In today’s high-pressured world, there are many of us who would welcome the opportunity to escape for a couple of days and retreat into a warm haven of kindness and good company, a world away from everyday stresses that come with living in the 21st Century.
Holistic therapist and meditation practitioner Kayla Oakley offers just that.
A ladies’ healing and relaxation weekend was held in the beautiful setting of Barkala Farm, around one hundred kilometres southwest of Narrabri.
On the last weekend in May, eight ladies travelled from Narrabri, Gunnedah and Wee Waa to attend the retreat, aptly named ‘The Enchanted Weekend’.
“It is a fun, empowering and uplifting weekend where women come together in a safe space to share, heal, encourage and support each other without judgement,” Kayla said.
The retreat contained a combination of activities and quiet times, with each individual experience embracing a holistic approach.
Pilliga Pottery made the perfect destination, with these activities taking place among the bush walk tracks and stunning, character-filled structures, cottages and sculptures.
Julie McInnes assisted Kayla throughout the weekend which included individual reiki sessions for participants.
Activities included meditation, chair yoga, healing cards, a ‘treasure dish’ pottery class, emotional guidance, counselling, free time to wander, and EFT.
EFT is an emotional freedom technique and encompasses a holistic treatment for physical pain and emotional distress.
It can also be referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure.
This technique involves anatomically tapping the body which helps to create a balance in our energy systems and assists with the treatment of body tension or pain.
Kayla originally started her career along the paths of naturopathy and herbalist practices, but recently changed her direction to embrace and become fully qualified in the areas of holistic counselling, meditation and EFT.
Having held one-day gatherings in the past, this was the first occasion encompassing an overnight stay, an opportunity for the guests to really get involved and completely wind down in the true sense of the word.
Kayla felt the weekend was warmly embraced by the ladies and said that she wished it could have lasted longer.
“It really was a fun and inspiring weekend,” she said.
“I am so proud of the women for taking this time out for themselves, the growth and healing I witnessed in each of them was nothing short of amazing.
“They all wished it could have gone longer, next time we will make it two nights.”
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