Reclaiming your Spirit Retreat

“The Reclaiming your Spirit Retreat was aimed at women who have suffered any kind of abuse,” said Bree, Outreach Specialist. “We collaborated with Family Violence Services to help women learn healthy coping and healing skills. It’s an important topic, and we had a very successful day.”

LeNae, Outreach Coordinator for Cheyenne River Indian Outreach, walked everyone through a breathing and meditation exercise, setting a peaceful mood for the day. Similarly, Jessica with Oyate Connections helped participants understand how stress might trigger some extreme emotions and shared coping exercises.

“The meditation and breathing exercise can be used anywhere, at any time,” said Bree. “It’s a self-soothing technique that is especially useful when you can’t stop what you’re doing to be alone.”

Journaling is also a useful coping strategy that can be done almost anywhere, any time.

“Journaling helped me a lot in my personal journey,” said Bree. “I shared some tips with our participants to help them start their own journals. The Burden Box was also a helpful activity. Participants start by writing down anything that is a burden to them — maybe a secret that they feel guilty about or shameful feelings from the past — and put the note into a box. At the end of the day, we take everything in the Burden Box and burn it as a way of letting those feelings go.”

In addition to taking care of themselves emotionally, participants also got some pointers on how to take care of themselves physically.

The variety of speakers for the day provided tips on skincare, beauty and using essential oils. Kim, owner of Eagle Beauty Skincare, shared a recipe for a facial scrub using household ingredients. Winona, who is stylist as well as a Sexual Assault Project Coordinator/Advocate at Cheyenne River Indian Outreach, provided haircuts free of charge throughout the day.

Participants also learned about programs in the community where they could seek help. One such program they learned about was Healing with Horses, which uses animals for therapy.

Your support allows Cheyenne River Indian Outreach staff the opportunity to work alongside others to make a positive difference in their communities. Thank you!