On Episode 005 of Unfiltered, An Embodied Woman Podcast, we welcome Amanda to share her powerful narrative of personal growth through dance, retreats, and the art of letting go.

The Dance of Self-Acceptance

From the mirrored walls of dance studios to life's metaphorical stages, the pressure to perform and meet certain standards can be overwhelming.

In this episode of Unfiltered, An Embodied Woman Podcast, Crystal has a beautiful conversation with Amanda—a woman who danced with the idea of perfection until she found her step in embracing imperfection. Together, we delve into the intricate dance of reevaluating needs and asking for support without judgment.

A Journey to Vulnerability and Authentic Movement

Our conversation begins with a step back into Amanda's experience with dance.

She recalls feeling judged and the intense pressure to present a façade of flawlessness.

My co-host Crystal echoes the sentiment, sharing her foray into movement workshops and how reconnecting with her inner child led to a deeper connection with her body.

Both women discussed the liberation found in moving without the constraints of overthinking, likening the workshops on the retreat to creating and protecting imaginary worlds where they could truly be themselves.

The Transformative Power of Women's Spiritual Retreats

As our dialogue lightens, Amanda expresses the pull she felt to join a retreat—a decision conflicted by doubts and fears, yet one that her heart yearned to follow.

In a deeply personal account, Amanda reveals the transformative effect the retreat had on her, describing it as a profound and raw experience that transcended the benefits of therapy, self-help books, and other podcasts she had explored as means of healing.

The introspection doesn't stop there. Amanda fervently encourages others to take the plunge into a retreat if they're even considering it, describing the experience as life-altering.

If you're intrigued, you'll be happy to know about the upcoming retreat in the Smoky Mountains - a promising opportunity for you to have similar transformative moments!

Rediscovery of Self and Sisterhood

Amanda joins Unfiltered at a crossroad, having attended a retreat during a low point in her life. Through conversations with myself and Crystal, she shares the invaluable solace she found in the retreat's sisterhood, which offered her a renewed sense of self.

Amanda reflects on how the work facilitated shedding emotional baggage, allowing her to confront deep-seated apprehensions.

The Energetic and Somatic Healing Experience

A poignant segment of Amanda's retreat experience involved energetic and somatic healing work before a ceremonial photo shoot.

Crystal, doubling as the photographer, captures the transformative embodiment of the women during this shoot.

Amanda confesses she had never felt pride or contentment when looking in a mirror until this moment at the retreat, highlighting a newfound self-confidence.

Renewed Relationships Through Vulnerability

The retreat's impact resonated beyond self-perception, reaching into Amanda's 19-year marriage.

She uncovers how the breakthroughs at the retreat allowed her to communicate openly with her husband, initiating conversations more profound than any facilitated by any amount of couples counseling.

Putting "Their Dicks Away"

The episode takes a lighter turn as Amanda and Crystal joke about "putting their dicks away"—a testament to their decision to let go of the masculine energy that dictated their need to tackle everything alone.

They both recount the relief and willingness with which their husbands embraced this change, supporting their ongoing growth and transformation.

Reflections on an Unfiltered Narrative

I really loved how this episode of Unfiltered, An Embodied Woman Podcast, weaves Amanda's narrative into a tapestry of self-discovery that many women can relate to.

It exemplifies the strength found in vulnerability, the process of embracing one's most genuine self, and the magic of communal healing.

Join in on the conversation on social media, learn how to participate in future episodes of our podcast, and learn more about our upcoming retreat here!