136. The permission to pause. Time away was needed.

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 guiltResources Mentioned:Retreat leader: Heather Solomon Yoga Teacher (@yoga.ethos) • Instagram profileRetreat Center: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (@bodhitreeyogaresort) • Instagram profileCasa Om Retreat in West Virginia this April with yours truly :) April 2026 Retreat Breathwork and Wellness in West Virginia - Rising Woman ProjectConnect with me, Dr. Sara Poldmae:Ready to find out what's actually going on with your hormones? Book a free discovery call here. https://renewher.meadowhillwellness.com/book-a-callWebsite: https://risingwomanproject.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drsarapoldmae Have a question I can answer? Send me a message! I love to hear from my listeners!