Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Dunworth.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I believe we are all on a journey of growth, healing and awakening to our true nature and our divine gifts. The realization of this journey began for me about twenty-five years ago, with the sudden death of my younger brother. I began to notice how my grief was affecting me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I realized I was on a journey of healing and growth which lead me to study the healing arts of yoga, meditation, Reiki and sound healing. As an educator, I’ve always loved to learn. I believe we are all teachers and learners, and I learn every time I teach!
My dream has been to create a beautiful, healing space where groups can come to relax, rejuvenate, have fun, celebrate and heal. The manifestation of a beautiful, five acre retreat in Westlake has recently come to fruition!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Grief is an interesting process. We all have events in our lives which act as spiritual catalysts. It could be a death, illness, divorce, loss of a job, or anything that causes us to stop in our tracks and pay attention. Oftentimes these events wreak havoc on our physical bodies, our sleep patterns and our relationships. Healing not only takes time, it takes awareness. It takes being willing to feel the pain. I once read that “Feelings buried alive, never die.” That is very true.
When we learn to allow and acknowledge our feelings, we start the healing process. Modalities such as yoga and meditation create a safe space to begin this process. Once I began to heal myself, I was ready to help others to heal. That is when the magic started to happen. When you are ready, with a grateful heart, the Universe opens up and drops opportunities in your lap. The Retreat at Crystal Creek started to materialize!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve never thought of myself as an artist in the traditional sense, although my mother is a painter. I must have inherited some of her creativity. I do love to create beautiful things. I love to create meditations and sound healings, both live and recorded. I incorporate healing frequencies and visualizations. Sound Bath classes are my favorite! I also love to create yoga sequences and watch the body flow from one pose to the next.
My most recent creation has been The Retreat at Crystal Creek. I’ve loved bringing in other creative people to renovate and build something special on the land. The land itself has a very nurturing and healing energy. People feel it and comment on it often! I was recently gifted with a Native American land blessing ceremony by a dear friend. I am excited to create events and to invite others to create their special events and occasions here too!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
A great deal of our success has come via Air Bnb and VRBO. People are looking for unique experiences and places to connect and be together. Our business plan has been evolving by accident, although I truly don’t believe in accidents! The pandemic has brought us a booming small wedding business. Small businesses have been operating online for the past year and a half, and now they are ready to team build in person. We are hosting corporate retreats now too. Healers and teachers have been coming out of the woodwork with interest in holding their events here! It is really exciting!
Because we offer overnight accommodations, spa services, wellness classes and a gorgeous natural setting, we can be many things for many people. Our bookings are well into next year. We are excited to continue to grow and evolve!
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@retreatatcrystalcreek.com
- Website: https://www.retreatatcrystalcreek.com/
- Instagram: retreat_cc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/retreat-at-crystal-creek-no-title
