Awe to Wonder

Connection through Gentle Curiosity

Awe to Wonder

October 2nd - October 5th

Step into a transformative, overnight retreat designed to connect you deeply with yourself through the gentle wisdom of horses. Nestled in a serene, natural setting, this unique experience combines the healing practice of Equine Gestalt Therapy with the concept of "glimmers" to help you uncover moments of joy and presence that illuminate your being. The weekend will be spent slowing down and connecting to the wonderment and beauty both around and within us.

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.

This retreat is sold out

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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 signing
- Remaining 50% due 75 days ahead of retreat

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. 

Register Now

The Experience

Retreat experiences may vary due to changing circumstances, ensuring flexibility and a unique journey tailored to the moment.

Thursday Evening

~ Settle In

~ Welcome bundle

~ Tour of the property

~ Bonfire in the Savannah

~ Circle up

~ Create your own delicious dinner over the fire

~ Set intentions

Friday

~ Yoga

~ Walking Meditation

~ Circle Up - Gestalt Experience

~ Harvest fresh produce for an earth to table experience

~ Explore and journal  with the songs of nature

~ Let's get creative

~ Hang with the herd

~ Circle up

~ Massage appointments available for an additional charge

Saturday

~ Guided imagery with the herd

~ Circle up - Gestalt Experience

~ Afternoon time to wander the prairie

~ Celebrate the weekend with a special guest chef’s dinner

~ Enjoy dessert around the bonfire

Sunday

~ Gong in the pasture

~ Circle up

~ Remembrance gift

Meet your facilitator(s)

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!

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All 2024 Events and Retreats

May

May 3rd - Art on the Prairie

May 16th - Feed Your Soul

May 20th - Horse, Yoga, Gong & Meditation

December

December 19th - Holiday Feed Your Soul

Testimonials

This picture I took of a stormy night at Soulful Prairies represents the experiences we have here. You open doors in our minds to expose the storm. I am so grateful to have found you and Soulful Prairies.
C.F.

Whether you’re looking for solitude or connection, Linda’s retreats truly feed the soul. I have attended several,, and each time I return home renewed with a deeper understanding and acceptance of self. Linda has the rare ability to hold non-judgmental space for the complexity we experience as human beings in this world. Everyone deserves the chance to be seen and to touch into the freedom possible when we can look at ourselves and others with compassion and grace. These retreats offer that and more; I highly recommend them.

I had no idea of what to expect for this retreat but had I - they would have been blown out of the water. The space was full of learning and growth. I could not be more grateful for the experience!

A true slice of heaven... the space and vibe of Freedom Reigns and the guidance of Linda. A perfect match! A calming joy.

Linda has the ability to be soft and compassionate. She has an awareness of when a client needs to be moved and when to be still and quiet. This all creates a incredible sense of safety.
Amy