La Perouse Women's Healing Retreat
November 2001

The afternoon of November 23 we all came together to start our journey by bus, from La Perouse to the Aboriginal Women's Healing House at Picton.

We were all excited and didn't know what to expect. Some of us were getting away from our kids and family for the first time in our lives. This was a much needed break from the drudgery of kids and house-work.

I was happy to be going away with people I never get a chance to really connect with. These people are community/family members; and the opportunity to just spend special time together was such a great feeling; and we were all women.

We weren't looking forward to the long bus trip, and we felt it necessary to stock up with goodies from Paul's Shop prior to departing. We waited a fair while for Lois, but eventually had to depart without her in order to miss the peak hour traffic.

Eric our Driver, apart from being a real nice bloke, is an excellent driver; he managed to get us up there in one piece; and he survived all the ribbing, propositioning, and everything else we could dish up to him. He even agreed to our request for a pit-stop. The driver was the only male on our bus, but he was OK. He even agreed to stop for a much needed smoke. My Mum and Mary Jane really needed a smoke, more than anyone else did.

A few of us had been to the healing House before, even so all of us were impressed with the beauty, tranquility, and charm of the Retreat. Even for those on the first visit, it was like coming home. Barbra and crew all made us feel welcome and part of the family. The homestead was very comfy, and it felt like my Grandmother's era. Food was good, beds comfortable, and gardens pretty.

There were to be many more great meals. The tables were beautifully set with candles and the works; it was just like Christmas dinner. This made us feel very special.

Our evening meal was followed by a night of Kareoke Singing, dancing and laughter. There was much laughter when our efforts were being videoed.

The next morning ( Saturday ) we were all taken down to visit the Gunyah, where we all had a chance to speak, exchange ideas and plan for the future. Later on were walked further down the beautiful country track, past the water, until we arrived at the place of the Water and Bowl Ceremony. We all found this to be a very moving and spiritual experience. Hands and souls were linked as we stood in a circle meditating. We all felt each other's pain, and shared it, and in this sharing and mutual sympathy we experience, a lessening of the pain and real sister-hood.

This wonderful moving experience was really moved along when a bit later when Leanne and Kerry spotted a huge snake, hurrying down to join us. For a moment we froze, but when we moved we really moved.

Upon arriving home from our walk, bearing garlands of wild flowers and weeds, we found a marvellous morning tea awaiting us, which we ate at the outside tables in the fresh air. Most of us at this stage were feeling relaxed and comfortable with one another, Bev and her cousin Barb were able to reminisce together, something they hadn't had time to do for years. And the meditation which followed was good.

Later in the day we went for a drive down to the river; half of us forgot our swimmers, ( except Leanne, or did she go in her shorts? ). We paddled our feet regardless. We sang the Song of the River to heal our hearts. After this we made our way down to the Sacred Rock, which used to be the Women's Sacred Area for birthing lore.

When we got back we told stories - sad ones and funny ones. We soaked ourfeet in scented oils in the foot spars; it was luxurious. I would have enjoyed a massage with the others if we had more time, and others had more energy.

I particularly enjoyed Saturday. What experiences we had. The black snake that was spotted close to me and Leanne, and we jumped with fright. The good relaxing soak we had in the river; the great big wet hairy dog that was swimming in the dam, that snuck up on us. We didn't know if it was friendly or not, It scared us and then tried to love us to death - muddy wet fur, doggie smell and all. Then the Karoke that night; what beautiful voices we all had.

We all have a good sense of humour, much needed to get one through life's up and downs. The mix of ages was good, but one could feel awkward in opening up in front of one's mum. But to get away and have quality time together was good for all of us. We never get that, there is always someone else, in our lives there is always someone else's needs coming first. It is good to be able to open up. There is another break away planned with this same group, in the not too distant future, and it is very much needed. It takes a long time to fully open up with each other. I can feel others pain - and the sadness. I loved the energy of the two young girls.

We were all amazed at the paper-bark walls in the massage room, which depict women healing from trauma, in its three panels. The blending of colour and the designs were just beautiful. Throughout the Centre there is a subtle blending of light, shade, flowers, trees, old furniture, interesting arrangements, surprises and interesting objects and touches. There is the claw-footed bath, flower draped mirrors, slate and polished wood floors, all designed to delight the eye and enrich the soul. There was one cold spot in the house that I noticed twice, but it was nothing to be concerned about, however.

The time at Razorback was very relaxing, especially being in the company of women, but the time was too short. If we'd had the opportunity of another one or two days together it would have been better.

After returning to the Centre, we gathered in the Conference Room for mediation and sharing, followed by lunch and evaluation. Some of the women found that they were able to speak freely for the first time in years. Others not at this stage, but never the less felt that healing had begun. We felt that we had become closer to each other, and more aware of one another, and that we shared a unity. We continued to talk and evaluate until Eric arrived.

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