Connection through Gentle Curiosity
Awe to Wonder: October 8th - October 11th
Come experience a retreat designed to nourish your soul side by side with the horses and a group of women. Nestled in a serene, natural setting, this unique experience combines the healing practice of Equine Gestalt Therapy with the concept of “glimmers”. Glimmers bring to life the concept of slowing down and tuning into the wonders around us. This is where we can connect to the little delicate moments that can so easily be overlooked . The weekend will be spent immersing ourselves in the wonderment and beauty both around us and within us.
This is an experiential process and horses are at free will to interact with clients throughout the session. No horse or riding experience necessary.
The inspiration for this idea of slow and simple came from clinician Deb Dana ~ “Did you know about glimmers? A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. Like a micro moment that makes you happier, a little moment of awe, something that makes you feel hope. Once you start looking for them and embracing them, your life feels so much sweeter.”
When we are blocked with unfinished personal work, unresolved emotions or are unable to relax, the ability to appreciate the “awe” and “glimmers” in life becomes challenging. During this retreat, individuals engage in personal and group sessions of the Gestalt Therapeutic Model, side by side with our horses, to provide grounding support in uncovering and processing personal insights. Participants are invited to play, get creative, and surround themselves in the beauty of the farm and prairie to reconnect to their inner spark. By surrounding ourselves with beauty through horses, nature, and wholesome local and organic food, we can connect to ourselves and others and capture the beautiful “glimmers” in life.
Linda will host a Zoom gathering a month ahead of the retreat in order to meet other guests, ask questions and gather more information. Additionally, Linda will reach out after the retreat with another Zoom gathering to reconnect and reflect.
The Property
Come enjoy the 80 acre property of Soulful Prairies in Woodstock, Illinois. Take time to retreat in the quiet pines, commune with the fairies in the Fairy Forest, walk the labyrinth and trails and spend time with a horse, a goat, a pig and the natural wildlife on the property. There is so much of Soulful Prairies to enjoy and explore.
Accommodations
Your overnight accommodations will be in the Guest Suites on the lower level of the Main House or in the historic 1830’s log cabin. Accommodations are single or double occupancy.
The four shabby-chic bedrooms of the Guest Suites share two full bathrooms and a cozy common sitting area with kitchenette amenities. You will also have access to the Pasture View Lounge where you can relax and view the herd wander the back pastures of the property. More about Soulful lodging.
Go back in time while staying in our historic log cabin. The three upstairs bedrooms share a full bathroom, full kitchen, and sitting area on the first floor. Enjoy visiting your Cabin “neighbors,” our Soulful Prairies chickens, goats and pig. More about Soulful lodging.
Meals
Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch.
Other details
Maximum Attendance: 12 guests
Minimum Attendance: 6 guests
Guests 21 years and older welcome.
Pricing
Retreat Price: $1,475
50% due upon registration – 50% due 75 days ahead of retreat
- We encourage you to consider purchasing your own trip insurance for peace of mind and protection if plans change.
- Grants may be available for those with financial need, please Contact Us.
Cancellation Policy:
– 25% of total retreat cost is non-refundable
– 25% of total retreat cost refundable 75 days or more before retreat
– Unfortunately, no refunds can be made less than 75 days before retreat
new perspectives
The appreciation of a slower pace will bring you a sense of peace and calm. Find your center and leave with an awareness of the simple “glimmers” around you.
The Experience
Retreat experiences may vary due to changing circumstances, ensuring flexibility and a unique journey tailored to the moment.
The premise of Gestalt is that we hold our own answers within and we are completely whole as we presently are. Linda’s Gestalt Practice allows clients to tap into their innate sense of who they are, through awareness. Often, unfinished business from an individual’s past can continue to create a reactionary state within. Through the experiential Gestalt process, this energy can be transformed and clients find the freedom to reconnect with their own inherent truth and wisdom.
Meet your facilitator
Linda Bruce
Linda owns and runs Soulful Prairies. As an Equine Gestalt Practitioner, her passion is bringing humans and horses together to create an environment of self-discovery. When she is not seeing clients, she offers other healing services to the visitors at Soulful Prairies. Learn more about Linda here!