We hear it all the time: female empowerment. But what does it mean to feel empowered? And more importantly, what makes a women feel like the empowered, badass that she is?
Supparetreat recognises that who a woman is, is far beyond her the roles and duties she undertakes, it’s her essence and her dreams, her energy and true beauty. Ladies, how much of yourself is left just for you after you’ve given everything to your partner, your family, your job? It’s no wonder you’re exhausted.
To put it simply, Supparetreat is a women-only community with retreats, workshops and seminars designed to empower each individual. With talks, coaching, activities and sharing circles, the retreat models a space both physically and emotionally safe, nurturing and encouraging.
The name famously behind Supparetreat is Malaysian model, host and actress, Sarah Lian, who’s also behind Suppagood Talent and Suppagood PR. The first retreat held was actually a company trip that turned into an opportunity to serve something bigger and better: Supparetreat as we know it today while it continues to grow.
You’re not sure what to expect, let alone what to pack
Every retreat is different transformational experience with a unique theme. In Supparetreat’s first overseas retreat, we travelled to the gorgeous island of Bali — lucky us! For three days, we stayed at the Canggu Paradise in Kuta.
The theme of this retreat was ‘Ignite’, described by the team as three days of personal development, “From allowing yourself to open up and be vulnerable, shedding past trauma and healing, to eventually loving and celebrating yourself.”
What’s perfectly okay to feel when you attend a Supparetreat event is the hesitation or natural instinct to put up a brave front to avoid any embarrassment or silliness. Really, that’s okay — and no one is going to say “told you so” when you find yourself tearing up at old wounds (which may or may not happen, but highly likely most times). You are allowed to feel how you feel, when and where you feel. Here, you’re reminded that you’re safe. You’re with your sisters.
I showed up alone, without much time to think about the fact that the other women might know each other — did people usually come to these things with a friend? Very quickly I learn’t that this in fact, was quite true. Supparetreat has become such a community that it has regulars, women who swear by the lessons and support they’ve received, and have made the community a part of their lives.
Thankfully however, this was never a problem at all. Any shyness was gone by the time we were done with our first proper introduction at the villa. The team of coaches comprising of Lian, love and relationship coach Hannah Lo, and child and family development specialist child Racheal Kwacz, who had all set up a circle laid out with pillows and candles for us. Lo is just about the most honest, humble and compassionate person you’ll meet. And Rachel, who promotes being the best mother you can be as the most human, curious self you can be first and foremost, is everyone’s best friend.
Wounds healed, but first opened
How much will you have to share, not just with others but with the harshest critic out there — yourself?
Show up for yourself. And if you’re at the retreat or online for a virtual workshop, you’re already there, so let yourself be there — share, accept what comes up in your thoughts, own them, and then keep sharing the heck out of them with your sisters.
And is that scary? Yes! But as fellow female badass and advocate Glennon Doyle writes in her novel Untamed, “We can do hard things“.
Activities and sessions planned for the weekend included an intuitive, blindfolded (and barefoot) walk around the grounds, a women’s circle where we held space for each other’s insecurities and pain, and even a crystal sound bath by Lian herself. There’s dancing, games, and incredible food. Each activity is thoughtful, designed to help you listen to your intuition and find your voice, ultimately helping you uncover your most beautiful, true self.
The sharing sessions can really tire you out, and at any time the sessions are not able to benefit you because you need rest or reflect by yourself, you’re more than welcome to do that.
How to get involved
Supparetreat keeps itself active with workshops that have even kept going virtually throughout the MCO. These workshops invite guests including Marcus Blacker and everyone’s favourite guest, Asha Gill. Topics covered in a safe space include money matters, breathwork, and relationships. You can stay up to date on upcoming events and the next Supparetreat on www.supparetreat.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. .
