On a mid-August Sunday, Stories from the Beauty Parlor hosted our very first feminist retreat in the woods of Brandenburg co-hosted together with Ms. Informed bookclub. Women, books, deep conversation and fantastic scenery–the perfect ingredients for a soul-nourishing read and recharge retreat!
Seventeen women across multiple generations and backgrounds joined us at this remote location, which had zero cell-reception, but a hundred percent presence. Amongst some familiar faces, some curious and committed newcomers showed up to share a day of intentional rest and recharge (whatever the individual participant needed the most on this day).
It ended up becoming a sort of intersectional microcosm of women at all stages of life. Some spent their first night away from their babies, while others were rethinking their careers, some felt the heavy burden of feminist organizing, and some simply needed some time to connect with themselves and other women.
The group gathered on this rainy morning to take the train (some bringing their bikes to enjoy a shared countryside ride). We followed a semi-planned schedule which sparked amazing conversations, emotional exchanges, light sports, and impromptu crocheting classes by the train tracks.
In this diverse group, stories were shared that ranged from community building, what belongingness looks like, mothering, the misrepresentation of female health conditions in medical institutions, AI algorithms featuring patriarchal structures and so forth.
The day also featured a list of activities everyone could engage in to their own liking, including:
- reading
- long forests walks
- fruit picking
- garden yoga, swimming in the lake and stand-up paddle
- cozy naps in little nooks
- tarot readings
Everyone also contributed with one or two vegetarian dishes that we later prepared and shared together. What’s a better way to rest than to come together and share beautiful conversations over a hearty meal?
Many (not to say the most) of our community members are–in one way or another–personally affected by the current right wing backlash. The retreat became clear proof of the need to create feminist spaces where we can come together to recharge and reimagine ourselves and the future.
During the shared closing session the excitement completely shone through; across the table, our participants expressed much enthusiasm for regular retreats like these.
Thank you to all the amazing women who showed up and helped create a space of total female recharge!