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 pm. FREE TIME
Room Check-in
SPECIAL EVENT in the Chapel: A special once-in-a-lifetime experience, Global Heart Rhythm Drumming will accompany The Labyrinth Walk , a group activity led by Kay Kemp.
Back by Popular Demand!!! Liz Plaster's Global Heart Rhythm Drumming, a research-based group drumming protocol which has demonstrated biological and psycho-social benefits. The drumming circle isn't about drumming - no experience is needed. It is about using the drum for centering, communication, stress reduction and personal expression. . Discover the transformative possibilities of rhythm. Drumming is about being in the present moment, the sustained repetition of the beat drawing you in, relaxing you, mesmerizing you and connecting you to your true self. Breathing and meditation are embedded in each experience. Studies suggested that drumming can help one achieve a greater clarity of thought, a feeling of well-being, physical and mental relaxation, relief from stress and a greater feeling of community. Feel free to use one of the provided drums, or bring your own.
Liz Plaster, Founder and General Partner of Positive Performance L.P., co-creates change that matters, within corporate, non-profit and educational settings. She uses a systems perspective merging business, emotional intelligence, wellness and best practices in coaching and education. Her "Hair on Fire" Create with Intention, Live with Impact approach leads to greater engagement in life and work resulting in bottom line, personal and organization success. Liz, with over 20 years in research and application in human behavior, is certified with the International Coach Federation (ICF), the Six Second's World Wide Emotional Intelligence Network, and is a Certified Behavior and Values Analyst. She is an author, artist, HealthRhythms Drum Facilitator and adjunct instructor at the Carl Jung Center of Houston. http://www.lizplaster.com/
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. DINNER & SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE
Loretta Williams Gurnell is a soul-stirring psalmist, speaker, lyricist and actor. Her refreshing sound and heart-wrenching lyrics soothe the soul while invigorating her audience with engaging stage presence. The Ohio native is reaping the benefits of living a life full of grace and mercy before Christ.
Loretta has sung before political and Christian dignitaries such as State Representative Sylvester Turner at the Heart of Houston luncheon and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie at the 47th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Las Vegas, NV. She has shared stage with some of the entertainment industries finest such as Kim Fields, Joan Rivers, Karen Clark Sheard, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Ami Rushes, Kathy Taylor, Smokie Norful, and many more.
Starring in the role of Velma in the hit play, Crowns, Loretta received rave reviews in the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Press. She's also landed starring roles in hit plays such as When Momma Prays, and He Restoreth My Soul: The Story of Job. She was also selected for the 2007 Inaugural edition of Who's Who in Black Houston as an outstanding entrepreneur along with Houston's finest such as Beyonce Knowles, Gerald B. Smith, Percy Cruezot-Frenchy's Chicken, Yolanda Adams, George Forman and a host of other prominent movers and shakers in the Houston Black community. Furthermore, Loretta was named 2007 Artist of the Year by the Houston Chapter of the Gospel Announcer's Guild, and the 2008 Texas Gospel Announcers Guild's Artist of the Year.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. EXPO
EXHIBITORS
Demonstrations
Door Prizes
Book Signings
RAFFLE!! Wonderful prizes include salon services, gift certificates, paintings, autographed books and MORE!
7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. New Moon Meditation with Maggie Grueskin, Ekam Yoga Center
Each new moon is an opportunity to get clear on our intentions in life, and give thanks for our accomplishments. We will begin with a brief gentle yoga stretching session to relax the body, then use the vibrational qualities of our voice to cleans the chakras. Our meditation will be include a self-reflection portion, followed by a 10 minute sitting practice, and conclude with a full body relaxation pose. Please bring a sitting cushion or Zafu.
More about Maggie: Maggie's first experience with yoga was in 1986, in a college PE course; but it wasn't until 1995 when yoga started to become an essential part of her life. After being injured in a car accident and trying all types of physical therapy, body massage and pain management, she discovered the curative nature of yoga and became a believer in the ancient wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga, the eight-fold path of yoga.
Previously, Maggie worked as a business consultant for the ?Big 4' professional services firms in San Diego, Chicago and finally in Houston. Along the way she opened up her own business, as an economic development consultant. In 2005, she was truly fortunate to begin her Hatha Yoga teacher training at the sacred Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago, IL. It was then when she began her new passage in life, dedicating two years to building her practice (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya) and inquiry into the spiritual nature of life (Isvara Pranidhana). In 2007, she expanded her teacher training and received her second 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher certification with Lex Gillan of The Yoga Institute in Houston, TX. In 2010, she became a Perfect Health Instructor, certified by The Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California.
Maggie's mission is to create total body wellness centers, which bring people together for yoga, health, community and service. She has been exposed to so many wonderful yoga styles and teachers all over the world, and it is this beautiful collage of yoga that inspired her to create a studio, which reunites the various branches of yoga into one tree of knowledge.
Ekam Yoga Center is a unique healing space: The studio was renovated with Eco-friendly materials and our store carries many ?green' products to support your practice. The studio goes beyond Yoga and offers a variety of movement-based classes, so as to serve the different needs of the community that Maggie serves. Ekam Yoga Center is growing into a broader ?Alternative Fitness Center', offering new and fun classes such as: Zumba, Hoopnotica and Belly Dancing. This studio is a healing space, where people can come to heal the body, still the mind and revitalize the spirit.
8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Women's L.A.B. Social (exclusive event for L.A.B. Partners only)
Wine Tasting at Jill's Cabin
Group Coaching
Discussion Books
Saturday, November 6:
7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. The Labyrinth Walk - individual
7:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Morning Prayer Service in the Chapel
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The Labyrinth Walk - individual
Yoga with Maggie Grueskin, Ekam Yoga Center
BREAKFAST
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. FREE TIME: Your choice of optional activities
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Creative Self-Expression with Art - Part 1
Introduction: The Connection Between Art, Communication, and Wellness
Select one of the classes below to create your own masterpiece in mosaics or collage.
Mosaics by Michele Patrick: Come learn the art of mosaics! This is a hands-on class that provides a basic understanding and the skills for creating beautiful mosaics for your home or garden. Students will make a mosaic mirror to take home. No art or mosaic experience is necessary.
Michele Patrick is a professional mosaic artist and the owner of Mosaics by Michele, a custom architectural mosaic business located in Seabrook, Texas and serving the Greater Houston area.
www.MosaicsByMichele.com ~As seen on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, April 2010 ~Mosaics by Michele will capture YOUR vision with one-of-a-kind, visually stunning mosaics that reflect YOUR distinct personality and taste.
Creative Collage by Kay Kemp: Creative expression offers itself as the soul's outlet for healing and balance. It is an act of the spirit and is available to each us without exception or limitation. You need only to give yourself permission to explore and play with an open "wild" heart - the place inside you that longs to be set free.
Connect with your innate creativity in an intuitive process of artmaking to create a collage in honor of your experience of well-being. You will be guided and supported in your creative journey and need no previous experience. An array of materials will be provided but if you wish to include items of special significance, we encourage you to gather small items or copies of photos and bring them along.
Kay Kemp, creativity coach and artist, is founder of Wild Heart Art and has been guiding others in finding their true voices of self-expression over the last ten years. She passionately believes that creativity is a spiritual process and is essential to success, happiness and living a balanced life. Kay has woven together art, spirituality, and the skills of coaching to present programs that are designed to ignite your wild heart. Her classes lead participants to explore and experience their own creativity in new ways as they open to the joy and healing it brings.
Kay also devotes her time to creating art that touches the heart and stirs the soul. She finds inspiration in the creative process that she teaches and has received recognition by galleries, publications, and individuals both locally and internationally. WildHeartArt.com Programs to ignite your wild heart. KayKemp.com
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. LUNCH
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. FREE TIME Your choice of optional activities, including Croquet and other Yard Games at the Lake with Jill
1:15 - 2:45 p.m. Wild Heart Arted Cards with Kay Kempou'll reap the benefits of others' ideas, suggestions, resources, techniques, and strategies to address specific situations, problems, issues, concerns or challenges. Leave empowered, energized, and focused on success!
Play from your wild heart and make your own inspirational greeting cards. Combine healing words and creative collage for one-of-a-kind cards to share with friends and family. Juicy materials and inspired message are included and absolutely no experience is necessary.
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mastermind Sessions at the Lake with Jill
You'll participate in small groups, reviewing the many challenges faced by women today. Gain the expertise, wisdom, and perspectives of the women in your group to brainstorm action steps, solutions, answers or resources to overcome these challenges. As desired, personal challenges, needs, resources can be reviewed as well. Jill will rotate among the groups to offer her own special guidance, tips and strategies as called for by the situation and circumstance under discussion.
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer Service in the Chapel
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. DINNER
Special Presentation: Your Retreat Experience: Questions & Answers with Janelle Hoyland, Spiritual Guide and Intuitive Advisor
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. EXPO
Demonstrations
Door Prizes
Book Signings
Raffle
7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Full Body Chakra Dance with Maggie Grueskin
"Chakras are the junction point between consciousness and physiology" Deepak Chopra. Connect with your subtle energies in this gentle class, which awakens your entire body and breath. Begin with a gentle sitting practice of breathing and chakra cleansing, then begin to stand, walk and move as you slowly connect and deepen your understanding of the main chakra energy centers; join us and experience yourself in a whole new way.
Sunday, November 7:
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. FREE TIME Your choice of optional activities
Bhakti Vinyasa with Maggie Grueskin, Ekam Yoga Center
Experience flowing grace in this gentle yoga flow class. Start with mindful breathing and gentle stretches, then experience union of mind and body with spirit as you flow through one gentle pose to the next, setting intentions with each pose, this makes for an expressive form of devotional yoga, connecting you from your heart to your whole body and beyond. No experience necessary. Please bring your own mat, or purchase one at the retreat
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. BREAKFAST
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Creative Self-Expression with Art - Part 2
Continue the work on your own masterpiece in Mosaics with Michele, Creative Collage with Kay, or Beading with Connie Powers, Jewelry Artist, to create a silver necklace with cross with a matching bracelet and earrings set.
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Check Out
The Labyrinth Walk - individual
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. LUNCH
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Retreat Conclusion
Discoveries, Insights & Action Steps
Letter to Self
RAFFLE WINNERS
DOOR PRIZE WINNERS
Evaluations and testimonials
Continue the benefits of the retreat AFTER the retreat:
Schedule your private 30 minute coaching session with Jill (FREE within 30 days of retreat!)
Build on your dream with the support of a powerful group of women: Join the Women's L.A.B. to obtain professional development training tailored specifically for women - meet in person, over the phone, and online; receive exclusive invitations to special events; save money with discounts on future retreats and cruise.
Special Closing to the Retreat with Janella Hoyland, Spiritual Guide and Intuitive Advisor
Plenty of Free Time Built Into the Schedule!
Free Time is built into the weekend retreat schedule (PDF download) for you to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil environment with nature walks through the forested trails, experiencing the Labyrinth (an ancient sacred path rediscovered as a spiritual tool for healing and transformation), participating in Global Heart Rhythm Drumming, creating collage notecards, attending morning and evening prayers in the chapel, reading a book beside the lake or pool, or simply gazing at the grounds while rocking on the porch. Nature has always offered us the solace and comfort we seek and need when we stop to take the time and spend it with her. Spending time outdoors can facilitate self-awareness and promote healing. Touted as one of the best prescriptions for what ails us, time spent outdoors is returned to us ten-fold with increased energy, inspiration, creativity, imagination, regeneration, restoration, renewal, and recuperation.
This is YOUR retreat designed with 2 hours of FREE TIME on Friday and Saturday to pursue what interests and calls to you. Whether you decide to sit quietly and soak up all that nature offers or physically test your skills with skeet shooting, horseback riding, kayaking or canoeing on the lake, you will be able to create the retreat that fits your unique interests. Review the Free Time activities (PDF download) to determine the possibilities for an enriching weekend. Note that some of these optional sign-ups are FREE and included in your registration fee whereas others are available at additional charges, per person. To ensure the availability of your preferred FREE TIME activities, you may sign-up for all FREE TIME activities with Jill in advance of the retreat. Sign-up time will also be provided the first morning of the retreat.
Become a Retreat Sponsor
With this Women's Wellness Retreat, The Weathervane Foundation is raising funds for breast cancer research and with additional sponsorship support is enabling up to 10 participants in the Care Share and Be Aware Breast Cancer Support Group to participate in this retreat, gaining the necessary healing respite from their worries and the opportunity to learn new tips and strategies for ultimate self-care.
Fran Padgett, founder of The Weathervane Foundation, is a supporter of this breast cancer support group at the Houston Northwest Medical Center, which recently recognized her with the 2007 Denise Veillon Memorial award.
Fran is excited about this opportunity for the breast cancer support group and will be present to kick off our retreat with opening comments. Fran says, "Jill's weekend retreat for women and wellness is a time for dreams and day brighteners, which are the beacons for our breast cancer journey."
Become a RETREAT SPONSOR! Sponsorship levels begin as low as $100 and offer multiple advertising opportunities in a variety of marketing venues and formats for each sponsor. Details on Retreat Sponsorship are available here (PDF download). To become a Retreat Sponsor or to donate a raffle prize, contact Gayla Baechtold with The Weathervane Foundation at mailto:info@weathervanefoundation.org or call 281-782-4793.
Speakers & Workshops
Pre-Conference Webinar:
Jill Hickman, President, Jill Hickman Companies:Stress & Time Management Strategies for Success
Loretta Williams Gurnell, 2008-2009 Artist of the Year by Texas Gospel Announcer's Guild, Friday After-Dinner Performance
Michele Patrick, Mosaic Artist as seen on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, April 2010, Mosaics by Michele, Saturday & Sunday Morning Workshops: Mirror Mosaics
Connie Powers, Jewelry Designer, Camp Allen, Saturday & Sunday Morning Workshops: Beading Class (Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings)
Jill Hickman, President, Jill Hickman Companies, Saturday Afternoon Workshop: Mastermind Sessions at the Lake; Sunday Afternoon Retreat Wrap-up
Praise for Jill's Past Workshops!
Read what past retreat participants are sharing about their retreat experiences with Jill Hickman Companies!
Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend. It was fabulous! I took home so much information and have been telling everyone what I have learned. The retreat made me more aware of who I am and the direction I am looking to go personally and professionally.
It was a great pleasure to experience a memorable event with each of you. My life will be changed forever. I cannot stop talking about the awesome event we each experienced, my friends and co-workers are saying 'Okay, we get it! You had a great time!' but I continue to keep talking about the experience.
Jill, there are no words to describe how wonderful you are and all I can say is thanks and keep up the awesome power building you are doing. Ladies I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about your 30 day successes.
Jill you have so much energy and so many great ideas. You brought a lot of different women together and it was great! And you helped them all to learn and grow. We all learned from each other, too. That was great!
You will learn about yourself. It was emtoinal, empowering, learning, growth - spiritually, intellectually, business info, contacts.
I love you - you are awesome!
It will give you focus and re-energize your paths.
It was very insightful and I look forward to attending again.
This was perfect - I love you!
This is a time to do something for yourself.
This was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Thanks for knowing what women need.
Well organized, excellent materials, safe environment, worth the time, exceeded expecations!
It was so much fun! The location was amazing. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging.
COME AND ENJOY THIS UNIQUE RETREAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF! YOU DESERVE IT!
"Jill's weekend retreat for women and wellness is a time for dreams and day brighteners, which are the beacons for our breast cancer journey." — Fran Padgett, Founder, The Weathervane Foundation
