Seasonal Transition Retreat: An Immersive Preparation for Winter
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Bliss Bliss Bliss
3101 About Town Place Morgantown, WV 26508
Facilitated by:
Emily Braun, MPA, MSW, LGSW
Clinical Therapist, Groups Coordinator
Retreat Description:
The 3- hour, in person Seasonal Transition Retreat will help you woo into winter rather than dread the cold ahead. Here, you will connect with the cycles of the natural world as the dynamic, natural human you are, so just like the bears in their burrows, you can winter well. In this space, we will shift the narrative of seasonal depression and look forward to wintering with intention. This is an engagement we often forget to give ourselves permission to be a part of, but it's a process our bodies, minds, and souls organically feel amidst fallen leaves and shorter spans of light.
To prepare for our own hibernation periods, we will be using Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May. Her text will frame our discussion on what seasonal downshift is and can it be for you. Throughout the retreat we flow through a series of reflection, writing, meditation, and gentle movement practices to bring attention to support restoration of the body, create rest of the mind, and deepen resonance with the soul.
Join in this circle of nature, community, and poetry.
Together we will experience the surprises and insights that arise through Poetry as a Tool for Wellness. We will explore some quotes and poems by others, then take time to write our own poems. The workshop will end with time for everyone to speak aloud what they have written. Sharing and speaking is always optional. No writing feedback or critique. You will simply be heard through the practices of deep listening.
If the weather is conflicting, the event will be rescheduled. Reimbursement is available if the new date will not work for you.
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026 - 9:00 AM 11:00 AM
What to bring:
Water
Blanket or chair to sit on if you prefer. We will be in the grass.
Journals, pens, and handouts provided!
Location: Jack Roberts Park, 513 West Virginia Ave, Morgantown, 26051
Investment: $30.00
Movement: Centered Flow
Wednesday, June 24th at 7:00 PM
Soften your body, quiet your mind, and be in your authentic essence through a guided meditation where you will experience yourself as light on your unique life journey. A comfortable space to sit or lie down is recommended for this moment. A yoga mat or blanket may also support your rest.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
Movement: Unfettered Expression
Wednesday, July 22nd at 7:00 PM
Explore your capabilities and urges to flow in one direction or another through a practice of expressive dance. Let your mind drift into various instrumental songs and your soul move you without a care of performance. An open space for dance is recommended. This practice can also be done in a seat.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
Movement: Creative Impulse
Wednesday, August 26th at 7:00 PM
Play with words, notice what you bring them, and what they bring to you. Scramble through a selection of words that you will randomly choose to craft a poem. You may add more words to build out lines. Be free and surprise yourself at what you create. Paper and a writing tool will be needed for this moment.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
Movement: Rooted Stability
Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 PM
Ground through nature as you take your attention to a single creature, aspect, or object of the natural world. Connect with it through poetic writing and discover what messages it has for you. All you will need is writing material. Enhance your experience by joining this moment in an outdoor space.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
Movement: Cold Plunge
Wednesday, October 28th at 7:00 PM
Experience deep listening to the sensations, tensions, and needs of your physical body as messages from your nervous system through meditation and breathing practice. Inhale self compassion and exhale what feels heavy with power and intention for emotional release and safety. Find yourself a comfortable place to sit or lie down for this moment.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
Movement: Communal Breath
Wednesday, November 25th at 7:00 PM
Move toward self appreciation and love for life in this moment using Poetry as a Tool for Wellness. Connect with quotes, poems, and enjoy a short acrostic poem practice. Writing material is all that’s needed.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
Movement: Deep Restoration
Wednesday, December 23rd at 7:00 PM
Give permission to your body, mind, and soul to slow down through light stretching and floor movement. The key here is mindful attunement to every little pull and stillness, moving only in ways that feel good, letting your awareness take you there. A space to lie down and stretch out is recommended.
Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
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