Sacred Pause: A Retreat for Women

 With Joanna Dunn and Amber Zimmerman

Tentative Dates: June 17-22, 2027

Whidbey Institute, Greenbank, Whidbey Island, WA

Join the waitlist - Whidbey 2027

Yoga, Meditation, Writing, and Visual Arts in Nature

Good news! The retreat that Amber Zimmerman and I ran in 2022 is back! If you want to be a part of this retreat, please email me to be added to a waitlist: [email protected] or use the link above. We’ll let you know when dates are firm and registration is open.

As women, we are often doers, caretakers, and volunteers. It is difficult for us to stop, to take time for ourselves, to care for ourselves. Yet, it is essential for leading a conscious life. Allow this retreat to be a time for you to return to yourself, to reflect and integrate, to heal, to take a “Sacred Pause” and tend to what’s within your heart. This is a perfect retreat for a woman who is going through a transitional period in life and is ready to rediscover herself. All ages are welcome.

“What’s your story?”

In a patriarchal society, women’s stories are often undertold and undervalued, even by ourselves. This retreat is an alchemical blend combining yoga and somatic movement, meditation and reflection, journaling and free-writing, and artistic expression in the beauty and quiet of a natural setting at the Whidbey Institute. You’ll be supported by a community of women in your explorations.

Each day we will combine quiet and guided meditations with journaling and reflection. We will explore the stories in our bodies through movement. With the aid of a guide, we will wake up our inner artists and create visual representations of our stories using words and imagery. Each piece of the alchemical mix will feed the others. In what way does moving our bodies mindfully interplay with our expression on paper in writing or drawing? As we walk on the trails and take time to contemplate the beauty of a tree or leaf, are new pathways equally opened to find beauty in the stories of our own lives?

No prior experience is necessary in any of the fields mentioned. Those new to Yoga, Meditation, Writing and Art are all welcome.

Inspiration for our retreat includes:

  • Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones” and “Old Friend from Far Away”

  • Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic”

  • Annie Murphy Paul’s “The Extended Mind”

  • Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”

  • Betty Edwards “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”

  • Compassion and Self-Compassion work of Tara Brach and Kristin Neff

“Joanna’s retreats have been a big blessing in my life! I always leave a different person than when I arrived. Joanna plants a seed during the retreats and creates a solid foundation for my personal practice. My inner lamp is rekindled. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!”
— Rubi
 

What’s Included:

  • Five Nights Lodging - private and shared rooms (shared bath) as well as camping allow for a variety of price points and comfort levels

  • Access to grounds, hiking trails and labrynth at beautiful and peaceful Whidbey Institute

  • Five delicious and fresh dinners, breakfasts and lunches

  • Daily yoga and meditation

  • Writing Journals and pen/pencils (or bring your own)

  • Art supplies (you may also bring your own)

What’s not Included:

  • Transportation

Tentative Daily Schedule

6:15-6:50am Meditation (Silent and guided) Sanctuary

7:00-8:15am Yoga/Movement for All Levels - Active Sanctuary

8:30am Breakfast

9:30-10:30am Writing and sharing in small groups Meeting Hall

10:30am-12:00pm - Free time*

12:00pm Lunch

1:30-3:30pm Art Explorations Meeting Hall

3:30-5:00pm Free Time*

5:00-6:15pm Yoga/Movement for all levels - Restorative Sanctuary

6:30pm Dinner

8:00-8:30pm Evening Meditation (silent and guided) Sanctuary

Everything is optional. Find your own unique blend of activity and rest, inward and outward-oriented time.

*Suggestions for free time: Find a sacred spot in nature to visit repeatedly throughout the week. Also options: walk, nap, quiet reflective time. Always an option to go to art space and create or write more. The meeting hall is open 6am-10pm. Sanctuary is a designated, quiet space.

 

Approximate Pricing:

All inclusive (lodging, meals, instruction): approximately $1000-$2500 depending on lodging choice

Private and shared rooms (shared bath) and camping are available.

*Partial scholarships available (on tuition only). Please email Joanna at [email protected] to apply.

 

How to book:

To be added to the waitlist, email Joanna at [email protected] or call 509-470-0542.

 

Questions? Get in Touch.

 

Your Hosts:

Joanna Dunn

Since she began teaching yoga in 2000, Joanna has studied a wide variety of styles and approaches to yoga and movement. The evolution has taken her toward what she now calls Virya Yoga – Yoga for Vitality and Longevity. Incorporating neuroscience and techniques for the aging body, Joanna weaves together Mindfulness Meditation, Somatic Movement, and Alignment-Based Yoga in a friendly, accessible manner. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Joanna is honored to be bringing her work to the Whidbey Institute.

Amber Zimmerman

Amber Zimmerman is a fourth generation woman artist. Art is a way of life for her and her family. Amber enjoys working with a variety of mixed mediums to create symbolic art that celebrates the connection and sacredness to the cycles of nature. Amber earned her B.A. from The Evergreen State College in Environmental Art, in 2000. She has been active in the local arts community and has participated in several group and solo gallery shows throughout Washington State. In addition to her studio work, Amber teaches art at Alpine Lakes Elementary, adult step by step painting classes, and mini retreats. She lives an authentic life in a handmade house nestled in the forest of the Cascades, and is currently pursuing her Masters in Teaching.