Description
Retreat Schedule:
Welcome & Somatic Grounding
The retreat begins with a gentle grounding exercise focused on somatic breathing. This practice helps participants relax, center themselves, and create a sense of safety and presence. Rooted in trauma-informed principles, this opening moment invites participants to connect with their body and breath, setting a calming tone for the day.
Explorative Art-as-Therapy Workshop: Recognize, Reframe, Release
Led by Wendie Appel (Certified Trauma Recovery Coach and Art as Therapy Facilitator), this transformative two-hour workshop invites participants to explore, create, and discover healing and self-awareness through the expressive power of art.
In this workshop, you will learn to recognize, reframe, and release trauma. You will gain insights to begin a path of better understanding of how your nervous system operates as your core and how you can learn to self-regulate for a more balanced and centered life.
Together we will:
- Begin to identify where trauma is held in the body
- Learn how to detect the onset of the four Fs (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn)
- Utilize tools to self-regulate our nervous system
- Discuss techniques to reframe the ingrained emotional reaction
- Incorporate techniques to release the held trauma
Through an immersive and carefully curated art exercise that is both revealing and beautiful, participants will experience the power of art to encourage healing— welcoming harmony and fresh perspectives.
This workshop is not about artistic skill but about using creative expression as a pathway to identify and process emotions, tell one’s stories, and reconnect with the true Self.
This is a powerful act of self-love—a chance to invite change, growth, and recovery into your life in a nurturing and supportive environment.
A Moment of Rest and Reflection
A short break offers participants time to pause, hydrate, and enjoy light refreshments. This is an opportunity to reflect quietly or connect with others in the group.
Restorative Yoga Session
Led by Glennis Dawson (200 Hour YTT Certified, and trained in Chakra elements and Koshas in Yoga Therapy)
In this workshop, participants will be guided through a gentle yoga practice focused on restoration and grounding. Restorative yoga emphasizes choice and mindfulness, allowing each participant to move at their own pace in a safe and supportive environment. This practice helps release tension held in the body, foster inner calm, and deepen self-awareness. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat to this session.
Benefits of Restorative Yoga:
- Activating the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress levels.
- Gentle stretching increases flexibility and enhances the range of motion.
- Deep breathing and mindfulness encourage a profound sense of calm and relaxation.
- Alleviating physical discomfort and tension can provide relief from chronic pain conditions.
- Strengthening the mind-body connection allows for the processing and release of stored emotional and physical tension, supporting overall well-being.
Unity and Renewal Circle
The retreat concludes with a unity and renewal circle, a heartfelt gathering where participants come together to reflect on their experiences, honor their healing journeys, and release what no longer serves them. Through guided prompts and shared intention, this closing ritual provides a sense of connection, renewal, and clarity.
Upcoming Retreat Dates
- Spring Session: Los Angeles Area
- Fall Session: Orange County Area
About the Facilitators
Meet Wendie Appel
Lover of art, psychology and the human spirit.
Wendie is drawn to what makes each of us unique and have immense capacities to continually create, grow, heal, inspire, overcome, and attain new heights in life. She consistently is drawn to the crossroads of art and psychology and feels that art holds an immense power to tell our stories, portray our emotions, and to heal. Wendie owns Tiny Art Stories, a business that offers art workshops for all, helping individuals connect with their inner creative and unleashing the power to heal.
Meet Glennis Dawson
Glennis Dawson is a California native who has spent the better part of her life at the coast with her feet in the sand. Through the years, Glennis has learned the importance of intentional, holistic living, creating a presence of energy that beams from her very core. While focusing on education herself and others, Glennis has become a specialist in Reiki, along with practicing regular yoga, deep breathing, clearing energies and helping others to explore their own inner purpose throughout the process.
Additional Information
- All art supplies are included
- Participants should bring their own yoga mat
Space is limited to 20 guests to ensure a personalized experience for all participants.
Fill out the form to be added to our notification list so you can join us for a day of healing, self-discovery, and recovery. Rediscover the strength within you and leave feeling renewed, empowered, and more deeply connected to your inner Self.
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