Retreat 2025 Groups and Activities
The Living Arts Women’s Wellness Retreats (WWR) are different from traditional retreats where the primary activities offered are yoga and meditation with additional classes or groups offered at an extra charge. The registration fee for the WWR covers all groups and activities allowing participants to choose and customize their ideal retreat experience. Our groups and activities are facilitated by licensed psychotherapists, registered yoga teachers and certified wellness providers. Other than pontoon boat rides, participants are not required to sign-up for any specific group ahead of time. Simply show up at the right time and place.
Therapist Facilitated Groups
Expressive Arts
Yoga & Sound Meditation
Recreation Activities
Lakefront Release Ceremony
Opening Circle
We will open our retreat with everyone connecting or reconnecting with an ice breaker designed to be both informative and fun. Our swag bag will be filled with items that are useful and are aligned with our 2025 retreat intentions: Restoring with the Healing Power of Nature & Solitude; Learning from the Inner Wisdom of Our Mothers; and EmpowHERment Through the Collective Wisdom.
Woman Aging with Soul
Women Aging with Soul is a way of us working with the cycles of nature to reflect on what the cycles of our lives have been. Designed to be supportive each other in keeping possibility, hope & vitality alive for women 50+ Eric Erickson identified a number of stages in the human life cycle. The last one, Integrity vs. Despair, where when there has not been healing around the disappointments and grief of life it can catch up to us at this stage. It can manifest in many ways - from illness to isolation to despair.
Restoring Balance: Strategies for Quality Sleep and Recharging Your Mind – Dr. McGowan
Sleep is a vital component of our overall well-being. Join us in this group to gain practical insights in improving your sleep patterns, recharging your energy, and achieving more restful and rejuvenating sleep. Explore relaxation techniques to ease your mind before bedtime and promote a calm sleep environment. Recognize the power of your thoughts in shaping your sleep experience and discuss techniques to change negative sleep expectations and foster a positive outlook on sleep.
Introduction to Somatic Process (CE)
Learn some of the foundational concepts of Core Energetics: Higher Self, Lower Self, and Mask. Experience somatic exercises that aid in getting in touch with/expressing parts of self including work in small groups to share/explore the ways we "Mask" to hide our Higher Self, Lower Self. Individuals who would like to do a more in-depth process will be invited to do so with the support of the group. The group closes with the Ending Circle – sharing in the collective support of the group.
Intuitive Eating (CE)
Find food freedom and learn to trust your body without the need for “willpower.”
Intuitive Eating (IE) is a self-care eating framework, which integrates instinct, emotion, and rational thought. It is a weight-inclusive, evidence-based model with over 100 studies to date supporting its efficacy and benefits. Intuitive Eating is NOT a diet or food plan. There is nothing to count: no calories, carbs, points, or macros. This is not about losing weight. Intuitive Eating is about making peace with food - ALL food. Yes, making peace with ice cream, puffy Cheetos and Oreos too! It’s also about making friends with your body, instead of treating it like the enemy. Come discover how to drop the struggle with food and how to let your body be your friend. Together we will explore your personal family diet legacy, and you will learn about the 10 principles that make up the Intuitive Eating approach in order to start practicing them in your life.
Mind-Body-Glow Dance Party
Is a unique and transformative experience blending movement, mindfulness, and creativity. This event will use dancing mindfulness to guide participants in shedding the weight of their stress, unleashing their inner child, and connecting deeply with their bodies. The twist? Participants will have the chance to paint themselves with glow-in-the-dark body paint, using words, symbols, or abstract designs to express their inner emotions, thoughts, and creativity. As they move under the glow lights, they’ll step into a space of pure freedom and fun.
Meeting Addiction with Science and Kindness: A Fresh Approach for Loved Ones of People who Struggle with Alcohol (CE)
Loving someone who struggles with alcohol can be agony. Folks have told you to give “tough love,” to “detach,” threaten, punish, give ultimatums, or “just” leave. Maybe you went to Al-Anon and found yourself among strangers. Maybe you’ve tried all those things and realized…they’re not really working. This group is for those of us who love a person struggling with alcohol and who want to learn a new, more effective, more compassionate way of understanding, loving and supporting them. Come discover CRAFT: Community Reinforcement and Family Training, an innovative approach to addiction that is effective, evidence-based and rooted in kindness and compassion instead of interventions and ultimatums. This group will offer you hope, encouragement and an introduction to the tools you need to make real change in your relationship with the person you’re worried about. This is also a great opportunity for therapists and other folks in supportive roles who want to discover a new approach to addiction.
Lakefront Release Ceremony
Retreat. Restore. Release.
Join us as we gather for this peaceful, sacred Release Ceremony in the natural beauty of earth and sky, trees and stars.
Attend with specific Release intentions in mind or written down, or simply trust your Higher Self to serve you best in the moment - without much ‘managing’ on your part at all.
This unburdening ritual has the power to free up space within you, allowing you to choose with intention how you will nurture Self.
Meaningful Endings
A rare and unique opportunity for closure as well as a large process group experience that will seal in the retreat weekend. Observe, participate, and benefit from large group work as we come together to metabolize retreat learnings, reflections, and be purposeful in our exit the weekend back into our respective lives.
Drum Circle
Join us for a powerful drumming circle led by Kimberly (no musical experience required!) around the bonfire, where we’ll tap into the rhythm of creativity, connection, and community. Drum circles offer a unique opportunity to reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance mindfulness through the collective heartbeat of rhythm. Feel free to bring your own drum, or enjoy the variety of percussion instruments provided, along with guidance and instruction. Embrace the healing power of rhythm and experience a deeper connection with yourself and others in a supportive, uplifting environment.
The Path of Azul
The path of Azul is a movement-based embodiment practice and a path of personal transformation that supports the awakening of consciousness. Azul serves as a means to harness the wisdom of the body. In our dance we will be working with the Four Orientations of Azul which are: Listening- Cultivating our capacity to listen through the body; Allowing- Facilitates our ability to accept life as it is; Opening- Restores the body to its natural receptivity; and Moving Towards- Creating an intimate experience with the moment, calling us into presence.
Transformative Harmonics™
Transformative Harmonics™ is an integration of Paula’s understanding and expertise in the alchemy of the mind, body, and heart using a unique blend of modern science and ancient wisdom. Join this group to experience the benefits of restoring mind, body, heart coherence through Shamanic Sound Journeying and Authentic Movement Explorations.
The 5 Gates of Grief
Ghalib wrote that “Grief, unvoiced, bruises the heart.” This psychoeducational / writing session utilizes the 5 gates outlined by Jungian psychotherapist / grief tender Francis Weller in his books Wild Edge of Sorrow to bring the many facets of your grief to surface. Optimally paired with the grief ritual that follows but can be done as a standalone.
Grief ritual: Naming, Even Honoring, Your Sorrows
Too often the grief and loss we experience accumulates in our being. Ritual helps us to mark beginnings and endings and come together in community to express, mourn, and ultimately release and heal. Optimally paired with The 5 Gates session but can be done as a standalone.
Mindful Yoga
Gentle flowing movements & asanas paired with brief guided meditation and breathing practices is a great way to relax into the start of the retreat. Amritari will add her special Brain Longevity meditation for healthy aging.
Hatha Vinyasa Yoga
Kickstart your day with a revitalizing Somatic Awakening class that welcomes the rising sun with open hearts and rejuvenated spirits. This unique morning experience combines the elements of somatic free flow movement, mindful breathwork, and soothing sound therapy to nourish your body, mind, and soul.
This Morning Somatic Awakening class is suitable for individuals of all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Whether you're seeking a gentle start to your day or aiming to deepen your mind-body connection, this class offers a nurturing and holistic approach to well-being.
Join us as we welcome the dawn and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Start your mornings on a positive note and infuse your day with vitality and balance.
Transformative Insight Imagery (CE)
Bathe yourself in your personalized supports with Transformative Insight Imagery. Gather your supportive resources through four unique experiences, connecting you to your experience of a peaceful place; wise, loving support; greater balance between your left and right brain; your Essential Self (your best self). Practice when and how to access each of your T.I.I. supportive resources for facing life’s challenging moments with greater ease. All imaging experiences are imager generated, unlike guided imagery. T.I.I. is empowering for the imager, as imagers learn to trust their resources and gain mastery in accessing them independently! Each participant will have their own private experience and sharing is optional. Learn more about Transformative Insight Imagery by visiting KelliUnderwood.com
Life Compass (CE)
Everyday women receive messaging about how to look, how to be, and what to do in this world. This group is an opportunity to pause and consider how you, based on your own values rather than messaging, would like to show up in your life. We will create your personal life compass to help move you toward what is most important in your life.
Pontoon Boat Conversations & Connections
Hop aboard for a scenic boat ride and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Gaston while getting to know your fellow retreat participants. "Captain Kimmy" will guide the group through the waters of Pea Hill Creek (one of the coves of Lake Gaston) offering a close-up view of the surrounding nature and local wildlife. It is a great way to transition into the relaxation. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the big top tent to secure your spot for this very enjoyable experience!
Pontoon Boat Silent Meditation
A small group will slowly cruise the waters of Lake Gaston to the spot where the boat will be anchored and the noise of the boat cut off to listen to the sounds of nature. We hope the ~30 minute experience will foster relaxation and help you leave the stress of everyday life behind.
Rest and Restoration Yoga
This class offers a soothing experience with calming poses, optional hands-on adjustments, and soothing tunes providing a supportive space to release whatever you may be carrying—without judgment and with support and care. All levels of practice are welcome and encouraged. Please bring a mat and any props you find helpful. Inform your instructor of any injuries or contraindications before class begins. See you on the mat!
Sound Bath
A beautiful tapestry of sound providing passive/receptive sonic meditation with chimes, gong, flute, didgeridoo, percussion instruments, and more. The rich harmonics and layering of tones, rhythms and frequencies create a magical and deeply relaxing soundscape that often has a profound effect on the listener.
Healing Sounds Qigong
Qigong is an amazing opportunity to “pause” amidst an abundance of input, allowing for a refreshed mind and body. Gentle movement and breath awaken oneself. This group uses a set of gentle qigong physical exercises with self-generated tones used for detoxifying and strengthening each internal organ system. Each sound is specifically designed to release excess emotions from the tissues and organs of the body.
Roots & Shadows
A shadow work group is a safe, supportive space where individuals come together to explore and integrate their shadow selves—the hidden or repressed parts of their personality. Through guided exercises, self-reflection, and group discussions, participants work to uncover limiting beliefs, emotional triggers, and unresolved wounds. The goal is to foster self-awareness, healing, and personal growth by embracing all aspects of the self, including those often kept in the subconscious.
Radical Candor: Connection in the Here and Now
Participate in a process group that blends experiential therapy with a psychodynamic, interpersonal process group. The group will open with an exploration of self, then place an emphasis on the "here-and-now" where group members will be asked to reflect on their experience in real time and speak to their inner world with boldness and be curious about the inner world of their peers. The group’s task is to gain a deeper sense of intimacy with self and others.
DBT Perspectives
Begin your retreat with framing a new perspective using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Move through the retreat with mindfulness, use the STOP skill, engage your Wise Mind. Refresh your DBT approach to life or learn why DBT is still at the top after 30+ years. A combination of learning and Q&A.
DBT Reflections
Partner group to DBT Perspectives, as well as a standalone group, designed to share experiences, healing and/or growth during the retreat and reflecting on ideas for next steps to integrate the new & different ongoing.
Energy Release
Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) is an approach that works with the body's energetic systems to promote balance and healing to foster stress reduction, increase energy and enhance overall well-being. As an EEM-AP Mary will use her expertise to guide the group in learning and using a variety of techniques to balance the body’s energy flow.
Retreat 2025 Daily Schedule
Groups and activities start at 12:00 on May 1st and run through to 1:30 on May 3rd. Participants may choose groups spontaneously, there is no required pre-selection. The only activities with a sign-up sheet are the ones that involve the pontoon boat as space is limited. Retreat goers can customize their experience by attending many or only a few of the group experiences. One or more opportunities are available throughout the entire retreat.
Additional activities are available throughout the day: hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, completing the Companion Journal exercises, Crafts & Connecting and of course relaxing
with others or alone. We will also have select providers offering ala cart services to add to your retreat if desired.
Use the contact button to obtain a copy of our WWR25 schedule. Those with (CE) are optional to earn Continuing Education credits for LCSWs and LCMHCs.
