A gentle return to quiet, balance, and ease.
Join us for four days of deep rest in a peaceful retreat center in the Appalachian forest of Virginia. This retreat is designed to calm the nervous system, soften the mind, and create space for genuine restoration. There is no pressure to perform, fix, or achieve — only space to rest and reconnect with gentle yoga, meditation, forest bathing, massage, sound healing, and nature immersion.
Our lives have become increasingly stressful—bombarded by constant information, the demands of daily life, and the emotional weight of the world. When our nervous systems fall out of balance, it becomes harder to cope, make wise choices, and move through life without unnecessary suffering.
This retreat is an invitation to pause — restoring the body, mind, and heart. Our weekend combines both the ancient and visionary, weaving practical tools and restful experiences from somatic psychology, mindfulness, yoga, polyvagal theory, and time in nature. Join us to gently repattern our overactive lifestyles and renew with a rooted sense of calm.
It is time to rest.
Katie Wells M.F.A. enjoys her roles as international teacher, dance artist, and retreat director. With the joy of teaching for 30 years, Katie guides experiences that some say have changed their life. She has a Masters Degree in Dance and Somatics from CU at Boulder, and is certified in Spiritual Embodiment from Judith Blackstone, Somatic EMDR Trauma Therapy from Embody Lab, and Embodiment Coaching from Embodiment Unlimited. A lifelong devotee of weaving the mind, body, and spirit, she is especially fascinated with nervous system resiliency, embodied presence to unknot the psyche, and spirited group connection.
Joe Klein, LPC has over 16 years experience teaching meditation and relational mindfulness to teens, young adults and adult professionals. Joe co-founded Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme.com) in 2010, which runs meditation retreats in the US and Canada. Joe is currently the lead clinician at Be Well Now in Floyd, Va. where he supports adults with Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, IFS and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Joe brings playfulness and whole brain/whole body engagement to his way of teaching and embodying mindfulness.
Shirleyann Burgess is a Woods Walker & River Dancer, specializing in Mindful Outdoor Experiences, and Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), certified at Kripalu Yoga Institute. Also, Certified as a Rolfer, Rolf Movement Therapist, Yoga Instructor, LMT, Listener, Wisdom Dance guide, Pranayama Breath facilitator, Certified Level 2 Reiki practitioner, and an Earth Steward.
Leia Jones is a bodyworker, dancer and yoga teacher. She has a 200 hr certification in Hatha Yoga and a 300 hr in Therapeutic yoga. Leia has a BA in Dance and Choreography from Hollins University. Her movement practice is inspired by observing our deep connection to all things on an energetic level. She has been teaching yoga and dance for over a decade. Her unique soulful teaching approach combines an emphasis on breath, heart alignment and intention. Yoga and dance have been a catalyst of inner freedom and peace in her life and it’s one of her greatest joys to share these profound healing practices with others.
Arrive to a tranquil atmosphere where conversation is minimal and soft music welcomes you in. Settle into cushions and blankets for a full hour of rest while a massage therapist gently offers shoulder massages to ease the body into stillness.
We then gather for a simple opening ceremony and guided meditation. After dinner, the evening closes with a soothing sound bath to help you fully land.
Begin the day with gentle yoga, followed by a wholesome continental breakfast.
We gather for journaling and optional group sharing before our first workshop on calming and regulating the nervous system.
Lunch is served outdoors in our forest dining space.
The afternoon offers a three-hour break for rest and choice: optional massage sessions, trail strolling, river swimming, sun bathing, hammock lounging, or time in the hot tub.
We reconvene for a second workshop exploring self-Reiki and mindful meditation practices. After dinner, we gather around the fire for quiet songs and heartfelt conversation.
The morning opens with gentle yoga and breakfast, followed by circle time for reflection and journaling.
Our morning workshop explores balancing yin and yang in today’s fast-paced world — finding harmony between effort and ease.
After lunch in the forest, enjoy another spacious three-hour break to rest as you choose.
The afternoon workshop gently deconstructs what keeps us from slowing down and introduces simple somatic tools to restore the mind, body, and heart.
Dinner is followed by a lighthearted evening of gentle games, optional dance, music, and soaking in the hot tub.
Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. We close with a slow, restorative yoga practice and an integration workshop to help you carry this sense of balance home.
After lunch, we depart feeling grounded, refreshed, and renewed.
