International Women's Day 2022: The Women of ADzenTURE

Happy International Women’s Day!

Let’s face it — being a woman in today’s world still has its challenges.

One thing that continues to inspire us above all else is the determination and drive of the women who attend our retreats. Each of them from different walks of life, different paths and journeys yet all interconnected as women.

And when women prioritize themselves and come together in true sisterhood without judgement, a sacred space opens up to be vulnerable, to be seen, to be heard and be our authentic selves - this is when healing and transformation can happen.

Over the years, we’ve had the honor of meeting so many inspiring women on our ADzenTURE retreats around the world and asked a few of our sisters what it means to be a woman in today’s world, for them.

Meet Ashley Sondergaard.

1. In a few lines - tell us who you are.

I'm Ashley Sondergaard, yoga teacher, self-care coach, host of the Yoga Magic podcast, and mama of (soon-to-be) 3 girls! I believe that taking care of yourself first is the only way to take care of others.

2. What does being a woman mean to you?

Being a woman means POWER. As women, we hold the power to create life, to create change, and realize true magic when we listen to our innate intuition. By simply existing, we create power, magic and so much more.

3. What is one women related stereotype or myth that needs to be broken?

That it's our role to constantly take care of and serve others. The patriarchal narrative of a woman's role to use her energy and vitality to lift EVERYONE ELSE up first is over. I believe her role is to lift herself up, nurture herself, and fulfill her own needs first. And then she can create that magic mentioned before.

4. What is your favorite memory with women on an adzenture retreat?

I loved our hike in the Pacific Northwest. Seeing a line of strong women come together to explore and experience freedom was so exhilarating. I think of that hike often.

5. What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to other women?

Never stop prioritizing your own needs.

6. An empowered woman can…

heal herself and this global community.

Meet Sheree Carara.

1. In a few lines - tell us who you are.

My name is Sheree Carara and I am a naturopathic wellness healer, yogi, author of "Guru Girl" and a multiple sclerosis warrior. I am forever grateful to my ancestors for passing on the healing knowledge from past generations to present generations and to the future healers.

2. What does being a woman mean to you?

I grew up wholeheartedly believing being a woman was being a mother and being a good christian wife. I broke free from that thought pattern. I am currently divorced and at the age of 43, I do not have kids. Being a woman means breaking all the oppressed stereotypes created to open doors to live an authentic life as we grow with each breath.

3. What is one women related stereotype or myth that needs to be broken?

Not having children means something is "wrong".

4. What is your favorite memory with women on an adzenture retreat?

Ha! Where do I start?! I want to say it was driving through the safari in Sri Lanka but then the sound bath was pretty amazing too. I've met some really amazing women that inspire me to this day. One sister inspired me to embrace my body by doing a nude photo shoot and also muster up the courage to start my headstand practice. I will always remember the wedding day for another sister and how happy the couple were. I've done a couple of retreats with an abundance of memories.

5. What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to other women?

Don't be scared to change. With growth, the person who you were then isn't going to be the person you are now. Friends will be different, food choices and even your hair might be different! Reason, season lifetime. Be willing to let go.

6. An empowered woman can…

feel the true meaning of freedom of the mind, body and soul.

Meet Marianna Hernandez.

1. In a few lines - tell us who you are.

Hi, I’m Marianna! I’m a first generation Latinx immigrant born and raised in the Midwest. I have a passion for helping people, especially historically marginalized communities. I consider myself a lover of all things food and pugs (I have two pugs—Luigi & Lorenzo).

2. What does being a woman mean to you?

Being a woman means learning to be unapologetically myself even in unconventional spaces that weren’t meant for me. It means empowering other women to see their own light while remaining relentlessly vulnerable and strong.

3. What is one women related stereotype or myth that needs to be broken?

One belief about women that needs to be broken is society’s belief that women’s value and worth is contingent on being a wife or mother. While there’s been a lot of progress in the fight for women’s equity and equality, globally, women have a long way to go in society, at work, and at home.

4. What is your favorite memory with women on an adzenture retreat?

The sense of community and acceptance that ADZENTURE fosters on their retreats is the reason I keep going back. It’s amazing meeting like-minded women from so many places in a blissful retreat location.

5. What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to other women?

Believe in yourself as unconditionally as most men do in themselves… and wear your SPF!

6. An empowered woman can…

advocate for themselves and others.