Softening Into Ourselves: Nourishing Spirit, Deepening Connection
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
Mindful movement, dance and art will be the central pathways into this exploration. As we dance, we will notice the gestures, patterns, and rhythmic qualities of expression that naturally draw us. What actions feel familiar? Which ones feel dynamic and enlivening? We will also gently explore aspects of ourselves that may have been hidden, neglected, or pushed aside in service of who we felt we needed to be. With curiosity rather than judgment, we will welcome these forgotten parts back into relationship.
Through guided inquiry, we will begin to recognize the stories our bodies have been telling and the possibilities they have yet to express. Together, we will discover “our dance not done”—the impulses, and expressions that may have been interrupted or left waiting for a more welcoming moment. We will create space for these unfinished dances to emerge and unfold. Written reflections and art explorations will help us anchor our discoveries, weaving embodied experience into awareness and insight.
Our Women’s Circle will provide a sacred space for witnessing and being witnessed. A place for stories, dreams, longings, and discoveries to be shared as we practice deep listening, remembering the healing that emerges when we gather in community and speak from the heart.
Schedule:
Monday, November 9
3 - 6 pm Arrive & Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Welcome, The Art of Softening; Bon Fire
Tuesday, November 10
7:30 am “Greet the Day” Labyrinth Walking Meditation
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Meeting Ourselves with Curiosity, Qi Motion, Art & Writing Explorations
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 - 5 pm Weaving Connection; Somatic Movement, Yoga and Reflections
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Making Sacred Objects That Hold Our Stories
Wednesday, November 11
7:30 am “Greet the Day” Cycadean Rhythms
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 12 pm Listening within; finding the rhythms that move us
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 pm Discovering the Dance Not Yet Done and Journaling
4 - 6 pm Sharing Our Voices Listening Circle
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Healing Sound Bath
Thursday, November 12
7 - 11 am Check out of rooms
7:30 am Closing Circle
8 - 9 am Breakfast
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Getting Here
Accommodation
Deluxe Queen
Deluxe Double (Shared Room)
Customer Reviews
Lovely location with beautiful views and a peaceful feeling
I loved being there, getting to feel connected to nature, and to catch up on reading.
There was food every day offered by Menla staff. Good quality, though very high fiber. Worth considering bringing a beano tablet with you.
Staff had some awkward moments. My group was definitely treated with the sense that we were a fat camp (we were not) and talks were very gendered, even though I am nonbinary I was lumped in with women and sacred womanhood talk.
The Spa was wonderful - big showers, the robes fit my plus size body, no one was weird about my body. I got a wonderful and super relaxing facial and I took a salt bath which was wonderful. The tub might not be well suited for a very tall person but I am 5'2 and so I fit perfectly fine.
We had a bonfire, which was so nice. They offered smores supplies. Loved it.
Overall a wonderful experience. I would love to come back.