Upcoming Retreats
Loving Ourselves, Each Other, and the Earth through Tumultuous Times
Resiliency Practices for Cultivating Self and Collective Care
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” ―Robin Wall Kimmerer, Indigenous botanist and author
How might you care for yourself and your nervous system in this chaotic moment?
How do you practice resiliency?
What helps you come alive to show up for yourself and others?
In these two offerings we will explore what we love and how we come alive as spring unfurls and plants begin to emerge from the soil. We will revel in awe through eco-somatic practices, meditations, and other somatic activities that support and nurture joy as we navigate the tumultuous times we are living in.
We will practice enjoyment as a form of resiliency and a way to expand our capacity to be present, listen, feel, and care for ourselves, one another, and the earth. Let yourself be nourished by a warm meal, community connections, rest, and alone time to wander, play, write, and reflect. We will focus on our body and connecting with our local ecology, so bring yourself and an openness to wonder at the beauty of the world.
Vast emergence
April 19, 9am-12pm
Awe and delight
May 10, 9am-12pm
Note: Breakfast is provided from 8-9am for anyone interested in coming early
“The green of growing things calms me. Plants stabilize me. And I am interested in the patience that is required as I wait for growth. For the politically engaged person—any of us—such patience is a key to survival. Patience is a kindness that carries me through long days and longer nights.” ― Camille T. Dungy, Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden
“Pleasure is not one of the spoils of capitalism. It is what our bodies, our human systems, are structured for; it is the aliveness and awakening, the gratitude and humility, the joy and celebration of being miraculous.”
― adrienne maree brown, Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good
Cost is sliding scale $30-80 per retreat which includes a provided meal. You decide what cost makes it feel possible for you to attend and feel free to reach out if cost is a challenge. You are welcome to attend just one or both retreats. We will meet at a retreat center in Durham, NC.
Emily Stewart (she/her) comes from the red clay of the North Carolina piedmont. She is a mother, daughter, partner, somatic coach and racial equity facilitator. She’s a lifelong Quaker and has a daily meditation practice of walking in the woods to listen and see in new ways. She writes weekly through Substack at the intersection of parenting, spirituality, social/racial justice, embodiment, ecology, and nonviolence.