Dear Self, Welcome Home: A healing-centered yoga retreat
June 3-5, 2022
At the Himalayan Institute in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
A letter from Self to self…
Dear self,
Welcome home. I’ve missed you.
I know we see each other from time to time, but with so much happening it seems less so these days.
And I get why. There’s such a sense of urgency in the air. It’s impossible to slow down. Our mind is constantly trying to figure everything out. How do we keep up? The world’s falling apart! Where do we belong?
*Sigh…* It’s a lot.
On top of that we know what helps us feel better, but are often so resistant to give it to ourselves.
We know that being in nature helps us feel rooted; that moving our body helps us process energy that doesn’t have words; and that being with others helps us feel more whole.
But then comes the guilt. We think it’s “bougie” to do these things for ourselves. We believe others deserve it more than us so that we shouldn’t do it at all. That self-care is for the selfish.
But I must implore you, oh dear self, that practices like these aren’t just “self-care!” And they’re far from selfish…
They’re absolutely necessary to be the person you’re meant to be.
For when we come home to ourselves, to our True Selves, we are reacquainted with the wisdom we need to be truly helpful to our family, community and world.
We return to the compassionate knowing of our heart and fierce guidance of our Spirit to navigate trials and tribulations. We learn how to respond constructively to life’s adversities, instead of reacting and feeding unhealthy cycles. We widen our emotional palette to include more hues of colors, and our own self-awareness fuels a healing service that’s much needed in the world.
By coming home to our True Self, our presence becomes an offering to the world.
I’m so glad you’re choosing to come home.
Love,
Your Self
About the Retreat
Join us in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania at the Himalayan Institute to reconnect with your True Self.
Our time together will weave yoga with emotional healing practices that invite you to slow down and feel what’s alive in your being. Receive light teaching about the neuroscience and healing power of emotions based on the award-winning work of Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LSW and Sarah Peyton. Practice what you learn through gentle experiential exercises and healing Circles to bring home tools of self-awareness you can carry forward.
We’ll be an intimate-sized group of beloved community. Asana, embodiment and meditation practices will be taught based on who is in the room. All bodies and experience levels are welcome.
Rejuvenate in the spacious surroundings that Mother Nature has to offer, all 400 acres! Feel supported by her natural unfolding as you more deeply connect with your own.
WHEN
Friday evening, June 3rd - Sunday afternoon, June 5, 2022
WHERE
952 Bethany Tpke
Honesdale, PA 18431
What’s included?
Yoga & embodiment practices
Meditation
Tools for emotional healing & self-awareness you can take home with you
Healing Circle
Fun and Laughter
An intimate gathering of people for deeper connections
Time for Rest
Healing Natural Surroundings
Bonfire
Meet the facilitators
Liz Moyer Benferhat
For Liz, RYT-200, MPA-DP, healing at the personal and collective levels is at the heart of her work. That’s why she has dedicated her life to the subtle interplay between how our inner transformation feeds the outer transformation needed in the world. Through We Heal For All, she offers Circles, resonant healing coaching, and education that bring more healing-centered practices into our work as change makers. She has had the privilege of studying with spiritual healers such as Ron Young and Anneke Lucas, neuroscience educators like Hilary Jacobs Hendel and Sarah Peyton, and evolutionary thought leaders like Otto Scharmer, Duane Elgin and Thomas Hubl.
Shawna Emerick
Shawna Emerick, E-RYT 200, YACEP, CPC, B.S.Dance, Thai therapist, Somatic integrator, has studied with the likes of Anodea Judith, Ph.D., Dr. Jeff Migdow, MD, Priti/Robin Ross, and many more. She has hosted numerous retreats including those at the world famous Garrison institute in Garrison, New York. She has been featured twice on the "Enlighten: Uplift and Inspire" podcast as well as been faculty to many 200Hr. yoga teacher trainings throughout New York City. She has over 18 years experience guiding people in their physical practices and spiritual journeys. She comes from multiple lineage lines of heart-centered healers, givers, and hard workers and is grateful, humbled, and honored to be carrying on the traditions in her own unique ways.
Reflections from past programs
“Liz and Shawna created a group in which individuals offered each other support and coherency. We cultivated fertile soils in which I could grow deep roots for my own groundedness. ”
“I could not have asked for better guides during such a confusing time period in human history. Shawna and Liz were so supportive in holding space through open discussions and mindful movements. I feel blessed to have been a part of such a great program.”
“The community I found in this program set the bar for communities that I’ll seek out moving forward, not only to be a part of, but to cultivate in spaces and relationships I hold.”
FAQs
When is the retreat?
The retreat weekend is June 3 - 5, 2022. You can arrive and check in starting at 4:00 p.m. onwards on Friday evening with dinner at 6:00 p.m. We will have our first Circle and gathering after dinner. The retreat will close after lunch on Sunday, most likely around 2:00 p.m.
Where is it located?
The Himalayan Institute: 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale, PA 18431
How do I get there?
Travel arrangements are organized and arranged by participants. We are happy to help connect people who are interested in car pooling. Himalayan Institute is about 2 and 1/2 hours from New York City. You can learn more about travel options, such as public transportation, here.
How do I register?
Fill out this registration form here.
Send us your tuition fee. See above.
Arrange your accommodations through the Himalayan Institute at this link here.
As of right now they have a few deluxe rooms available, so depending on what level of accommodation you would prefer, it is highly recommended to register yourself as soon as possible.
How is covid handled?
Vaccinations are required to attend retreats at the Himalayan Institute. You'll be asked to sign a covid waiver when you register for your accommodations through the Himalayan Institute. You can see their covid regulations here. Masks are optional, except at their PureRejuv Wellness Center/Spa where masks are still required.
What do I need?
Yoga mat
Materials for reflection: Journal, notebook, writing utensil, drawing materials
Clothing for indoors & outdoors - we’ll try to host a yoga class outside and will have a bonfire Saturday evening. Option to hike during free time.
[full list coming soon]
What do you mean by ‘emotional healing’?
The program will include light teaching about the neuroscience and healing power of emotions based on the award-winning work of Hilary Jacobs Hendel, LSW and Sarah Peyton. In this way, the retreat offers skills you can take home with you for your own journey of self-awareness and healing. The retreat will include experiential exercises and opportunities to share with one another. It is not intended to be therapy, although some may have a therapeutic experience.
The retreat is not a substitute for any medical or psychological examination, therapy or treatment. The content of the program does not constitute any medical diagnoses, treatments or recommendations for therapy.
Questions? Curious and want to learn more?
Send me (Liz) an email, connect@wehealforall.com or schedule a call here.