A Women’s Retreat on “Letting Go”
Using movement, African drumming, and writing to explore what it means to “let go”
at the Bend of Ivy Lodge outside of Asheville, North Carolina
Are you looking to live more in your own body in 2012…to learn from the neck down…to shed self-consciousness about moving through the world?
Do you want 2012 to be different…more grounded, more connected to who you really are?
Are you interested in creating communities of amazing women with whom to journey?
Do you have things you need to shed: clutter, stories that no longer serve you, people who are toxic to you, or relationships that are unhealthy, creative blocks?
Would you like to really feel what it means to “let go,” and re-spark your creative spirit and joy for life?
Yes? Good, because we want all those things, too.
That’s why we’re gathering a community of amazing women like you and exploring letting go through movement, rhythm, and words.
We have designed an amazing retreat for 17 women who want to shed the things they want to “let go” of in a safe, supportive space in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We are keeping it small to provide for an intimate space in which we can all explore.
There will be grooving, drumming, and writing, while we dive deep into what it means for each of us to “let go” ~ let go of the need to be right, let go of the feeling that we’re being judged, let go of our story about our body or sense of rhythm or worthiness or ability to write or create.
Yes, we will shed all of that so we can groove, drum, and create.
You don’t have to be a dancer, a drummer, or a writer to attend. You just have to be a woman…a human being, wanting to shed and move and create. We’ll support you in your journey…no matter where you’re starting from.
We’ll also create a private Facebook page for the community that will gather ~ so we can begin the conversation before we get to the retreat, and continue it well after.
What we ask of you:
- Be willing.
- Be open.
- Be centered and 100% committed.
- Be intentional and mindful and ready to have fun and dive deep.
Retreat Overview
Grooving with Leanna Joyner
We’ll add a spark of creativity, a dash of renewal, and a bunch of joy as we explore space and our bodies through dance.
The GROOVEmethodTM, facilitated by Leanna, is designed to make movement accessible to every BODY by providing easy moves set to awesome music. Groove taps each individual’s activity level and ability, and inspires confidence by empowering participants to move in unique and creative ways.
Groove offers the mind-body connection of yoga with the cardio-vascular benefits of dance. It’s fun, it’s easy, and you can’t get it wrong! You will sweat, and you will smile.
Drumming with Michelle Currie
Come surrender to the rhythm! It’s in your heart and in your spirit!
During Michelle’s drum sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your inner drummer by expressing your own rhythm. You’ll also take part in celebrating the Malinke people of Africa by learning a West African rhythm dedicated to women. No djembe playing experience required.
Group drumming provides a relaxing, full body workout, and other benefits, such as:
- It can improve your creative thinking skills.
- It can lower your rate of burnout.
- It can increase the quality of your face-to-face interactions.
- It can get you, and keep you, happy & healthy!
Writing with Patti Digh
- Patti will lead the group through a process of writing prompts that will dive deep within and then back again to the surface.
- Using writing exercises, focused free writes, and other creative processes, she will help us to link to and deepen our understanding of what “letting go” means to each of us individually.
- She will also explore how “letting go” might mean letting go of a story that no longer serves us well.
”I attended a workshop by Michelle and Leanna on drumming and grooving and knew immediately I wanted more of this in my life. And I wanted to share it with others. That’s how this retreat came into being–a personal experience of ‘letting go’ that literally changed my life.” -Patti Digh
Who We Are
Patti Digh is the best-selling author of
Life is a Verb,
Creative is a Verb,
Four Word Self Help, and
What I Wish for You: Simple Wisdom for a Happy Life. She believes you can change your life in 37 days and offers online classes, keynotes, and retreats to help people do just that. Website:
www.37days.com
Michelle Currie (M.Ed.) is a writer, wellness consultant, and Founder of
Meditative Arts, a creativity & wellness program in Toronto. She empowers women through African drumming and mindfulness courses and workshops. Website:
http://meditativearts.ca
Leanna Joyner connects people with nature, as a project consultant for
National Trails, and as a facilitator of
The GROOVEmethodTM, an approach to dance and fitness that unites people with their own nature. She facilitates Groove for women’s workshops and offers regularly scheduled classes in Asheville, North Carolina. Website:
www.joyusgroove.com
Retreat Package Includes
Your all-inclusive retreat is $975, and includes everything ~ all retreat sessions & materials, a signed copy of Patti’s book, CREATIVE IS A VERB, double-occupancy lodging with shared baths, and delicious, organic, vegetarian meals and snacks from Thursday dinner through Sunday brunch (cooked by our wonderful, private chef for the retreat, Dava Melton, also known as “the Kitchen Goddess“). This is an introductory price for this new event, and won’t be offered at this price again.
Agenda Overview
~ Subject to possible adjustments ~
Thursday, April 19th
5:00 – 6:00pm Participant arrivals at the Bend of Ivy Lodge
Note: 5:00pm is the earliest allowable arrival time. Please plan accordingly.
6:00 – 9:00pm Opening night Introductions
Dinner ~ provided by our private retreat chef
Opening Circle ~ Formal introductions, intention setting, gentle Groove, gentle drumming & gentle writing
10:00pm – 7:00am Quiet Hours
Friday, April 20th
7:30 – 8:00am Optional Meditation
8:00 – 9:00am Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00pm Morning Sessions in drumming, creative process & Groove
12:00 – 2:00pm Lunch & Rest
2:00 – 4:30pm Afternoon Sessions
4:30 – 6:00pm Rest & Reflection
6:00 – 7:15pm Dinner
7:15 – 7:45pm Drumming with Michelle
7:45 – 8:15pm Creative Process Session with Patti
8:15 – 8:45pm Meditation
10:00pm – 7:00am Quiet Hours
Saturday, April 21st
7:30 – 8:00am Optional Meditation
8:00 – 9:00am Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00pm Morning Sessions in drumming, creative process & Groove
12:00 – 2:00pm Lunch & Rest
2:00 – 4:30pm Afternoon Groove and writing sessions
4:30 – 6:00pm Rest & Reflection
6:00 – 7:00pm Dinner
7:00 – 8:00pm Drumming with Michelle
8:00 – 8:45pm Creative Process Session with Patti
10:00pm – 7:00am Quiet Hours
Sunday, April 22nd
7:30 – 8:00am Optional Meditation
8:00 – 9:00am Groove Session with Leanna
9:00 – 10:00am Creative Process Session with Patti
10:00 – 11:30am Brunch
11:30 – 12:30pm Closing Drum Circle
1:00pm Lodge Check-out Time
“The Rest of the Story”
About the Bend of Ivy Lodge:
This beautiful gathering place is nestled on 63 acres of land that slopes gently down to the Ivy River, located just 20 minutes north of the unique mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina. Known as the “Paris of the South” and the “Santa Fe of the East,” Asheville is a special place.
Our location and size will support our purpose. We can accommodate no more than 17 participants, so early registration is recommended.
Imagine a land of quiet serenity down a gravel road, a beautifully restored barn, sleeping rooms that showcase art from around the world and bring people into community, gorgeous wooden beams
~ add delicious, organic, vegetarian meals on the heated porch, sitting areas by the pond and in the covered pavilion, and a remarkable meeting space. You’ll leave TV and email far behind here. Our Lodge will be non-smoking and alcohol free.
As a recent guest at the Lodge wrote, “I was aware of the sacred all around me, from the craftsmanship of your construction, to the beauty of the natural environment, to the love, thoughtfulness, and spiritual qualities of your design of space, to the art and books all around ~ all of this encouraged quiet connection. Thank you for creating such a place and sharing it with others!”
We urge participants to stay “on-campus” with us to maximize your experience, build a community of learners, and allow yourself to really relax. If you are local and would like to go home at night or stay elsewhere, we ask that you plan to participate in all sessions.
Accommodations: The living space at the Bend of Ivy Lodge is simple, clean, and inspires community and reflection. Shared rooms provide two twin beds and participants share baths on each floor of the Lodge.
If you prefer a single room, and we are able to accommodate your request, we’ll ask you to pay an additional $250. Contact:
Melissa@pattidigh.com.
Transportation: The closest airport is Asheville (AVL), which is about a 30 minute drive from the Lodge. The Greenville-Spartanburg airport (GSP) is a 1.5 hour drive away, and the Charlotte airport is a 2.5 hours drive (CLT). All are easy drives on major roadways. Directions and other details will be provided in your registration confirmation letter.
Payment plans: You may pay in full online (see above.) Or you may pay in three installment payments: #1 $500 at registration; #2 $237.50 by 2/1/12; #3 $237.50 by 3/1/12. The entire balance is due by 3/1/12. Contact:
Melissa@pattidigh.com to make arrangements.
Cancellations: If you should have to cancel, we’d miss you terribly, but we understand that life changes our best-laid plans sometimes. Cancellations over 45 days prior to the Retreat will receive a full refund less a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations between 1-45 days prior to the Retreat will forfeit all fees if the space cannot be filled. If the space is filled by another participant, you will receive a full refund less a $75 administrative fee.
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