UNFURL

A Personal Experience Story

by Cara L'Etoile

For the last several years I had become aware of how fast-paced and hectic my life had become. Between work and family, there was little time for self-care and creative endeavors. I was grateful for so much in my life, but felt a growing desire to slow down, return to myself, and practice the art of savoring, of living my life more quietly, closer in. 

Yin (Rachel's Winter Course) and the Temple of the Rose was the light I had been seeking. An invitation to plant seeds of self-love and self-tending, to be held within a container where receptivity, softness, stillness, intuition, spaciousness and ease were valued, and learn to return to the deep intuitive core of my being, honoring myself and others in the process. I was drawn to the magic of Rachel and of Yin. 

To be in a course with course Rachel is very much akin to entering a sacred temple space. Rachel herself embodied the energy of Yin beautifully, exemplifying how one can navigate the spiral of the seasons with a sense of grace, softness, depth, openness, and patience.

Weekly lessons, which far exceeded my expectations for depth and breadth of content, offered a blend of skills, practices, and rituals, exposing me to a myriad of ways to slow down and learn to love myself.

We were invited to consider how we take up space in the world, how we are seen in our own power and light, how we can care for and nourish our bodies, hearts, and spirits, and how to remember to keep it all light, playful, and fun. Each week, we were invited to slow down and sink deep within, tending to our own inner temple and flame, claiming space in the world with confidence and clarity, embodying grace and purpose in this life, and learning to truly love ourselves. 

The practices helped me to learn to honor and love myself in a way I had never experienced before, despite years of healing work. As the course progressed, and as I began to experience, understand, and savor the energy of Yin, I began to see and appreciate things about myself I had previously not valued. 

I learned to practice and appreciate the art of letting go and of considering where I can surrender a little more, where I can loosen the grip, and where I can invite a sense of balance back to forgotten or dismissed aspects of my life. I learned to celebrate and truly love myself through practices of deep self-care and self-valuing.

We do not have to fill every hour, every minute with action, and true beauty is found in the empty places, the white space, the blank pages, the sacred waters within. Yin helped me to dive to the dark, watery depths of my being and bring back shining jewels for life, for nourishment and sustenance.

Truly a communal experience, this journey was shared by a beautiful global community of women, all devoted to practicing the art of rejuvenating feminine vitality by slowing down and moving with intention. We gathered weekly to share our process, support and celebrate one another, and to mirror aspects of the sacred feminine to one another in ways that allowed Yin and the Divine Feminine to be seen, understood, and embodied.

The community was dynamic and we remained in constant communication outside our weekly meetings. Rachel was as much a sister as a leader and she was available always for support, encouragement, to share wisdom and knowledge, and to celebrate our growth and journey. Truly, this was a sisterhood and each woman within was honored, cherished, and celebrated. I leave the course not only with fond memories, but with a group of new friends who I care deeply for and know I will remain in contact with for years to come.

Entering the temple of Yin with Rachel changed my life, helping me to understand and embody the Divine Feminine in a way I had never before imagined possible. I am deeply grateful for my experience.