Hello
Imagine a picturesque island, just a short ferry ride away, and home to some of the Northwest's most beautiful scenery, wildlife in stately evergreen forests, and bald eagles and blue heron along the beach.
The hustle and bustle of life fades in the distance. You arrive at your wooded sanctuary set among elder trees, meadows, and pathways through acres of natural wetlands.
There’s something about the magical energy of this island that will inspire you and your imagination – the perfect place to gather, amplify our collective energy, and empower each other to soar in life.
It’s 3 days of rejuvenation, spirituality, delicious food, sacred sisterhood – and FUN – something we all desperately need!
Whidbey Island, the closest place to far away.
How wonderful would it feel to drop the stress and anxiety from all the challenges in your life?
It sure would! On this retreat, through gentle yoga, deep meditation, and soothing sound healings, you’ll release stress and nourish your body and spirit, so that you can return home feeling calm, centered, and rejuvenated.
Wouldn’t it feel incredible to be able to know and understand your own self-worth?
Yes it would, and that is what you can expect to happen during our time together. Through powerful shamanic ceremonies, you will be able to let go of what no longer serves you, so you can bring the best of YOU back home to start living a more intentional life.
VENUE
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An oasis for the Mind, Body & Soul, Aldermarsh provides us with an opportunity to transform, come into balance, and awaken our full potential.
Situated on the edge of a beautiful marshland in the Maxwelton Valley at the south end of Whidbey Island, the wooded 5-acre facility is sustainably managed and includes organic gardens, a cordwood sauna, outdoor Japanese soaking tub, medicine wheel, outdoor fire pit, and the Marsh House for sacred gatherings. Being on this sacred land gives one an opportunity to slow down, listen attentively, and dive into what emerges.
LODGING
The Main House is a beautiful, custom-built space bordered by gardens and accessed by entry paths framed by bamboo groves and a small pond. The central kitchen and living room are the main areas for dining and gathering. It sleeps up to 8 people, has two bathrooms and an outdoor shower located adjacent to the Japanese soaking tub. There are three bedrooms in the Main House.
Alder Room is on the main level overlooking the wooded marsh. The room has two twin beds and connects to a full bathroom.
Queen’s Room is on the second floor and has views of the marsh and the bamboo groves at the entrance. This room has one double bed and two twin beds, and shares a full bathroom with the Moon Room.
Moon Room is a cozy space on the second floor with a wonderful view overlooking the wooded marsh. The room has three twin beds and connects to a full bathroom shared with the Queen’s Room.
The Studio is a separate building and is connected to the Main House by an open air breezeway. The Studio is a two story space equipped with a small full kitchen and has beautiful views of the gardens and bamboo groves. This space has two bathrooms and sleeps up to seven people with two bedrooms and one loft.
Garden Room is on the first level, has a private bathroom and offers views through the wisteria vine to the garden and surrounding acreage. This room has two twin beds.
Upper Studio is on the 2nd level and has skylights that brighten the space and provide opportunities for star and moon gazing. This room has one double bed and two twin beds and connects to a large bathroom shared with the Loft.
The Loft is a cozy, private space accessed by a wooden ladder and with two twin beds. Ceiling height is low and standing room is limited.
The Apartment is a free standing building located adjacent to the parking lot and with views of the garden. The space has a small kitchen, main living area, bathroom and two bedrooms. One bedroom is on the main level and has one double bed. The second bedroom has one twin bed and is located in the open loft, which is accessed by narrow, wooden stars.
Owl House is tucked into the woods amidst the wild calls of owl and coyote allies, and located near the wood fired sauna and the Marsh House. This is a wonderful space for those seeking solace in nature and quiet. The single room cabin has two twin beds but no runnig water. Bathroom facilities can be accessed at the Marsh House or the Main House.
Spirit House is nestled on the edge of the marsh amidst a grove of cedar and red alder, and is a wonderful space for those seeking refuge in the natural world. The space has a small wood stove and a free standing electric heater. The single room cabin has one double bed and no running water. Bathroom facilities can be accessed at the Main House.
THE ROOMS
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Shared lodging in one of Aldermarsh's beautiful houses or cabins. If you have someone that you would like to room with please indicate on the registration form. Otherwise, retreat facilitators will assign lodging randomly. View Rooms & Cabins here
OUR JOURNEY
Take a transformative healing journey as we work in harmony with the energies of the New Moon. Bathe your heart and soul in sacred sound, reconnect with your inner truth, intuitive wisdom, and Divine Loving Presence awareness. The New Moon is a magical time to set intentions, release negative energy and plant the seeds for new ideas and beginnings.
Enjoy a deeply attuned program that will provide you with the tools for self-care and soul connection to cultivate peace, healing, and balance.
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Yoga and breathwork to unwind, strengthen and restore
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Meditation to calm the mind
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Sound Healing Journeys to relax into bliss
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Journaling to come back to you
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Cacao ceremony to plant the seeds of your intentions
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Medicine Wheel walks to heal and return to balance
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Sacred practices to empower yourself and find your true nature
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Nature walks to return reverence toward yourself and the earth
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New Moon Fire ceremony to let go of the old ways and open to the new
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Relaxation time to process and integrate
Embrace the opportunity to begin fresh and new!
What's Included
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2 nights/3 days accommodation at Aldermarsh
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Sacred spaces woven into the heart of nature
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4 locally sourced nourishing meals (Lunch & Dinner)
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Breakfast items available for self-service
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Daily yoga, breathwork, meditation, and journal prompts
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Shamanic practices and rituals
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Medicine Wheel and Nature walks
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New Moon Fire Ceremony
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Free time to enjoy the Japanese Soaking Tub & Sauna
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Community Circle to hold supportive space for each other
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Integration time, Time to Connect, Time to Explore
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A special welcome gift
What's Not Included
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Your round-trip airfare to and from home
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Your round-trip ferry to and from Whidbey Island
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Transportation to and from Aldermarsh
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You will need to bring your own toiletries
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Alcoholic beverages. We know you will be "blissed-out" from the retreat itself
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Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (I do recommend you have this just in case)
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Other non-included items would include souvenir shopping, private healing sessions or spa services
YOUR GUIDES
Gail Kronberg studied extensively under Master Suren Shrestha to learn the traditional Nepalese ways of sound healing with Himalayan singing bowls. A certified Sound Healer and Founder of Singing Bowl Soundsations, it is her passion and mission to create transformational music and healing experiences designed to awaken and balance the body, mind and soul.
Gail is also a Usui Holy Fire® and Shamanic Reiki Master, Musician, and Ceremonialist. Following the path of Shamanism, she was initiated as an Earthkeeper by the medicine men and women of Peru, and lives in service to Pachamama. An intuitive gentle guide into the sacred self, Gail integrates ritual and ceremony into her healing experiences.
In addition to the healing arts, Gail has always had a love for music and performing and received a B.M. in Studio Music from Silver Lake College and a M.M. in Vocal Performance from Illinois State University.
Rachel Bellinger is a mother, mindfulness educator, yoga teacher and meditation teacher. As the founder of Inner Wild Coaching & Meditation she empowers mission-minded leaders and organizations to create radical impact from within.
Rachel is a deeply devoted yogi and meditator with nearly 20 years of practice across the US, Bali, Thailand and India. She completed a 200-hour Ashtanga & Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Sampoorna Yoga in India, a 300-hour Meditation Teacher & Leadership Coach training with Sura Kim, and a two-year Conscious Social Change training in mindfulness, trauma healing and social entrepreneurship with Gretchen Ki Steidle.
Rachel lives on Whidbey Island, Washington with her family, dog and cat.
REGISTRATION
Your Investment: $1,222 (12 spots available)
REGISTRATION CLOSING MAY 5TH!
To join us:
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$350 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
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Complete the registration form below. If you have someone that you would like share a room with please indicate in the comments on the registration form. Otherwise, we will assign rooms.
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You will be sent a Square invoice for the balance. After April 15, 2023 the full amount is non-refundable.
Our Cancellation Policy:
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Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $350 deposit.
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Any cancellation made after April 15, 2023 will result in a total loss of funds.
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We reserve the right to cancel the retreat for any reason (if we do so your deposit is refunded in full).
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Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended when making travel plans.
Next, Place Your Deposit:
FAQ
WHAT IS THE LOCATION?
Aldermarsh Retreat Center is located on the south end of Whidbey Island at 6436 Maxwelton Road, Clinton, WA 98236.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND DEPART?
You may arrive at Aldermarsh between 11:00 – 3:00 pm on Friday, May 19th to settle in and connect to nature. We will gather for Opening Circle at 4 pm. The retreat will end by 2 pm on Sunday, May 21st.
WHERE SHOULD I FLY INTO? HOW WILL I GET TO THE RETREAT?
The main airport is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) which is 46 miles to Aldermarsh and includes a ferry (Mukilteo-Clinton).
Alternatively, you can fly into Snohomish County-Paine Field (PAE) in Everett or Bellingham International (BLI), however flights are limited.
You will be responsible for your transportation to Aldermarsh. We will support coordination with attendees for carpooling/arrival times.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
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Layers! The season will be changing and day/evening temps vary. Bring comfortable clothes for yoga, a sweater, rain jacket, and appropriate footwear for walking outdoors.
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Rooms are supplied with comfy bedding and towels. You will need to bring your own toiletries.
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The main kitchen will be stocked however you are welcome to bring anything. There are separate kitchens in some of the other lodgings so there is plenty of refrigerator space available.
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Marsh House provides yoga mats and props. You are welcome to bring any other cozy comforts for yoga, meditation, and sound healing journeys.
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A rattle or drum for ceremonies.
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A journal
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Water Bottle
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Flashlight or head lamp
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A swimsuit if you wish to use the Japanese soaking tub and sauna.
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An open heart, curiosity and willingness to participate.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
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Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $350 deposit.
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Any cancellation made after April 15, 2023 will result in a total loss of funds.
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We reserve the right to cancel the retreat for any reason (if we do so your deposit is refunded in full).
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Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended when making travel plans.
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
We will do our very best! Please be sure to let us know of any dietary restrictions so that we can inform our chef.
DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL THE RETREAT ACTIVITIES?
While we have chosen all practices and activities very intentionally and created the itinerary with care to ensure there’s ample rest and relaxation time, this choice is up to you. We encourage you to honor your mind, body, and spirit throughout our time together. Listen to your body and feel free to take breaks when needed.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH!