Have you ever longed for a pause button—a moment where no one needs you, nothing is urgent, and you can simply breathe? In this episode, I’m sharing my deeply personal experience from a recent retreat in Costa Rica—where for the first time in a long time, I stepped out of all the roles I usually play and rediscovered what it feels like to simply be me. No titles, no to-do lists, no emotional labor. Just space.

If you’re a midlife woman feeling buried under invisible responsibilities, this episode offers you permission: to slow down, to feel, and to let go of what no longer fits. I’ll also introduce a powerful concept from yoga philosophy that I’m bringing home with me—and that might just change how you approach clarity and self-care in your own life.

In this episode:

·         Why stepping away from your roles can be deeply healing in midlife

·         The overlooked emotional labor women carry—and how it quietly adds up

·         A heartfelt letter from a retreat participant that perfectly captures the power of solitude

·         The yoga principle of Saucha—and how it can support mental and physical clarity

·         Why clarity often comes not from doing more, but from removing the noise

·         Simple ways to create emotional and physical space at home—even if you can’t retreat

·         A gentle reminder that you are allowed to rest without guilt

Resources Mentioned:

• Retreat leader: Heather Solomon Yoga Teacher (@yoga.ethos) • Instagram profile
• Retreat Center: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (@bodhitreeyogaresort) • Instagram profile
• Casa Om Retreat in West Virginia this April with yours truly :) April 2026 Retreat Breathwork and Wellness in West Virginia - Rising Woman Project

Connect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:

Website: https://risingwomanproject.com

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae 

Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!