We just got back from our first Ritual & Renewal retreat with Michèle Anne Barocchi and what an incredible time of transformation and growth it was for each on of us! This was a new invitation to focus on true renewal with yoga, breathwork, daily ceremony (cacao, water, fire, altar-making), and some nature and element-focused outings. It is hard to put into words how wonderful the week was!
Each day on retreat we focused on one of the chakras and elements. This gives you an idea of our itinerary throughout the week. It was EPM’s intention to create an intimate circle for guests for real self-transformation and a safe space for everyone to explore, breathe, and go within. I can say from my experience that was exactly how the week unfolded.
ROOT CHAKRA / EARTH ELEMENT
Morning yoga, Forest Bathing Meditation Walk, Altar-making Workshop, Olive Oil Tasting
SACRAL CHAKRA / WATER ELEMENT
Transformational Breathwork Session, Water Ceremony at Thermal Spring, Luxury Thermal Spa Day + Treatments
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA / FIRE ELEMENT
Morning yoga, Cooking Class, Sacred Cacao + Fire Ceremony
HEART + UPPER CHAKRAS \ AIR + ETHER ELEMENTS
Mandala Creativity Workshop, Daytrip to Hilltop Town, Guilded Walk with Vistas, Yoga Nidra + Soundbath
Some words from our founder Erin Lewis…
“This was a new venture for us at EPM with a new itinerary and focus for this retreat and I’m so grateful that such a wonderful group of guests showed up ready to go inward, so the self work, and truly be open for the week. What an honor it was to work with my friend and mentor Michele in circle with ceremonies and rituals which allow us to find depth in our daily connections. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this and we look forward to bringing more of these to the calendar.”
Our incredible collaborator Michèle Anne Barocchi had this to say about the week…
“It was a profound pleasure to co-facilitate alongside Erin the new EPM retreat, which focused on rituals and breathwork. The experience was enriched by an incredible group of women who were open to both receiving and sharing their deep wisdom. In our circle, we created a safe space to explore shadows and blind spots, fostering transformation through humility and gratitude. The daily rituals became a grounding force, helping us cultivate growth, connection, and empowerment together. I am very much looking forward to the next one!”
We always love to hear from our guests about their experience and Jennifer was kind enough to share her experience with us…
“This retreat was incredible- it allowed for introspection through the modalities of breath, movement and ritual. While it can mean many things for participants it helped me release old patterns of thought and create space for new potential. It is work and much like the fire ceremony that we participated in, you will experience the “heat” of letting go of what isn’t serving you and if you are prepared going in with that expectation and a willingness to be vulnerable you will receive so much from this very special week.”
Our home for the week, Villa LeMura offered sweeping views across the hills and Lake Trasimeno and provided the most inviting and picturesque backdrop. We can’t say how thankful we are for Emma (who also joined us during the week;) and her incredible hospitality and warmth in sharing her beautifully restored villa.
We also got to enjoy some cultural activities from the region. From an olive oil tasting (fresh from the harvest happening during this time of year), and a cooking class, to a visit to a luxury thermal spa with treatments and a soak in the health-enriching waters and a visit to the picturesque hilltop town of Cortona (of Under the Tuscan Sun fame). Our week was truly an enriching experience! We have already started dreaming about the next retreat offering for this kind of deep, transformative growth together. Thank you to all of our guests and collaborators and hosts for making this a truly life changing week!