Geneen Roth retreat - my ancient history

Note: this is an aid to Diane, who asked my opinion about the retreat.  I do NOT have any experience at the new retreat center near Monterey Bay.

I went to a Geneen Roth retreat in San Diego years ago. Her books had initiated me into the world of intuitive eating, and the retreat was the first major act of self-care I had ever taken. I can’t remember exactly when I went, but it might have been 1999.  Lot of water under the bridge since then, but here’s what I remember about the retreat I did attend.

My memorie are vague, but happy. I was extremely nervous about going to such an event, not knowing anyone. There were several hundred (?) people in attendance, overwhelmingly women. We had plenty of space between chairs. Many/most of us had food bags with us, so we would always be able to lovingly provide for ourselves.

Music was provided by Georgia Kelly, harpist, live, during some meditations and exercises. We did several breakout sessions during which we discussed whatever topic had just been presented. I sat near to the most beautiful woman I had ever met, whose name I have since forgotten. She had jet-black hair and Elizabeth Taylor eyes, and the most wonderful disposition. Another lovely woman, Marilyn, and I remained in contact for many years after the event.

We did a tasting experiment with chocolate kisses, learned to feel emotions, dug down deep and shared with each other some of our truths.

I can’t remember how  much time Geneen led, and how much was led by others, but it was satisfactory, not like the accounts I’ve heard of other people’s seminars, in which the famous person shows up for a few hours. I believe we did things like guided visions, relaxation techniques, and exercises.

My conclusion after the retreat was: it was great and healing to do, but it was not something I would have sacrificed a lot to attend. I happened to have the money and the time, and it kept me in a perfect mindset for learning and healing.

I took many notes, which are packed away in some box somewhere or thrown out by now, but I used my personal time that weekend to grow and reflect.

The atmosphere was electric as the seminar started, because so many people were wondering how it would be. As the weekend progressed, it got more relaxed. The basic process was a standard seminar: big hotel meeting area, typical conference chairs, plenty of space, opportunity to buy some supplemental materials, plenty of time for sharing with and meeting other people.

Geneen is really about getting in touch with your emotions through the fog of overeating.