For the handful of new people that have joined this community, my name is Chelsea Maliakai (ma-lee-ah-kai) — which translates to “calm water” in Hawaiian. My father gave me my name while he was racing back to Maui via helicopter moments before I was getting ready to make my earth-side appearance. Luckily (and to my sweet mum’s relief), he made it just in time — Dad is a Libra as well and we both share a mutual love for saltwater & travel.

We kicked off our first girls mindfulness retreat in August at Green Rock Retreat Center just outside of Bend, Oregon. My intent when planning and designing this one-day retreat was to build community, connection and set clear intentions before the school year began. I was overwhelmed with the 9 beautiful young women (age 12-15) who courageously showed up for this immersive experience to nurture their minds, bodies, and souls — many of them entering blind and unsure of what to expect..