LET’S CIRCLE TOGETHER

IMAGINE

• Being curled up on a green velvet couch, mug of tea in hand, feeling at home surrounded by kindred spirits and an invitation to be present to this moment.

• Sitting beside someone who is quickly becoming a friend as you each share your creative dreams and brainstorm how to live them into reality.

• Giving yourself the gift of time alone to spend in whatever way you choose without any expectation of what you need to do next.

• Beginning your day with the smell of cinnamon rolls, bowls of fresh fruit, mugs of coffee and tea, and books of poetry.

• Giving yourself permission to walk along the water, to play with paper and glue and color, or to simply sit in the quiet remembering yourself.

• Finding your way to laughter and silliness and the decision that staying in pajamas all day (even when you're in a workshop) is the perfect one for you.

• Having the space to simply listen to what you most need and then realizing that you are surrounded by dear souls who will support you as you make it happen.

JOIN ME FOR MY INAUGURAL RETREAT AT THREE BIRD LAYNE!

We will gather in Culver, Indiana in my new retreat/shop space and dive into what it means to truly water our souls. Our time together will begin with an opening reception and ceremony on Wednesday, October 16 and continue through a closing breakfast on Sunday, October 20. During our time together we will play with art supplies, write a poem or two, take time to be still and notice the world within and around us, share stories, and so many other good things. Read on for more details.

It's about creating space for you, space for your soul care practice, in the midst of whatever life hands you. It's seeking the in-between moments and nourishing yourself. It's saying "Yes" to filling up your internal well, so you can be more present to your life and your loved ones. It's honoring The And Space - the place where we hold the beauty and the grit, the joy and the grief, the hope and the uncertainty - and practicing ways you can support yourself in that space.

It isn't always easy, which is why we come together to practice it. It isn't always pretty, which is why we circle to tell the true stories to be reminded that we aren’t alone.

But it's a choice we can explore. Each day. It's a choice to say: I am ready to deeply connect with me, to be with myself in the quiet, to listen to what I need. And this retreat is going to help you make that choice a little more each day.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

At Water Your Soul, we'll gather in my beautiful sunny new studio and shop called Three Bird Layne in Culver, Indiana. We'll spend time learning about and experiencing soul care and mindfulness practices. We'll create the beginnings of an art journal, take some photos, and play with writing. We will also spend time deeply nourishing ourselves with words, walks along the lake, eating some delicious food, and maybe even have a dance party (okay, we will have a dance party).

Water Your Soul gives you permission to explore what you most need while in community so you can begin to integrate these practices and take them home with you. It's your opportunity to spend time with the self-care you're longing for while also letting yourself be nurtured by others.

And here’s what I really want to say about the term self-care: My version of self-care is a practice that includes self-compassion, rest, learning to ask for help and support, and gathering up the go-to activities + actions that recharge you. Yes, self-care might include writing in a new journal that makes you happy, but it’s less “treat yourself” and more “choosing to take deep care of the one who knows you most of all - you.”

RETREAT DATES: October 16 - 20, 2024

COST: $1400

YOUR RETREAT TUITION INCLUDES:

• An open environment that holds space for truth, laughter, moments of quiet, and the opportunity to share your story.

• A heart-opening experience that begins with a welcome dinner and opening ceremony on Wednesday evening and ends with a closing ceremony and dinner Saturday and final breakfast Sunday morning.

• Three full days (+ one evening + one morning) of group gatherings/workshops led by me where we'll art journal, write, take photos, and tell our stories.

• A special Water Your Soul kit full of reminders and prompts to support you during our retreat and when you’re home.

• A new journal + kit of journaling supplies for our workshops + goodies from my studio and other treats throughout our time together.

• Meals* and snacks that will nourish you throughout the retreat.

• Time in community to explore mindful ways to be more present in your daily life.

• Space away from your day-to-day roles where you can just show up as you, and the opportunity to connect with kindred spirits who might just become life-long friends.

• A chance to practice self-care so you can begin to truly implement your own self-care and mindfulness practices when you go home.

• Snacks and hot tea/coffee provided daily.

• A peek at my world here in Culver and some ideas on how to invite creativity into daily life.

Please note:

Lodging and travel to and from the airport or other locations is on your own.

*Meals will include 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and an opening reception of charcuterie board goodness.

Location:

Culver is in northern Indiana, about 40 minutes from South Bend. It is one of my favorite places in the world, and I can’t wait to show you everything. It rests on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee and is named after the founder of the boarding school in town. (Culver Academies is the school I went to for high school, where my husband teaches, and where my kid is a freshman this year.) We are a small but mighty town. We may not have a stop light, but we do have delicious food, good coffee, awesome shops, and friendly people.

The nearest airports are South Bend, Indianapolis, and Chicago. This is a very small town, so renting a car or carpooling with other participants is suggested (we will have a private Facebook group before the retreat where people can connect about carpooling + lodging).

Lodging options:

There are two wonderful inns/bed & breakfasts in Culver along with quite a few Air BnB options:

Culver Cottage B&B
Inn by the Lake

If there is enough interest, I can help facilitate a rental or two for our group. Meaning, if several attendees (whether they know each other or not) are interested in renting a house together, we can make that happen. My guess is that many of you will want this option. More information on that when you sign up.

This retreat is for you if:

• You need to create some space in your life and want a safe container to nourish yourself.

• You're longing for some time with others who are drawn to this kind of retreat.

• You love getting to the good stuff in conversation and being with people who are willing to go deep is your jam.

• You’ve been longing to play in a journal or start/continue an art journal practice, and you want to learn some tips and get inspired.

• You've been stuck trying to find a self-care rhythm or need a reboot and are open to making some changes.

• You enjoy writing, making, tapping into the creative soul inside you (or you've been longing to).

• You are in a new And Space and want to learn and experience ways to navigate that space.

• You want to breathe deeply, laugh widely, and open your heart to the magic that arrives in a circle of kindreds.

This retreat is probably not for you if:

• You're looking for a spa-like or solitary experience. This retreat includes a lot of time in community in shared spaces. However, INTROVERTS - I've got you! There will be time to rest and recharge away from the group.

• It will be hard to be away from Door Dash or other big city comforts. Culver is a small town and the grocery store is not open all night.

• You're experiencing something in your personal life that needs more support than can be given in this environment. I am not a certified therapist. While the activities we will do might feel therapeutic, they are not in place of therapy or other professional support. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions about this.

• You're hoping for a business retreat about how to run a retreat, online business, or opening up your own shop. I'll be available for some conversation on these topics, but they will not be covered in our group experiences or workshops.