Winter Retreat

February 21-23

3 day/2 night

$150

During the season of the cold and the quiet and the dark, the natural world enters into a period of dormancy & rest. Rest is not the opposite of growth but an essential component of it. As we saunter, linger, and slow down, new insights are revealed only when we turn inward. Embracing the quiet & the darkness is an invitation that you don't need to do anything for the magic to unfold. This is the season of receiving.

This intimate retreat offers:

  • Sacred space and time to honor the season of receiving by cultivating self, spirit, and senses

  • Offerings attuned to the seasonal and elemental winter

  • Daily yoga to bridge movement, breath, openness, and receptivity

  • Guided forest therapy to cultivate connection between our inner and outer realms

  • Spaciousness and rest; contemplative moments and creative play; refinement and expression

  • Experience communal growth alongside personal growth in this supportive silence retreat space

Join us in rest & introspection

  • Arrival Day

    Arrive between 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. We will enjoy a nourishing dinner together, followed by a gentle opening practice to meet ourselves and other retreat attendees, connect movement with breath, and set the tone for the upcoming weekend.

  • Day Two

    Awake to quiet and enjoy a slow, cozy morning. Spend time writing, crafting, reading, or simply gazing out over the mountains. Awaken with a yoga flow to slowly invigorate the body and inner energies. Enjoy a healthy lunch and free time, followed by a guided forest therapy session outside in the beautiful woods. Settle down with a simple dinner and re-connect with nature during an evening forest therapy, meditation, and journaling exploration.

  • Departure Day

    Silence breaks at sunrise, allowing for organic conversation or continuation of silence. Prepare to depart with a closing ceremony as we connect movement with breath, share our experiences, and integrate our retreat experience into our daily life.

FAQs

Who is this retreat for?

These retreats are for kind humans looking for time and space to slow down and step out of the habitual patterns of daily life. A maximum of 10 participants creates an intimate atmosphere and fosters community acceptance and support. No prior experience is necessary, and you are invited to come as you are. The retreat is designed to be gentle and spacious, curated with invitations of curiosity and exploration. Nothing is forced or expected.

What does a supportive silent retreat mean?

These retreats are held in a space of supportive silence, meaning we give participants freedom and spaciousness for new and emergent feelings, emotions, and movements. We come together with an intention of quietude without small talk, asking for permissions, or expectations. However, there will be a few opportunities to participate in a sharing circle where speaking from the heart and deep listening are practiced. During these times, we invite you to speak without planning, worry or fear of what comes out. In this way, we are experiencing silence in a few different ways. We silence our inner critic to reach inner quietude as we share what our heart space holds. We also practice listening with a full body and silence our reactions. During deep listening, it isn’t important if we agree or disagree with what is said. Simply witnessing authenticity in the present moment is a way to practice silence while listening.

Where is the retreat held?

The retreat is held on a secluded wooded property in north-central WV near Elkins. Directions and exact location will be shared with registered participants.

A central house serves as the main retreat space. On the first floor, a full kitchen for cooking shared meals, a shared dinning and living area with ample space for relaxation, reading, and crafts, a library with a unique collection of books and artwork, and a zendo for yoga, meditation, and sharing circles. On the second floor, shared bunk rooms and private bedrooms for restful sleep. Throughout the whole house, beautiful artwork and open windows invoke transformation and introspection.

The central house is nestled among the forest, with walking trails, flowing streams, and plentiful trees and other forest beings.

What do I need to bring?

A full packing list will be shared with registered attendees prior to the retreat. Typical items to bring include:

  • Linens - towels, blankets, sheets (twin size), pillow case

  • Comfy clothing including thick socks or slippers to keep your feet warm

  • Personal journal and pen

  • Your favorite art supplies - paints, pencils, fibers, etc.

  • Yoga supplies - mat, blocks, and blankets (2)

  • Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing and footwear

What is the food like?

All meals will be simple, healthy, and vegetarian. We will accommodate other dietary restrictions based on participants. We’ll take turns cooking and cleaning for meals, and we will coordinate meals prior to the retreat.

What is your cancellation policy?

Registration will open 6 weeks prior to the retreat and close when the maximum number of participants is reached (10) or 1 week prior to the retreat. If the retreat fills up, a waitlist will open.

To reserve your spot, a non-refundable security deposit ($50) is required during registration. You may pay the remaining balance during registration or anytime 2 weeks prior to the retreat.

You may cancel up to two weeks prior to the retreat and receive a refund. If you cancel within two weeks of the retreat, you will only receive a refund if someone is accepted off the waitlist, or you find someone to take your spot.

I understand sh*t happens. Please reach out to me, and we will do our best to figure something out.