Hiking is an excellent way to facilitate qualities of self and self energy when using moderation. A hike may be a walk on the property or at the beach or in the Olympic Mountains. We have an amazing amount of options. Consider this all loosely as we need the flexibility to do what we need to do once we get there. In general we are likely to hike a few days north and then a few days south so that we get to enjoy what the area offers us. That being said, we want the hikes to be enjoyable and energizing, not hugely exhausting. No one is expected to do everything the same and we will find ways to accommodate people at various fitness levels.

Authentic movement is a profoundly simple practice in which a person is invited to move with eyes closed in the presence of a witness. It invites the mover to witness his or her inner experience in the presence of an outer witness.  There may be multiple movers and witnesses or one on one experiences.  Rooted in Dance therapy, expressive arts, and spiritual practices, the offering if authentic movement in the retreats both inside the retreat home and outdoors in nature becomes another central means to deepen trust and healing oneself through An embodied relationship with self. Combined with yoga, meditation, hiking, walks, authentic movement informs the mind, body and spirit nature of Deepening awareness and healing during the retreat immersion.  It is also offered in individual retreats as well.

We will have a stove and stocked lovely kitchen to cook in, as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the morning and evening. Plan to be ready to join the group and start the day by 8:45. There are three bathrooms for showers in the evening or morning.

Cooking in groups is a relaxing and rewarding way to connect with others. You will enjoy dishes such as; pumpkin spice pancakes, vegetable and cheddar egg casserole, spinach with and without bacon quiche,  egg and corn and cheddar potato casserole, blueberry bread pudding, scrambled eggs and muesli with yogurt, and  baked breakfast enchiladas.  All breakfasts include some type of morning fruit plus great coffee and tea.

Mindful meditative walking/jogging/running exercises related to our conscious breath and focused attention within ourselves and in connection with others. Rather than austere and relentless exercise, this is based on facilitating qualities of being in self and building greater levels of self energy: calmness, curiosity, confidence, courage, connectedness, creativity, compassion, and clarity (Everyone will be invited to participate in a way that does not feel like "too much," so reassure parts of you that may worry about this being too hard or difficult or anything else that may surface in anticipating).

Go to town or somewhere beyond, take a nap, hang out at the beach, whatever feels good.

Super Conscious and Somatic Awareness Exercises, connecting with your senses, sensations, identifying somatic markers. Heightening your hearing and seeing to connect with your heart for you. We will also have some brief experiences involving taste, touch and smell out in nature to awaken our parts and invite them to share thoughts, feelings, images and memories with us in self. Some of these exercises are taken from working with yoga exercises modified for trauma recovery and healing.

Nourishing and healthy meals thoughtfully prepared. Plant-based, wheat-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free  options available. Enjoy dinners: chicken curry with quinoa rice, New Orleans chicken gumbo and rice, turkey chili beans and brats with fresh corn bread, veggie/ falafel burgers/pita pockets with sweet potato fries and cucumber dill yogurt sauce, teriyaki roasted chicken with rosemary garlic baked red potatoes and corn on the cob, and spaghetti with chicken and Pesto sauce. Salad served with all dinners and non-alcoholic beverages.

Healing work under the stars; night walks using headlamps, candle and fire circles and "Dialogues" as a deepening into Somatic Resonance. We will be dialoguing about fear, emptiness, loneliness, impermanence, courage, connection, happiness, anger and resentments. Retreat participants will also have an opportunity to direct a Parts Sculpting exercise, a truly enlightening and healing IFS experience. As time permits, we will have an opportunity to invite our creativity to emerge after our dialogues and group discussion. It's a surprise but it should be fun. We call it the "quilt of self energy." Evening snacks include; apple cobbler, pumpkin soufflés, pumpkin bread, baked apples, magically healthy zucchini almond butter brownies, campfire smores, opening night surprise.

Time to relax, journal, read, reflect on your day or simply close your eyes and slumber. Rooming assignments will be made in advance. Suggest bringing earplugs and an eye mask. We work to accommodate everyone's needs the best we can. There are three bathrooms with showers for evening or morning.