When my friend Ariella Brown invited me to document a women’s wellness retreat, I felt confident in my role behind the camera. I imagined myself a quiet observer, there to capture a beautiful setting and thoughtful moments. But nothing could have prepared me for the journey I was about to take—the raw, transformative experience that awaited me as the only man in a space dedicated entirely to women’s healing and empowerment.
As I stepped into the retreat, surrounded by women from all walks of life, I immediately felt a shift. These were women I might encounter every day—mothers, daughters, professionals, caregivers—but here, each one had come to reconnect, to rejuvenate, and to tap into a well of strength they so readily give to others. I was the outsider, welcomed yet undeniably out of place, tasked with witnessing something few men have the privilege to see.
My wife accompanied me as an assistant, but as the retreat unfolded, she too was drawn in. She joined in the circles of laughter, the quiet moments of reflection, and the deeply heartfelt conversations. Watching her let go of her “helper” role to become part of the experience was a revelation in itself; it was as if she had tapped into something far deeper than I’d ever known. And as I observed the others around me, I realized this wasn’t just about capturing footage anymore. It was about breaking down my own barriers of understanding and seeing women in a way I never had before.
The Diversity of Women’s Stories
What struck me most was the diversity of the women present. This wasn’t a gathering bound by a single story or identity. They were doctors, teachers, military service members, caregivers, daughters, and mothers—each one carrying a unique blend of experiences, burdens, and resilience. Despite the differences in background, race, and beliefs, these women met each other on common ground, sharing stories of caregiving, of sacrifice, and of moments when their own needs had been set aside for others.
The retreat stripped away the labels they wore outside of those walls, revealing a connected humanity that ran deeper than any title. I saw them support each other, not in the superficial way we often see on the outside, but with genuine empathy and understanding that can only come from shared experiences. It was humbling to watch them open up, to share smiles and tears with strangers who quickly became confidants.
The Healing Power of Nature
Each moment unfolded against a backdrop of nature—trees swayed in the breeze, fresh air filled our lungs, and moments of silence invited introspection. The focus on wellness, on rehydrating and recharging, became more than a metaphor; it was a tangible reminder of how necessary it is to pour back into ourselves. Watching them connect with nature, grounding themselves in its simplicity, gave me a renewed faith in humanity.
A Lesson in Empathy and Strength
As men, we don’t often get the chance to glimpse the souls of the women around us in this way. Society shows us fragments, bits of the support and compassion women provide every day. But here, I saw the full picture—the quiet sacrifices, the invisible work, the strength rooted in empathy and kindness. And in seeing it, I came to understand a truth I’d long overlooked: women are the heart of our shared humanity, bringing a depth of care and warmth that sustains us all.
A New Perspective
When I left, I didn’t just walk away with footage. I walked away with a deeper appreciation, a sense of awe for the strength of our female counterparts. They are the caregivers, the healers, the ones who hold us up. And as a man, it took this experience to understand just how much they give of themselves, every day, in ways we often don’t see. This retreat broke down the walls of my own ignorance and gave me a profound respect for the women who keep our world moving, nurturing us with an empathy that is as powerful as it is transformative.
