A Weekend of Returning Home

This weekend was not just an escape; it was a journey back to ourselves—a profound opportunity to remember and reconnect with the essence that resides within us all.

From the moment we gathered, there was an unmistakable energy in the air, a collective intention to slow down and listen. In a world that often prioritizes noise over stillness, we chose to embrace silence. It was a weekend of uncovering truths—our personal truths. When we give our voices a moment to rest, we discover the powerful language of our bodies, a language that speaks volumes when we simply take the time to see and feel.

The Forbidden Language of Being

With each passing hour, we began to realize that everything we need to know is available to us if we are willing to stop and truly look. By releasing our reliance on words, we unlocked a new form of communication: frequency. The elements around us—the earth, the wind, water and fire—began to resonate with our own energies, delivering messages of truth and connection.

As we navigated this silent journey together, we were invited to reflect on their relationship with technology. When was the last time you truly disconnected? For many, it was a first, and that can feel uncomfortable. Yet, in that discomfort lies the beauty of transformation. Whether you felt fear of the unknown or an eager longing for this space, both experiences were not only welcomed but celebrated.

Heart Medicine & Connection

Grandmother Cacao. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your sacred heart medicine held us and guided us on our journey inward. We began the weekend in ceremony with cacao, where we allowed the heart medicine to speak through us. We let the medicine open us up and guide us into connection through an eye-gazing practice led by Kayla. Here we witnessed each other in our most authentic forms. Love, tears, and laughter flowed. We created a vibration of shared vulnerability and connection, our foundation for the weekend together. Gratitude was physically present. 

Working with cacao in silence was a new and truly profound experience for me. An honor. I have had the privilege of sitting in ceremony with cacao in many communities, lineages, and locations. She always meets us exactly where we are, no matter the place or space in time. I loved the depth that my mind and body were able to experience without words being considered. In many ceremonies, it’s common to have the opportunity to express yourself in words. This practice of intentional and meaningful silence opened my eyes to an expression within. The silence gave me the time and space to take a journey inside. Weaving and connecting the sensations together that lead to uncovering beautiful truths. A sacred practice that I will carry with me. 

Embracing Silence through Sound 

When Kayla first invited me to share sound at her silent retreat, my response was immediate and filled with excitement. The vision she shared about the retreat was so beautiful and I felt the deep call to be a part of it. Since meeting Kayla in 2023, our collaborations have been nothing short of magical, and I knew that holding space together would bring forth a weekend filled with wonder and love.

The retreat began with a grounding sound bath right after our cacao and connection ceremony. Nestled in the warmth of the screened porch, surrounded by nature’s symphony, I used my Tibetan singing bowls and sacred instruments to unify the group’s energies. The natural sounds weaving through our space enhanced the experience, creating a rich tapestry of vibrations that washed over us, deepening our sense of trust and oneness. It was a moment of pure connection, where we all felt the power of being together in silence, opening our hearts to the healing frequencies.

On our second evening, I guided the group through a heart-opening sound session. This technique elevates the traditional sound bath, allowing the vibrations of the bowls to directly contact our bodies, particularly the heart chakra. By doing this, we activate the water within us, harmonizing our mycelial networks and inviting profound healing. The synergy of our heartbeats, combined with the soothing tones of nature and my instruments, created a profound depth of trust and collaboration.

I am always open to opportunities to collaborate with other space holders, and this retreat felt like a deeply aligned gift. Sharing my sound in this sacred space was an incredible honor. The silence allowed each of our frequencies to blend and amplify, making the vibrations of the singing bowls resonate even more powerfully throughout the space.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share my medicine in such a beautiful setting. The experience not only deepened my connection to the group but also enriched my own practice. Thank you, Kayla, and everyone involved, for allowing me to contribute to this magical journey.

Solitude and Nature 

In the absence of words, loving touch became a bridge connecting our spirits. Bodies were drawn closer, creating a sense of belonging in the shared silence. Solitude was embraced as an opportunity for exploration, curiosity, and relaxation. Everyone existed together in a sacred dance of being, each moment a testament to the beauty of simply being present in nature.

Solitude was not lonely; instead, it became a sacred opportunity for exploration and creation. Silence amplified our senses and allowed us to truly absorb the sights and sounds of our surroundings. Each breath taken under the expansive sky felt like an affirmation of life and connection.

One of the most profound moments was during our stargazing at night. The stillness held us, creating an absolute hush that was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. In that silence, I could hear my own inner rhythms—the subtle pulse of life within me—and I felt profoundly connected to the universe. It was a reminder of the vastness that surrounds us and our place within it.

The fire was our constant companion throughout the retreat, holding and caressing us as we shared our stories and released our burdens. Its warmth was a representation of our interconnectedness, reminding us that even in our solitude, we are never truly alone. As we gathered around the flames, we witnessed each other in all our forms, celebrating our shared humanity and the power of collective energy.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to facilitate sound healing and hold space in such a sacred setting. The harmony between solitude and nature provided a rich backdrop for healing and connection. Thank you to everyone who joined this journey, embracing the beauty of presence together. Here’s to the magic that unfolds when we honor both our inner selves and the world around us!

Nourishment for the Soul

Our retreat was nourished not only by silence but by the incredible food and drinks crafted by kitchen goddess, Jane. Her talent, creativity, and love infused every meal with warmth and nourishment, making each bite a celebration of life. The menu, curated with so much intention and grounding us deeper into the fall season. Each meal prepared with organic ingredients, blends of spice measured with her heart and garnished to look like a work of art. You could truly taste the fresh ingredients, herbs and passion in each bite. Every dish she cooked for us felt like a warm embrace. One of my favorites from the weekend was the sweet and delicious moon milk that she prepared to help guide us into our rest each night. This was my first experience enjoying herbal milks and I feel so grateful to return home with this new piece of integration to bring into my life.

Collaboration and Movement

Another highlight for me from this experience, was collaborating with Brit, the wonderful yoga instructor for this silent retreat weekend. Brit is a close friend/sister of mine and working in collaboration with her was such an easeful and nourishing experience. Her gentle yoga flow beautifully expressed our collective intentions, grounding us and opening our hearts even further.

Her sweet confidence radiated warmth and reassurance, making each of us feel deeply cared for and held. As we moved through the poses, Brit’s powerful cues guided us into a state of grounding, inviting us to connect more fully with our bodies and our breath. Witnessing her in-depth knowledge of the yogic practice was impactful. The synergy between her yoga and the other practices we explored made the experience all the more enriching.

I’m grateful for Brit's contribution and the shared energy she helped cultivate. Together we created an environment where silence and movement intertwined, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and each other.