The Mermaid Sisterhood
Reflections from Past Mermaids

-Claire McClung: Fashion Exec, Philly PA

-Alexandra Russell, Human Trafficking Activist, Playa Carmen

– Diya Chopra: Lawyer, Venice CA

-Alysa Osvog: Yoga and Writing Teacher, Orange Country CA (a year later)

This was the life I dreamed of, and I was embarrassed to admit it wasn’t enough. Dullness and boredom were my constant companions. When my soul-sister Emily reached out that she had a dream I was crying, I confessed I was down but didn’t know why. She invited me to come on the retreat.
At first I had a gazillion excuses. I couldn’t possibility leave the baby for a week, my husband wouldn’t be on board, but I knew deep down my excuses were hiding the truth that I didn’t think I deserved to go. I’m so relieved I broke through my illusions and gave myself permission to go.
I know this is a dramatic statement but I think this retreat saved my life. It reconnected me with my passion and purpose and reminded me that I am a creative spirit who longs to express herself. I faced my fear of the ocean and can actually say I’m a real surfer now! The breath work session was very emotional for me and had one of the biggest breakthroughs of my life! I created a new tribe of supportive, inspired sisters! We laughed, danced, sang and poured out hearts onto the page.
Emily has such unique, expansive wisdom that returns you to your feminine essence and power in such a fun, light-hearted way. It doesn’t feel like work, but I am living proof it works!
I left Costa Rica with a renewed of self and truly knowing there are many more possibilities for my life than I could see before. My husband was like who is this new woman I’m married to, and has started calling me his jungle cat! We literally can’t keep our hands off each other (after 8 years together) this is an exciting new development!
Thank you so much Emily. I already told my husband I will be returning next year!
-Yael Alysworth, Feung Shui Expert, Brentwood, CA

When I arrived, I was living in a space of self-doubt, feeling like I was not enough & was bit confused about my path. I couldn’t see my self-worth for the life of me, it was so disheartening & had caused me to feel stuck. Like I couldn’t break through the ceiling of my limiting beliefs.
Costa Rica is the perfect place for this transformational experience- just enough of an adventure but still easy to get to and on of the most magical places I have ever been to. Emily has a special gift in creating a beautiful container for women to be witnessed, to be vulnerable & to express themselves without judgement. I felt like all of the beauty & strengths within me were being mirrored right back to me from the gorgeous women that were also on this retreat. I was able to see & feel my true authentic self on a whole new level. It was beautiful!
Emily created a space where every layer of my being felt supported & nourished, it felt like pure bliss! My intention going into the sisterhood was to create deep connections with others, connect to my creativity & connect to my greatness that was tucked so deeply with in. This sisterhood surpassed my wildest dreams & my dreams are pretty wild!! I’ve always thought I was an introvert that needed a lot of alone time, but found myself not needing time to myself like I normally do (even thought there is plenty of chill time) and realized how energized I am when I doing activity that GIVE life force energy. I still feel like I’m floating on cloud 9 & it has been more than a week since the retreat. I’ve never felt this good for this length of time, ever, up until now. I made deep, loving and genuine connections with the women who journeyed with me on this retreat and I am so grateful that our paths have crossed. I know these women will be lifelong friends, the tribe I’ve been dreaming about has come to fruition! Thank you Jesus! I feel like I have pushed through the ceiling of my previous limiting beliefs, which is freaking AMAZING!! I am connected to the Abundance of Power, Creativity & Joy that were laying dormant in me for so long. I have so much clarity & focus now, I feel like a race horse at the gate. I am so inspired & so excited to live the life of my wildest dreams! The Mermaid Sisterhood is a priceless experience! I am forever grateful to Emily & my sisters for holding space and sharing this incredible experience with me!”
-Anita Marie Parr, Yoga Wellness Practitioner, Long Beach

“At first, I was hesitant about signing up for the Mermaid Sisterhood Retreat. All the old fears of being in groups of women swirled around in my head. What if I don’t like the other women? What if they don’t like me? What if I feel out of place? What if I’m too old? How can I possibly take the time away from family and work?
I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to have taken this leap of faith! Hands down: it was the BEST decision I could have made for myself at this point in my life. Looking back, I don’t think I realized how badly I needed it. The shifts and positive effects I see in myself have been profound. My husband is so happy I did this for myself. As much as he may want to, he simply can’t do for me what only other women can.
Emily created the perfect cocoon of safety for our group. I felt like we got to step out of time, almost disappear into an invisible world like that of a cloister or an old-world culture run by feminine goddesses — all unique and individual in their own beauty and magic. I’m in awe over what happens when we come together as women – how bonds are created and ancient wounds are revealed and healed through the compassionate listening and practice of sharing story – one of our most ancient birthrights. We laughed, we cried; we held each other, loved each other, and got to witness and experience the magic of transformation.
Emily was the magnetic force that drew us all in. Her joyful, generous spirit is so genuine and so refreshing. I felt utterly accepted, like I totally belonged – maybe for the first time ever in a group of women.
I was at a point in my life where I was ready to let go of old narratives that no longer served me, and step into a newfound passion for my soul’s unique journey, one characterized by authenticity, and inspired by a collective sense of curiosity and courage.
Through the carefully curated rituals and activities – most of which were new to me (and I thought I’d done it all!), I got to have an experience of being reborn, into the second half of my life. I was able to tell my story and own it, in a way I’d never done before. I got to come home to myself and rediscover who I truly am, but in a way that felt like it was the very first time. No longer am I the young maiden, the new mother just starting out; rather, I am a fierce, wise warrior woman standing squarely in my power.
If there’s any part of you that’s intrigued by what this retreat offers – whether it’s the company of other women, the writing, the surfing, the tropical location or the incredible vegan food prepared with love, don’t think twice! DO IT. Do it for yourself! You will be forever grateful that you did.
-Christine Falcon, California