Myth & Meaning: A Transformational Retreat in Greece

There are myths we tell about ourselves and the world each day—some that are life-affirming, and others that hold us back.

During this 7-night retreat in Greece, we will explore the myths of ancient Greece and how they relate to our past, present, and future.

Using the story of Daedalus and Icarus, we’ll reflect on whether we're flying too close to the sun—burning out like the exuberant youth of lore—or whether we are holding ourselves back, playing small instead of fully embracing aliveness, joy, and mastery. These ancient myths will serve as powerful maps for healing personal and collective traumas.

Many of us experience burnout, anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness in the face of personal and global challenges. Through a mythic lens, we will examine these struggles and reclaim a sense of meaning.

Whether you’re:

✔️ A woman who is ready to step into a new myth about yourself and the world 

✔️ A professional at a crossroads, wondering about your next career move

✔️ An activist, leader or teacher who wants to have a more meaningful impact in the world while being sustainable
✔️ A lifelong traveler who has always dreamed of visiting Greece (again perhaps) and immersing in its ancient myths

✔️ In a life transition—empty nester, experiencing peri/menopause, grieving a loss, or navigating a divorce

This transformational retreat is for you.

A Retreat Experience Rooted in Myth & Somatics

Set in the tranquil olive groves of the Peloponnese, this retreat offers a healing and restorative journey through:

✨ Somatic practices, breathwork, yoga, and group coaching
✨ Sharing circles & journaling prompts for deep self-exploration
✨ The Myth of Medusa—understanding our past without getting stuck in it
✨ A supportive community in a breathtaking natural setting
✨ The legendary Mediterranean lifestyle—organic Greek meals, sea swims, and connection

Within this sacred land, you will be supported in releasing disempowering narratives while reclaiming your soul’s highest calling.

What You Will Explore & Experience:

🔹 The Window of Resilience – Using the myth of Icarus, we’ll explore the nervous system, learning how to balance stress, avoid burnout, and cultivate resilience.

🔹 Embodiment Practices – Experience somatic tools that support self-regulation, pleasure, and trauma healing.

🔹 The Myth of Medusa – Learn how to acknowledge past experiences without being paralyzed by them.

🔹 Self-Forgiveness & Reframing Your Story – By understanding the mythic journey we are on, we will develop self-compassion and reframe past struggles into sources of wisdom and strength.

🔹 Nourishment in the Present – Through delicious organic Greek cuisine, we’ll explore how nourishment extends beyond food—to receiving support, setting boundaries, and honoring our own needs.

🔹 The Myths of Demeter & Persephone – Understand life transitions, explore shadow work, and step into your destiny with trust and surrender.

🔹 Service Opportunity – Participate in a meaningful local sustainability project to give back to the land that nourishes us.

🔹 Dionysian Celebration – On our final night, we will celebrate with a festive Greek feast, music, dance, and joyful ritual.

🔹 Two Off-Site Excursions – Experience the wonders of Greece, including a swim in the legendary turquoise waters.

Your Invitation to a Mythic Transformation

I personally invite you to step into this soulful journey—to make peace with the past, fully embrace the present, and claim your mythic future.

Over seven immersive days in one of the most enchanting places on Earth, you'll reconnect with your Highest Self—whether that means your Higher Power, Mother Nature, or the gods of the Greek pantheon.

You’ll be nourished with:

✔️ Sustainable and delightfully delicious Mediterranean meals
✔️ The legendary Apollonian light of Greece
✔️ The support of a trauma-informed, compassionate community

This retreat in Greece is more than just a getaway—it’s an epic journey home to yourself.

I look forward to welcoming you to one of my favorite places in the world, a land I have been visiting for decades, as we embark on this transformational adventure together.

Ready to embark on your mythic journey?

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime retreat in Greece.

🌿 What You’ll Walk Away With 

✨ This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a return to yourself. 

Here’s just some of what you can expect to gain:

• 🔥 Renewed clarity and confidence about your personal myth and life direction
   
• 🌊 Deep nervous system regulation through daily somatic and embodiment practices
   
• 🧭 Tools to navigate big life transitions with more ease, presence, and power
   
• 🌀 Release of outdated stories that keep you stuck, small, or scattered
   
• 🤝 Meaningful connection with a global sisterhood of thoughtful, growth-minded women
   
• 🌺 A reconnection with your sensuality, creativity, and inner guidance
   
• 🏛️ A soulful relationship with Greek mythology as a mirror for your healing journey
   
• 🌞 A reset of your inner compass—so you return home more grounded, vibrant, and aligned
  

FAQ:

• What is "Myth and Meaning" about? Do I have to know Greek mythology to benefit from this retreat?

This Retreat is about revealing and transforming the myths you have about yourself: as a woman, a professional, a nurturer, a lover, a citizen, an artist, an activist and a seeker. Together we we learn from the rich stories of Greek mythology how to rewrite our narratives and create new myths that empower, inspire and celebrate us all.

• Where and when do I fly in?

You should plan to arrive in Greece by the day before (Saturday, August 30th if you are arriving in Athens) or no later than the morning of Sunday, August 31st (if arriving in Kalamata). Plan to arrive at the Retreat center in Laconia between 12 - 4 pm on Sunday. We will begin promptly at 5 pm with our Opening Circle followed by a delightful farm-to-table arrival dinner.

Flying home, you can plan to depart from the retreat center after 12 pm on Sunday, September 7th. The latest checkout time is 1 pm from your room. That means you could catch an evening flight out of Athens International Airport or late afternoon from Kalamata. If you have time, stay longer and extend your trip to Greece!

• Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely, positively YES for this trip or you cannot travel with us. 

This trip is a big commitment and you never know what can happen to you preventing you from traveling and losing your investment. We always recommend travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage. Be sure to read the fine print, as policies can differ greatly. While you’re at it, be sure to confirm with your travel insurance provider what Covid-19-related issues are covered and to what extent.

• Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Greek food is among the most delicious, varied, and delightful in the world. Travelers from around the world get their dietary needs met here - and you will, too.

Please clearly state any allergies and intolerances you have, along with your dietary preferences. If the list of things you can’t eat is long, we may ask you for a list of things you can eat instead. Please be advised that part of the delight of international travel includes eating foods you might not at home, so if you need something in particular for your medical or other needs, feel free to bring it in your suitcase.

• Will I receive private coaching and Somatic Experiencing sessions?

This retreat is designed primarily as a group experience. Having said that, you will receive personalized feedback, reflections and recommendations during our group coaching sessions. In addition, if you'd like to extend your stay and explore private Post-Retreat Integration Sessions to deepen your experience and give you even more personalized attention, email us and we will explore options with you. (Please note: due to limited availability, this will be on a first-come, first served basis, so if this is something you would like, please reach out to as soon as possible to felina@felinadanalis.com). 

• How fit do I need to be able to do this retreat? 

Walking, some gentle hiking, yoga, swimming and movement are all offered on this retreat. You can also use your free afternoons to go bicycle riding or for a morning run if you are so inspired. If you need particular accommodations because you are differently abled physically, please reach out to us as this might not be the best retreat for you. This is a rustic, working, eco- farm with all that entails.

• What kind of transformation can I expect from this retreat?

Participants can expect to feel more grounded, vibrant, and aligned with their true selves. Through daily somatic and embodiment practices, you’ll regulate your nervous system and reconnect with your inner guidance. You'll gain clarity about your personal myth and life direction, release outdated stories that no longer serve you, and gather tools to navigate transitions with greater ease and power. Many also discover a deeper connection to their sensuality and creativity, while forming meaningful bonds with a global sisterhood. Rooted in the wisdom of Greek mythology, this retreat offers a soulful reset for your mind, body, and spirit.

• What is the weather like?

At this magical time of year in the Mediterranean, you'll enjoy warm days and mild evenings.  Bring light layers and a lightweight rain poncho in the extremely unlikely event that there's an unexpected shower.

• Can you share EXACTLY what we're doing every day?

The itinerary and what we’ll be doing day to day is shared here - and our priority will be to be in the moment and flow with what is called for. Every day will be a magical experience for all of us, so keep your heart and mind open to the experience life brings us. Due to the secluded area we're in, weather, bad roads and other unseen obstacles may cause us to make changes in our itinerary. We will flow with the schedule as you might wear a loose garment, exploring Myth and Meaning throughout our way.

• I've heard Greece is great for partying - but that's not what I'm looking for. Is this still a good fit?

Absolutely! This retreat will give you the gifts of silence, spaciousness and in-person connection. There is plenty of free time for rest, restoration and renewal - as well as meaningful activities designed to support your transformation. We will be in a unspoiled, rustic part of the country far away from crowds, loud partying and drunk teenagers. 

• What about substances and intoxicants? Is this a sober retreat?

To create a peaceful, focused environment for everyone, we kindly ask that all participants refrain from using substances. This includes alcohol, cigarettes, smoking materials, and illicit drugs. We endeavor to create a substance-free environment to help support everyone’s well-being. If this request is not respected, we reserve the right to ask participants to leave the retreat without a refund. Prescription medications are exempt from this policy. The only planned exception will be organic Greek wine offered on the final farewell night gathering for those who do drink alcohol responsibly. Thank you for your cooperation.

• What do I pack?

Packing for this incredible adventure, plan for comfortable, casual and laid back. Think layers as you plan what to bring. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, while the days can be quite warm. Dressing in layers is also a good way to protect yourself from the sun. You’ll want a bathing suit without a doubt and a cover up. Once you decide to join us, we’ll provide a more detailed list of what to bring on our Intentions Call.

• I've got an upcoming birthday/anniversary and would love to invite my friends and family to support me to go on this retreat. Can I accept contributions to do that?

YES! Learning to ask for and receive support is so empowering. Once you create your account and initial payment, you can quickly and easily create a Contribution Page. This is a a zero-effort “fundraising” solution! From there, your supporters can directly contribute so you can join this once-in-a-lifetime retreat to Greece off the beaten path. If you need help setting this up, check out the Help Center or feel free to reach out to us.

• Will I have access to the Internet?

Yes, you will be able to stay connected with your loved ones for emergency situations. Wifi is available. 

That being said, the more you can disconnect from your life back home, the better the impact of your experience, so please plan to be “off the grid” as much as possible. There will be times of both on-and-off grid experiences so please be aware that as you take this time to connect with your inner wisdom - as well as the gorgeous location and fellow retreat participants - you'll want to savor times off-line. 

Digital detox is the name of the game. 

• This sounds AMAZING! I'd love to sign up and have a few more questions. Could we hop on a call?

Absolutely! This is a small, curated retreat with lots of personal attention - so we want to make sure that folks join us who are going to get the most from it. Whether you have a question, want to know more or are new to me and want to be sure it's the right fit, feel free to reach out and we'll get on a call. Send an email here or to felina@felinadanalis.com. If this isn't the retreat for you - for whatever reason - we will definitely let you know. 

All cancellations will result in a total loss of the $1000 retainer.

• Cancellations made on or before May 30, 2025 will receive a 75% refund of the total retreat cost (minus the retainer).
   
• Cancellations made between June 1 – June 30, 2025 will receive a 50% refund of the total retreat cost (minus the retainer).
   
• Cancellations made on or after July 1, 2025 will result in a total loss of all funds paid.
   

We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if we do not meet the minimum number of participants. In that case, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.

Travel Insurance Requirement

We require purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations, flight disruptions, and other emergencies.

12:00 - 4:30 pm 

Check in and Welcome Reception

Settle into your surroundings with light snacks and beverages.Take time to breathe, land, and attune to the rhythm of the retreat space.

5:00 - 7:00 pm 

Opening Circle 

After a warm welcome and overview of the week’s flow, we will have introductions and intention setting for the mythic retreat ahead. There will be an opportunity to ground, orient and resource with somatic, breath and yoga practices to support your well-being, help you connect with other participants and get a good night’s rest. 

7:30 - 9:00 pm 

Dinner 

10 pm 

Quiet Time

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 am - 12:00 pm  

Morning Session

To prepare for our mythic journey, we will introduce the somatic tools that will guide us as we begin our exploration. This session will set the stage for our journey preparing you with the practices that will accompany your sacred exploration.

This session will include:

• Exploring the vital role of embodiment and symbolism on our quest 
• An exploration of trauma and transformation, including how the nervous system works including the major energy centers 
• The connection between trauma and the myths, stories and narratives we tell about ourselves and the world 
• How we can learn from the myth of Daedalus and Icarus as we explore our own nervous system’s window of resilience 
• The myth of Medusa 

This day and tomorrow will prepare us with the tools and support to begin a gentle exploration of our roots and the myths we tell about it. 

Each morning session will include embodiment, movement, breath and other practices to integrate the material we are introducing. 

12:30 - 2:00 pm 

Lunch

2:00 - 4:30 pm 

Siesta (Free Time)

During your free time, you can rest, climb into a hammock under a shady olive tree, journal on the prompts you’ll be given and allow yourself to luxuriate in unstructured free time.

5:00 - 7:00 pm 

Afternoon Session

We will continue the exploration of myths we have believed, told and perpetuated. Our purpose in looking back is not to get stuck in the identity of the victim as between the Scylla and Charybdis. But to reclaim ourselves with honesty and compassion to create space for the transformation that is to come. 

Each afternoon on site will include a sharing circle as you process and metabolize the material we are exploring together. You will receive personalized feedback, coaching and reflection prompts to support your continued integration. 

7:30 - 9:00 pm 

Dinner

10:00 pm 

Quiet Time

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 am - 12:00 pm  

Morning Session

In this session, we continue to explore our past, with an emphasis on releasing what no longer serves our epic quest forward. We will look for the golden threads - much as we might follow Ariadne’s thread to the center of the labyrinth - to find what is useful from our most challenging experiences. We will mine our traumatic experiences for the hidden gold within them, as Jason and his argonauts looked for the Golden Fleece. 

We also explore:

• Deeper understanding of the nervous system 
• The twin vortices in the stream of life that flow together
• How self-forgiveness can help us reclaim our past and create new myths 

12:30 - 2:00 pm 

Cooking class and lunch 

In this offering from our charming Greek host, inspired by our exploration of the past we will create, cook up and bring together food in a way that allows us to be nourished by our early experiences. With expert guidance, we will be supported in exploring our own creative impulses as we top our foods with the ingredients that most resonate. 

2:00 - 4:30 pm 

Siesta

5:00 - 7:00 pm 

Afternoon Session

Sharing circle 

7:30 - 9:00 pm 

Dinner

10:00 pm 

Quiet Time

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 - 10 am  

Morning Session

In our morning session, we will prepare for our exploration of our current reality. On a symbolic level, we will look at some of the myths we might be telling ourselves about our own lives as well as preparing to look at the collective. With this in mind, we will prepare for a special off-site excursion where we will see reality as it is, and notice the stories we tell. 

10:00 am  

Departure

6:00 pm   

Return to retreat center

7:30 - 9:00 pm 

Dinner

10:00 pm 

Quiet Time

Exploring Truth Today 

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 am - 12:00 pm  

Morning Session

We continue our exploration today of the present by looking at our own lives and the myths we are telling about what is happening in the world around us. We will look at our various roles and their relationship to the collective. Our intention here is to explore ourselves with honesty, open-mindedness and curiosity. We will look at how we are (or aren’t) replicating the myths of the past, what is different now and our contribution to the social, environmental, spiritual and political contexts of our times. 

In this session we will also explore:

• The myths of Demeter and Persephone 
• Celebrating what is working well in our personal and professional lives
• Examining what is missing from our experience and the relationship to the mythic lens of our times
• The psychosocial and economic myths we see in the collective at this moment in our history 
• Our shadow and participation in the broader systems
• Questions such as: What does it mean to be well for me today? What is my unique contribution to the collective? What responsibilities and privileges do I have? 

12:30 - 2:00 pm 

Lunch 

2:00 - 4:30 pm 

Siesta 

5:00 - 7:00 pm 

Afternoon Session

Sharing circle 

7:30 - 9:00 pm 

Dinner

10:00 pm 

Quiet Time

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 am - 10:00 am  

Morning Session

Our mythic journey now brings us into the future we want to create for ourselves and our planet. Bringing more joy, pleasure, play and delight will be part of this. We begin our excursion day by preparing to watch for clues, following Ariadne’s thread once again, by casting our eyes on whatever delights us. The legendary Greek sea and swimming will be our glorious backdrop on this fun and meaningful day! 

10:00 am 

Departure

6:00 pm 

Return to retreat center

7:30 - 9:00 pm 

Dinner

10:00 pm 

Quiet Time

Creating a Mythic World 

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 am - 12:00 pm  

Morning Session

The hero’s journey always includes an offering back to the collective, and this one is no exception. As we have each begun to mine the gold in our past, and reckon with the present, we can explore offering our own gifts back to the collective. In this session we will explore:

• What it means to give in ways that are sustainable
• Boundaries and burnout 
• The shadow of the healer: the codependent 
• Understanding the true meaning of the Greek word philanthropy 
• Committing to emerging 

12 - 2:30 pm 

Lunch and Service Opportunity 

After a light lunch, we will have an opportunity to contribute to the world around us, at the sustainable working family farm that has hosted us this week. Opportunities abound in the garden, with animals and other chances to share our gifts. 

2:30 - 4:30  

Siesta

5:00 - 7:00 pm 

Afternoon Session

Closing circle 

In our final sharing circle, we will identify our and explore the next part of our personal myths. We will create commitments that are aligned with our soul’s calling and be witnessed in a special sacred ritual. To continue integrating our experience, we’ll have opportunities to take next steps to maintain accountability, connection and support upon our return home. 

7:30 - 10:00 pm 

Farewell dinner and Greek party 

On our final night, we will enjoy a Dionysian celebration including Greek food, organic local wine, sweets and more. And no party would be complete without Greek music and dancing! 

Returning With Gifts

7:00 - 9:00 am  

Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00 am 

Final Sharing Circle

12:00 pm 

Departure & Check out