The Soulful Woman Presents

Essence of Lakshmi

Healing and Creating with the Divine Feminine

with Gemma Summers PhD and Shushann Movsessian MA

Women's Spiritual and Regenerative Retreat

Ubud, Bali: 27 April -  3 May  2012

Welcome

Come and feel the abundant, luscious Lakshmi energy at our Essence of Lakshmi retreat in beautiful Ubud. Our retreat is a wonderful opportunity to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit, to receive inspiration and support for your dreams and desires, and for connecting with like-minded woman in an unforgettable setting. 

We know jumping on a plane to Bali for a Women's Retreat can seem like a massive step, but most of our women come to the retreat on their own and do it easily and safely. We are here to hold your hand at every step. You only need to fly to the main international airport in Bali—and we take care of the rest. 

Please read our testimonials below!

Free Report for You

Sign up for our free report: "10 Ways a Retreat Can Change Your Life!"

Click here now: Free Soulful Woman Report

The Power of Retreat

There is a new feminine consciousness arising today, a force many are calling the Divine Feminine. Women are being drawn together to take time out to connect and nourish this feminine consciousness in themselves.

As facilitators, we also know that many women are experiencing transitions and changes in their lives and seeking more for themselves. We believe it's easier to pursue dreams, heal ourselves or create change when our energy is high and joyful. 

Retreat is a powerful way to replenish your mind, body and spirit so that you can build the energy and connect to the inner guidance needed to manifest your desires and dreams. Many women make profound changes in their lives quickly and easily after our retreats. 

We will work gently using with a rich mix of Eastern and Western holistic healing and transformative approaches, nourishing the feminine soul within us and cultivating abundance, creativity and inspiration.

Join us on this regenerative journey.

Retreat Reflections

Here are a few questions we hope to explore during our retreat:

1. How do you create a balance between giving and receiving in your life?
2. What are essential keys and sacred practices in living a soulful life?
3. How do you access inner guidance for manifesting your dreams and visions?
4. How do you transform your wounds into healing and wisdom?
5. How do you draw upon the transformative powers of the Divine Feminine?
6. How do you use the creative principles of Manifestation?

Registration and Retreat Dates

Please email Shushann for all enquires and registration of our Soulful Woman retreats at: info@shushann.com.au

Accommodation

Accommodation will be at the Honeymoon Guesthouse, a delightful abode full of gentle staff, Balinese art and sacred spaces for quiet reflection. 

There are also in-house massage and facial services for very reasonable prices.

Daily breakfast includes fresh tropical fruit, homemade yoghurt, fresh health juices, and freshly baked pastries and bread from the world-renowned Casa Luna Bakery.

For 6 days the Honeymoon Guesthouse is our peaceful little haven situated on a quiet street located near rice fields.  A short walk takes you into the heart of Ubud's shopping, eating, art and performance hub. So wonderful to have access and get the best of both worlds.

You can learn more about Honeymoon Guesthouse by clicking on: www.casalunabali.com

Retreat Program

Body Blessing

Retreat sessions will include yoga  nidra, somatic awareness, sensuous stretching and honouring the body. 

Soul Spa 

We will have daily sessions for guided meditations, healing visualisations, creative journalling and inner soul work. These sessions will include sharing and exploring the questions and challenges in our lives, along with learning about the divine feminine, healing and change, purpose and power, spirituality and other topics.

Evening Sessions

We will have additional sessions for meditations and other special events.

Luscious Leisure

There will also be free time for participants to enjoy massages, facials, shopping, exploring, resting, reading, chatting, eating, reflecting and swimming.

Retreat Inclusions

6 Nights accommodation

6 Breakfasts

1 Herbal Facial at Bali Botanica (one of Ubud's best Spas)

1 Half-hour Soul Coaching Session

1 Special Meal in a Rice Field Oasis

1 Casa Luna Cooking Class (includes market visit)

1 Sacred Water Temple Visit

2 Afternoon Teas

Special welcome gifts to nourish the soul

Plus all retreat activities and sessions: yoga, meditation, teachings, guided visioning, creative journalling and other presentations.

Retreat Benefits

Feel refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

Find answers to questions and challenges in your life.

Enjoy greater access to your inner guidance and wisdom.

Experience a sense of feminine empowerment.

Connect with other women, feel inspired and have fun. 

Retreat Vision

We know that each woman comes to the retreat with her own intentions and personal vision. Our vision is to create a safe and sacred space that is both pampering and empowering, allowing each woman to find the answers, energy and inspiration she seeks.

 Lakshmi: Our Retreat Goddess 

Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of Inner and Outer Abundance, both materially and spiritually. She is the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Bali's predominant religion is Hindu, so we think it's fitting to invite the divine graces of Lakshmi into our retreat space, as we nourish and celebrate ourselves. 

Networks and Connections

Our retreats also provide the opportunity to make meaningful connections and new friendships.

We're big believers in the power of networks, synchronicity and the female grapevine to unleash creativity, new insights and inspiring change.

Your Retreat Facilitators

Your facilitators are Gemma Summers PhD and Shushann Movsessian MA. 

Gemma and Shushann are both highly experienced coaches, counsellors and facilitators with over twenty-five years experience. They use an integrative approach, blending western psychology practices with eastern philosophy. Gemma and Shushann also bring plenty of humour, heart and soul to their work. 

Read more about Gemma and Shushann below.

Shushann Movsessian

To learn more about Shushann, click on her website: www.shushann.com

Shushann Movsessian: MappSc (Soc Ecol), Dip.Teach, psychotherapist, educator, coach and author of the national best-selling book, "Puberty Girl" (Allen and Unwin 2004).

Shushann has a private practice in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and is an experienced and mature counsellor working with individuals, relationships and young people.

She is passionate about supporting the significant transitions women and girls make in their lives. From puberty and motherhood through to midlife and honouring the ageing process after menopause.  Her vision is to support women to believe in the power of their dreams and visions and their sense of purpose in the world.

She has worked as a senior counsellor in Relationships Australia for over 8 years and has strived to assist women and men in their self-esteem and healthy relationship choices. She is on the teaching faculty for the Diploma Program in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Metavision Institute, Bowral.

Shushann has featured in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Essentials Magazine and on Radio 2GB for her expertise on the importance of the father/daughter relationship. 

Gemma Summers

To learn more about Gemma, click on her website: www.goodmind.com.au

Gemma Summers: PhD (Soc Psych), Dip.Clinical Hypnotherapy, clinical member CAPA and PACFA, psychotherapist, facilitator, coach and author of "Resolving Your Conflicts With Power and Grace: A Woman’s Guide to Conflict Resolution."

Originally published by Random House in 2002 under the title, "How to Get What You Want Without Losing It: A Woman’s Guide to Conflict Resolution," her book featured in newspapers and radio shows nationally and led to her writing the weekly "Coaching Column" for The Melbourne Age during 2003-4.

Gemma has a private practice in Sydney. She is an experienced and mature counsellor working with individuals and couples and is also a relationship and communication specialist.

These days she is passionate about women’s journey in life, both inner and outer, and views the significant life transitions as doorways to deeper self-knowledge and transformation. Her current vision involves helping women strengthen their relationship to their own inner guidance and purpose and to follow their dreams.

Gemma is also on the teaching faculty for the Diploma Program in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Metavision Institute, Bowral. Gemma has extensive experience as a workplace trainer and developer and has facilitated management development programs, including the Executive Development Program for senior NSW Health executives. 

Gemma loves to write, read and travel. Family and friends are central passions in her life, along with cultivating a meaningful creative and spiritual life.

Retreat Schedule

The Retreat commences at 4.00pm on Friday, 27th April 2012 with a Welcome and Introduction to the Retreat, and completes at 11.30am, Thursday, 3rd May 2012. 

There will be morning, afternoon and evening retreat sessions which will vary from day to day, allowing participants plenty of time to enjoy their surrounds and soak up the deeply healing energies of Bali.

Retreat Costs

$AU 1,990.00 per person (single room)

$AU 1,790.00 per person (share room) (Limited availability)

(Shared rate is only available if you're booking with a friend or relative.)

Early Bird: Full Cost Paid by 1st March 2012

$AU $1,890.00 per person (single room)

$AU $1,690.00 per person (shared room)

Early booking is essential as spaces are strictly limited. 

Retreat cost does not include airfare or additional meals and personal outings. 

Testimonials

Here's a sample of what women say after attending our retreat: 

"The most beautiful, freeing setting in which to take in the generous guidance of Shushann and Gemma, our teachers. A gentle, circling journey of self-discovery that was both unexpected and immense. Sincere thanks." Samantha 

"This retreat was like a car going through a car wash but on a soul level. I went in feeling messy and come out feeling cleansed and sparkly!" Nik.D 

"What a week of openness, courage and support. It's a real soul soother." Liz

"Gemma and Shushann are a unique combination of facilitators. They are caring, fun and lively and full of innovative ideas to help the soulful woman regenerate. Undoubtedly their retreats are going to become a haven for many women to experience, a transformational experience that is not to be missed." S

"If you want to come home to yourself, experience deep self-care and nurturing, bliss, joy and a sense of balance, attend the Soulful Woman Retreat in Bali. A truly transformational, gentle, caring experience run by powerful feminine souls, Gemma and Shushann. A deeply soulful experience. Thank you." Karin Berky

"I loved our three group outings; the visit to the Water Temple, our lunch in the rice paddies, and the beautiful dinner. I also felt well-supported within the group and there was a complete lack of bitchiness, which is often common in a group of women. Gemma and Shushann tended tenderly to our every need." J 

"The retreat provided opportunities to explore our inner being, blockages and strengths, and our relationship with our self, others and the divine. I had great insights and am now able to move towards a more balanced lifestyle, integrating my spiritual self in the work I do with others, while caring for myself in the process." Suparna

"The Essence of the Lakshmi Retreat was an amazingly loving, supportive and soulful space where I truly felt I could reconnect with my self, my spirit and my inner guidance. I go home with a renewed sense of self and love, a renewed energy and love of life." Kristen

"I found my mojo again! Or to put it more accurately, this retreat enabled me to look within and see that I never really lost in the first place. Gemma and Shushann, thank you so much for creating a circle, a sisterhood, which has been so nourishing for the mind, body and soul. Our circle has been such a healing space for me this week and it was everything (and then some) that I needed." Jennie Blake

"It's now a week since I arrived home from the Essence of Lakshmi Retreat. I've been expecting the well-being and contentment to be waning by now but I'm waking each morning with a sense of heightened expectation and anticipation of the day.The company of interesting women, who were also “interested” in each other’s life story and current situation, including all the highs and lows, was most liberating. The respect and empathy afforded by the group was a healing experience. The daily yoga and meditation sessions were grounding and totally undemanding. Shushann and Gemma were delightful and experienced facilitators. The accommodation, the food, the pool, the laughter and the sharing made it a week I won’t forget and a definite “must” for next year." Susanne 

"Prior to attending the retreat I was tired and emotionally drained and felt I was lacking direction in life. The retreat helped me to enjoy my own company again and also provided me with the space to nourish my spirit. Meeting new friends was a bonus. Thank you Gemma and Shushann. It was a life-changing experience which has given me the tools to live a more authentic life. I am already looking forward to the next retreat." Tara

"The Essence of Lakshmi retreat was a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in exquisite feminine energy. To honour and reverence my being completely, body, mind and spirit in a culture that embodies this value at the core of its being." Julie

"Shushann and Gemma's loving care is really unique. It’s like a balanced and clear sacred Mother’s energy, nourishing the heart, and giving the same special attention to each of us. I will never forget your warm support, encouragement, and respect for my needs. For me, your attitude really set the tone for the whole retreat." Nicole.

Further Information

An information package will sent upon registration about travelling to Bali, what to bring, how to get to the Honeymoon Guesthouse, and how to prepare for the retreat. 

Our advice is, if the retreat feels right, register now to avoid disappointment, as places are limited. Contact Shushann for Registration: info@shushann.com.au

We can't wait to see you in Bali!

Gemma and Shushann xx

The Soulful Woman

The Soulful Woman is a collaboration between Gemma Summers and Shushann Movsessian.

Our vision is to explore and nourish women's sacred inner life and self-care.

We provide workshops and retreats designed to replenish a woman's body, mind and spirit, create greater balance in the cycle of giving and receiving, and support women's dreams and visions. 

Learn more about the Soulful Woman. Go to: The Soulful Woman website. 

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesoulfulwoman