by Sylvia Somerville, Special to Kudos
Back to In The News ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach Retreat

One of the most trusted voices in the women's self help and inspiration movement is coming to Sedona on Saturday, May 14 - Sara Ban Breathnach (pronounced "Bon Brannock."). Ten years ago Breathnach's seminal book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy skyrocketed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and became one of the 10 best-selling books of the 1990's. The book's message of living an authentic life - by following the principles of gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy in simple moments - resonated with women all over the world. In 1996 Oprah Winfrey declared the book her top pick for 1996. Simple Abundance was followed by several other bestsellers, including Romancing the Ordinary, Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self, and the Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude.

Even though Simple Abundance was ground-breaking, there is nothing trendy about the concept of simple abundance. "I was just reminding women what they have always known, offering a process and principles for them to use," notes Breathnach. "I get thousands of letters from women who were surprised that something as simple as gratitude can be so life-altering, shifting the terrain of any situation."

Since the publication of Simple Abundance, there has been much more said and written about the subject of women returning to themselves. But the simple and accessible wisdom in Breathnach's inspirational guide continues to be relevant and important. "Women tend to forget," says Breathnach. "Because we are so deeply involved in caring for our loved ones, we barely put ourselves on our own 'to do' list. It is a constant renewal of understanding that we really have a right to be contented and to take care of ourselves." 

A Woman's Way
Breathnach is the second best-selling women's author to come to Sedona in a month at the invitation of A Woman's Way, a local organization committed to supporting women in their search for meaning and authenticity. (Joan Anderson came in April.)

A Woman's Way presents small, structured retreats for women by women. "Our mission is to provide a sacred space and to sponsor a process that encourages women to find their vision and their voice," says Karen Ely, who with Sylvia Strobel, founded A Woman's Way in 2004. Ely's vision is that A Woman's Way will become an Esalen or Omega Institute for Women, where the greatest female thinkers of our time will come to guide others on their journeys. "Other women's words give you the support and some tools to begin your own toolkit," says Ely. "You start listening to them and then start listening to yourself." Char Beltran, president/CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, says she admires the work that Ely and Strobel have done in Sedona. "These retreats bring special guests who, through sharing their life experiences, empower many women," says Beltran. 


Retreat/Lecture/Party
Breathnach's Sedona appearance in the Great Room of the beautiful Sedona Creative Life Center - her first trip to Arizona -- is a rare public event, especially when she is writing - as she is now (Moving Along: Creating Your House of Belonging, which will be published in 2006). 

Women can register for any part or all of the day with Breathnach on May 14: a three-hour retreat from 10 a.m. top 1 p.m. ($80); a lecture that translates the principles of simple abundance into one's living space from 3 to 4 p.m. ($50) and a private party and book signing from 5 to 6:30 p.m. ($50). Breathnach's The Simple Abundance Companion will be used as a basis for the workshop, and a signed copy will be presented to every participant. "I'm not a guru," says Breathnach. "I'm very much like my readers. When I give a talk there is a relaxed meeting, like friends coming together who haven't seen each other for a while. I like to share the lessons that I've embraced, embodied and swear by. They've changed my life in wondrous ways, and they can be a catalyst for other women." 

For more information or to register, click here or call 928-254-1897.

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Sarah Ban Breathnach Retreat