A few {more} Love Notes
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“I went on this retreat with the hope of learning what it truly means to be in my body-fully, honestly, and without escape. I wondered if I could stay in vulnerability even while surrounded by strangers.
What I left with was an abundance so profound, it feels almost impossible to put into words. There was the depth of sisterhood. The overflow of seeing myself reflected through the eyes of another. The intensity of finally coming home to a body I hadn't realized l'd been away from for so long.
Zahiyah did far more than simply create a safe container-she cultivated a space that was both tender and powerful. A space that invited each of us to meet ourselves more deeply than we ever had before.
And the icing on the cake-or maybe, in hindsight, the very heart of it all-was the laughter. The sheer, unfiltered joy. The childhood delight of being silly little girls again, free to play without restriction, without roles, without shame. Just joy, in its purest form.” - Patti
“This experience shifted me in ways I never could have anticipated. It changed how I view pleasure, how I experience & crave touch—whether with myself, in my friendships with women, or with a partner—and it reconnected me to the truest form of myself.
One of the highlights for me was a simple lunch on the deck that blossomed into a deep, soul-baring conversation. We sat together, shared our hearts, cried, comforted one another, & realized that while each of our stories are different, our pain is not unique. There was something so liberating in knowing that I am not special, I am not too far gone, my circumstances won’t hold me back unless I let them. I had spent too much time convincing myself that my situation was unique, using it as a scapegoat to sit in the discomfort of it instead of taking accountability for myself & making meaningful change.
As I told Zahiyah when I was saying goodbye: I wasn’t leaving this retreat as a new person. I was leaving as an older version of myself—a version that had been stifled, quieted, & made smaller by life’s challenges. I am endlessly grateful to have found her again 🤍 I have truly never experienced a more supportive, loving, & majestically vulnerable group of women. I was able to heal parts of myself that I didn’t even know needed healing. I left feeling truly known & truly loved, having experienced girlhood in its purest form. I am forever grateful for the opportunity. - Jordan
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“Where to begin? I find myself bursting with the love I found in this space but unable to form the words to tell others how magical this experience was.
The wholeness, love, and play I'm still swimming in days later and am continuing to integrate in my own life at home is beyond my wildest dreams coming into this container.
Zahiyah created such an amazing space to be held, seen, and integrated with our deepest pain points and darkest shadows - but that, l expected to some extent.
It was the play, love, fun, and abundant, unending laughter that was almost more healing in its own right. I entered the space knowing no one except through a group chat (albeit an amazing, very loving group chat) to leaving the retreat with 15 new soul sisters. Though we all faced unexpected pain points, through our individual journeys and perspectives, but common experiences, so many of us - myself included- became unstuck in our heads and our therapy + knowledge +, and found our way back into loving relationship with our bodies
I could not recommend this retreat more. I feel so blessed and privileged to have been part of the first retreat group. This was a time of, yes, relaxation and deep reset and rest - but also a time of deep connection, vulnerability and facing our greatest shadows reflected in each other - but also somehow a time of play and deep belly laughter and FUN.
I am not exaggerating when I tell you this retreat was life changing for me, and I am so lucky to have met new soul sisters here.” ~ Alea
“Anam Cara is my first experience away from home with only new faces surrounding me. I immediately noticed that the bubble of energy, connection, and intention that envelops this space is unique. Impactful. Everybody interacted and connected with everybody. There were waves of emotions felt through the week, and each one was witnessed with love and care. I can't remember ever feeling so comfortable so quickly in a new environment.
It felt like sisterhood was the root of the experience, and from that root blossomed the tears, the laughter, the expression. The shedding of narratives and beliefs, and the integration of practices and words so thoughtfully shared by Zahiyah. We learned, we danced, we ate amazing food.
We stayed up late talking and giggling, and had morning yoga flows and hot tub chats. We moved through powerful workshops and came out the other side ready to hold and witness one another and ourselves.
Things I was stressing about in my life even resolved while there. I secured a new job after months of looking, and we got health results for my partner that we'd been waiting a long time for. Both unexpected but so aligned for me; for those to happen while in such an energetically charged space. Anam Cara is a slow flowing week of existence, experience, and integration with soul sisters, and if you're feeling the tug, I cannot encourage you enough to explore the option!! The space is a life-altering offering.” - Danielle
“I went into this retreat with a 50/50 mix of apprehension and excitable wonder. I struggled to answer the application questions and at times, I questioned whether this opportunity was really meant for me. I had never traveled so far alone, and certainly not to surround myself with people I didn't really know...& yet, something said "go and see".
. I think that little nudge within (ahem, my soul)
craved the opportunity to connect in ways that our society simply doesn't know how to at this time. As a woman who is healing wounds and seeking a fully expressed life, a woman who feels so deeply, and cares for life and all it entails more than words can describe, I want anyone who is wondering if they should take the leap, pay the price etc etc, that you will be blown away at the experience of this container. Never did I expect to feel so close so quickly with people I had just met, nor did I think that I would feel valued and seen the way I was throughout. Nothing is perfect, but the safety and tenderness and care of this space was perfectly imperfect in all the ways I needed-PLUS I'm walking away with profound wisdom that I will take with me and integrate into my daily life experience. I'm so so glad I took the leap and found such beautiful people to land with for a time that was truly such a nourishing respite for my soul.” - Anonymous
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“Some of my favorite moments from the retreat were the simple but powerful ones like laughing into the full moon in the water with the other women there, hiking in the quiet of the mountains (and embracing the change), and sharing meals that felt like family dinners. What stood out most was how quickly us strangers became friends, and how safe it felt to be open and vulnerable in our retreat space. One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing I’m not alone in the things I’ve been carrying, and that letting go of even a little of that weight can feel so freeing. I also really loved how curated it felt because I was nervous coming into it whether or not my roommates and I would get along, and it worked out beautifully.” ~ Cass
“Being surrounded by other women on a healing journey and path to being their most authentic selves was transformative. Their genuine love and presence mirrored parts of myself that I had been leaving in the dark, and gave me the reassurance I didn't know I needed to continue to fully step into who l am. That I can been seen, and accepted for that. That I can see and accept myself, and that I can embody that. I left the retreat with so much gratitude and awe in my heart for the beautiful souls I had the opportunity to witness and be surrounded by.” ~ Lexi
“This retreat changed my life… those connections you crave they exist, and its real. I share this coming from someone who has big sisterhood wounds. The unconditional love and warmness Zahiyah created for me to be able to thrive. Walking away from this container, it reminded I am worthy of having women in my life that see me/hold space for me, and that I can create a life filled with laughter, cuddle puddles, slow maxing days, and am loveable the way I am” ~ Mary
“Where to begin. I’m still discovering things from the experience as I become more consciously aware of the many layers that were within the retreat. I’m still digesting and exploring so many different pieces and imagine that will continue for awhile. For one, the “girlhood” that I experienced and got to be a part of. Whether it was being silly and goofy or witnessing someone be vulnerable and share a piece of themselves, I left with an entirely new appreciation for female relationships. I really loved every moment of this space. I found the breath work to be particularly impactful, especially with the context you gave it. I loved anytime we were in specific group activity together how unique everyone’s personal experience was while also experiencing something together as a whole. I LOVED experiencing meals with everyone and the bonding that happened over incredible food.
If you feel ANY tug towards this experience, do it. I felt very called to attending yet had a long list of reasons for why I shouldn't and I cannot explain how grateful 1 am that I didn't let those reasons stop me. You'll be vulnerable, you'll be asked to show up in ways that feel hard or scary and all the while you'll be held, loved and heard in ways you maybe never have been. Zahiyah is a well of wisdom and has created something truly incredible with Anam Cara Collective. I am confident it was an experience that I will always see as pivotal, transformational and feel eternal gratitude to have been a part of the experience.” - Hannah
“This container provides such a beautiful place to come home to yourself. To realize and recognize your patterns - the ones that serve you and the ones that don't. To process and heal. To nourish and receive. To experience transformation and growth. To connect to your body in a new and empowering way that will embolden the life you live. To move and to meditate. To dance and laugh. To let your inner child come out and play! To embrace your authenticity and explore what true alignment looks like in your life. To gain practices and rituals that will help you access this healing and peace anytime, anywhere. To learn from other women who each hold their own beautiful ancient wisdoms. To gain a like-minded sisterhood of beautiful women who experience life on the same plane of existence that you do. I can truly say that after this retreat, I feel more alive. I feel more connected to my body, to the people I care about, and to the world around me. I feel so blessed to be able to embrace the human experience fully and every emotion and adventure that comes with it. If you feel even the tiniest nudge in your heart, do it. If you feel the soul tug, follow it. It is hard and beautiful work. Investing in YOU is truly the greatest gift you can give to yourself. This will fill your cup in such a special and meaningful way. You will not regret it!” - Mikhala
“As a single mom, I have struggled with giving myself time and space to feel and just be. This was the first week in 5 years that I had no responsibilities. There were no expectations of me other than to just exist and be a kind human. All the meaningful decisions were made for me, better than I would have made them, and I was able to actually take time to process and work through the many life changes I have had recently. I was able to learn that I have many needs and they all matter. Taking care of myself allows me to take care of my son and it's not selfish to love myself. The space was so cozy and loving, everyone was so giving and kind. It immediately felt like meeting up with old besties even though we were strangers! I have made many lifelong sisters and I cannot wait to see them again and share the gift of holding space for someone to everyone else in my life. If you feel any tug towards something like this please give yourself the gift and follow it. Zahiyah and her whole team are amazing, there is so much love and care poured into these experiences and I promise you won't regret a single thing.” - C