Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Some of the participants at this year's Mind, Body and Soul Retreat enjoying the tranquility of tubing along the White River in St. Mary. - CONTRIBUTED
IT SEEMED like only yesterday when the first Mind, Body and Soul retreat for women was held in luxurious Ocho Rios villas. But this year, Karen Clarke of An Elegant Affair celebrated the fifth anniversary of bringing together a group of predominantly African American women to explore the island while getting in touch with their inner selves and learning a lot in the process.
The retreats have, over the years, provided some interesting and exciting activities for the participants and some equally fascinating facilitators who share their vast reservoir of knowledge.
Motivational/diversity speaker/author, Jewel Diamond Taylor, who eloquently presented her pearls of wisdom at the first retreat, returned this year with a thought-provoking session that invited everyone to ponder four questions: Am I enough? Who is going to love me? What is my purpose? and How do I balance my career with my family?
The interactive session saw many issues to do with inter/intra-personal relationships laid bare and many reasons to reach for boxes of Kleenex tissues.
Other highlights included: an exhilarating three-mile river-tubing trip down the White River, followed by lunch at the attraction's restaurant. It was tranquil to listen to the river cascade over the rocks while enjoying the fare.
Once again Joan Edwards of Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) presented a financial wellness seminar and the American sister-friends showed keen interest. Who knows, they might invest tangibly in our country.
Belly-dancing expert Bozenka had eager students at her morning classes and some of them delighted the group at the farewell dinner. Although I mastered the Egyptian shimmy, I was not bold enough to share my new moves with anyone.
Fitness expert Mark McDonald went about his morning aerobic workouts like a drill sergeant, forcing us to discover muscles in places we did not know we had them. And if you have not yet sampled the delights of KiYara Ocean Spa in Ocho Rios, Sean's vibrating fingers eagerly await.
Hollywood-based cosmetics expert Allison Bowen, representing her French-made Caudalie line of skin care products, was brimming with information about a product made from the seeds of grapes. She had wonderful samples for all. Sekou Tha Mystic and poet Jaha gave a memorable and well-structured relationship workshop at the pyjama party.
And many are still talking about entertainer A.J. Brown's riveting performance as well as newcomers Wide Grin who were refreshingly good ? they show promise and have a good understanding of jazz sentences.
Mrs. Clarke presented all guests with tiny hand-made boxes in her signature lilac shade as well as custom-designed vases by artist Phillip Supersad.
