Retreat on the Hood Canal
In the Deep
A Women’s Embodiment Retreat
Step into this circle of women, where yoga, breathwork, intuitive eating & spirit magic unite to support you in receiving deep nourishment for body, mind, and heart. This circle invites you to deeply embody your existence; to live through the challenges, the joys, and the magnificence of your human body. In this sacred space we form wild & wise women.
St. Andrew’s House, Hood Canal
June 7-10, 2024
The Invitation
You hold the key, dear one, to your own heart, your wellbeing, your vast wisdom, and to your magnificence. Deep down, you KNOW. Come, retreat to this sacred circle of women dedicated to walking inner journey home to yourself. On this weekend retreat, we step away from daily pressures & stress, and sink into exploring various facets of embodied living, where our experience in our bodies become the primary means of experiencing our lives. It is your birthright to experience the full richness & deep trust of embodied living.
Embodiment IS the key to easing your suffering and accessing self-trust, peace, and vibrancy.
Dominant culture is not built for your wellbeing; it actively encourages disembodiment, disempowerment, feelings of lack, and mistrust of your sacred body vessel.
This soul-nourishing weekend retreats invites you into a paradigm built on the knowing that you are whole, that you are filled with wisdom and creativity and power. Enter, and receive the lush landscape of deep nourishment that awaits you: yoga and other gentle movement, Psychedelic Breathwork, life-giving delicious meals, deep rest, the beauty of nature, and sharing and connection with each other.
We will explore the intersection of the energetic body (specifically root chakra), Polyvagal Theory (nervous system care), and intuitive eating to support you in gaining a deeper understanding of what you need to feel deeply nourished. These foundational elements are the building blocks anchoring within you a sense of safety, trust, and ease in navigating your life.
The Practices
Any experience can be a tool to awaken to an embodied presence – in addition to the practices outlined below we will draw on many aspects of our weekend together to explore embodiment – from observing and delighting in nature, to sensing the connection with each other.
Yoga
Foundational yoga will be offered each morning as a doorway to exploring sensation in the body, and the fluctuation of effort and ease in the body, as well as our minds. Yoga is a practice of self-study; we will use it to get curious about our experience and learn about our bodies and minds. Beginners are welcome. Some organic movement will be offered in addition to more structured movements and practice.
Breathwork
Breath is our most accessible and powerful vehicle for healing and transformation. Yet it is so omnipresent that we often take it for granted and its potential goes untapped. We’ll explore breath practices to calm and soothe the nervous system. And we’ll embark on one Psychedelic Breathwork journey to access the alchemical potential of the breath. In this class, we’ll lay in a relaxed position and simply use the breath, guided by evocative music, to enter a gentle expanded state of conscious. From this place, your inner healer can emerge. You may have important insights, cathartic releases, glimpse a different way of thinking and feeling, or experience deep rest and rejuvenation. Breathwork is a practice that tones your nervous system, making it more flexible and resilient. This is one of the keys to healing trauma, depression and anxiety. Breath penetrates and breaks up the “crusty and crackly” layers of conditioned living to reveal the luminous vitality and wisdom that exist at your center.
Intuitive Eating
This is real-life intuitive eating practice in a supportive environment. Nourishing meals are offered to fit with the flow of your metabolism and appetite. We’ll discuss themes like attuned eating, satisfaction, healing deprivation, and you’ll have space to reflect on your eating experiences alone and as a group if you like. You may have insights about what is not working for you at home and why, and bring back ideas and experiences that catalyze your intuitive eating journey!
Come, sister. This week is for you who seeks…
- Inner peace & spaciousness
- Reclamation of your body, your power, your sovereignty
- Authentic nourishing self-care
- A break from the relentless pace and responsibility of daily life
- The wild woman within
- Joy
- Support in your healing journey with food, body, or embodiment
- An anti-diet, body inclusive community of supportive women
- To explore & deepen intuitive eating skills, including satisfaction and gentle nutrition
- To transform body criticism to body respect
- Stronger connection to self-trust & intuition
Step into this weekend of sacred embodiment, and you just might find yourself walking out
feeling a little brighter and lighter,
with a deepened self-awareness,
a sense of calm grounding,
held by the sisterhood of women,
and with a spark of inspiration to infuse your daily living with presence, enjoyment, and self-care.
Sample Schedule
- 8:00 am Breakfast
- 9:30 am Yoga & meditation practice
- 11:15 am morning session: Ex: Grounding through nourishing the Root Chakra
- 1pm lunch & free time
- 4pm Psychedelic Breathwork session & Integration Circle
- 6:30 Dinner
- Open time for games, connection, evening walk, personal reflection
Arrival and Departure Times
Please arrive between 4-6pm on Friday the 7th. The retreat begins with dinner at 6:30pm on Friday evening, and ends at 11am Monday morning after closing circle and breakfast. Please plan accordingly to participate in both the opening and closing of the retreat weekend.
About St. Andrew’s House Retreat Center
We’ll stay on the lovely grounds of Saint Andrews House. These structures, and the seven acres upon which they sit, have been a sacred gathering place for many many years. Arriving at St. Andrew’s House is to enter into the long tradition of fellowship, contemplation, and the peace and beauty of nature.
Rooms are comfortable and basic. There are shared bathrooms on each floor. Single and double rooms are available with a range of bed sizes from twin to queen. Single rooms are first come first serve.
We’ll have lovely meals thoughtfully prepared for us. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the gift of being cooked for! Reasonable dietary needs can be accommodated.
The Exchange
I provide:
- 3 nights, 4 day stay at St. Andrew’s House
- All thoughtfully prepared meals (3 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 breakfasts)
- Daily guided yoga and gentle movement practices
- One Psychedelic Breathwork session
- Experiential group learning and discussion sessions daily
- Intuitive eating guidance and self-practice
You provide:
- $995
- A willingness to open to connection – with yourself, your body, and others
A $250 deposit reserves your spot (Venmo to @Julia-hollenberg).
Reserve soon, spaces are filling with amazing women!
Ready to experience deep nourishment? Sign up now and join us.
Cancellations: Deposit is non-refundable. The full balance is due by May 7. After that no refunds are given unless we find someone to fill your spot.
Inclusions:
All people who feel comfortable in spaces centering the experiences of women are welcome here.
This is a size inclusive space. And, if you feel apprehensive about having a small-bodied teacher, this may not be the right experience for you.
If you have not begun exploring intuitive eating in your relationship to food and body recovery, this retreat is not for you…yet! Keep walking your path, dear one.
All registrants will have a brief phone chat with Julia to get to know one another and ensure it’s a good fit experience for you! Julia will reach out to schedule after registration + deposit.
Please contact me with any questions. I’m happy to chat!
©2019 by Julia Hollenberg, LLC