Rest &

Reclaim

NOVEMBER 5TH, 10am-6pm
SOUTHWIND RETREAT CENTER

SILER CITY, NC

Sliding scale $200-$250 per person

(payment plans and camping options available)

A FULL DAY RETREAT LEARNING TO
REST AND RECLAIM
THE WISDOM WITHIN

  • When we create conditions for rest, our bodies feel heard and we get clear on what our needs are, creating conditions for collective rest. It’s a potent act that grounds us into the possibilities of a different reality.

  • SOMATICS

    The form of Somatic Therapy used in this retreat is touch, movement and sense based. You’ll have the opportunity to tune into your senses and notice what shifts through guided practices. In each restorative pose, we will meet you with touch to support you in deepening your sense of rest.

  • RESTORATIVE YOGA

    Restorative yoga is rooted in access. No matter what body you come in with, the poses are accessible and cater to a sense of rest. We spend over 10 minutes in each pose, allowing your nervous system the space it needs to begin the journey into rest. Hot stones are included.

Flow of the day

This is a full day, in-person retreat designed to welcome you into a journey towards rest, both for yourself and the community.

  • Arrive and open the day with a ceremony acknowledging ourselves, the land, and the practices.

    You will then be guided to drop into your body through guided practices and collective inquiry into the sensations of your body.

  • We will move into four different restorative somatic yoga poses, receiving touch and hot stones throughout the practice.

    There will be solo and group integrative and reflective spaces. These spaces will be supported by movement and other practices.

  • We will close with a ceremony acknowledging what we learned and what we’re bringing home with us. Leave with tools for embodiment and a home rest practice.

Reclaim the wisdom of Your body in a communal setting of rest.

Attendees will receive an email with logistics upon registering. Lunch, snacks and tea will be provided. Installment payments are available. If you need financial support, feel free to email us.

  • I'm so grateful. You are beautiful people who did gorgeous work for the community.

    Past Retreat Attendee

  • Thank you infinitely - this is the work!

    Past Retreat Attendee

  • Participating in Restshops with Mona and Lydia has revolutionized my imagination around collective action and community liberation. All around us, there is so much discussion of how we need to work together to foster change and bring new ways of being into the world, but how do we usher in new possibility if we don't know how to find rest together as well as work? My body craves connection in stillness and rest just as much as in play and work. These sacred spaces that Lydia and Mona create are helping me rethink my ability to be with others as we support each other in getting the rest we need to love our bodies into tomorrow.

    Restshop Attendee

  • This was really fun! I'll definitely be back.

    Past Retreat Attendee

WHAT TO EXPECT

Meet your guides for the Retreat


  • Restorative Somatic Yoga Teacher

    Lydia is a restorative somatic yoga practitioner and life-long student of slowness and deep rest. Resourcing from a lineage of caregivers, teachers and 15 years of personal practice, Lydia offers nervous system regulating practices, therapeutic touch, verrrrry cozy props and poetry to support others to navigate overwhelm and grief and return home to themselves.

    In her practice with groups and individuals, she tends to the root causes of exhaustion by normalizing spaces where people can embrace rest as a form of radical communal care and personal liberation. The anchor of Lydia's work is her commitment to uplifting cultures of rest for those longing to be liberated from the oppressive grip of Grind Culture.

    Lydia holds a 200hr Accessible and Alignment-Based Yoga Certification through Here Now Yoga with additional training in Restorative Somatic Yoga. She also facilitates the Work That Reconnects, a body of group work that helps people transform despair and overwhelm into inspired collaborative action.

    Raised in North Alabama, Lydia now lives with her family in Durham, NC - the territory of the Eno, Shakori, Sissipahaw, and Occaneechi people.

    You can contact her at lydia@wildgroundalabama.org.


  • Somatic Therapist

    Mona is a weaver of webs in her work with clients one on one as well as in group facilitation. She always sees the potential of connection and collaboration in what she observes, and lets that perspective move her in her work and the ways she moves through the world. She trusts and believes that healing always happens in community, no matter how hyper-individuated society gets. What moves her is curiosity and a belief that ancient wisdom is held within our bodies and that by using practices guided by the wisdom of our bodies, we can actively heal and bring the collective back to a place of harmony. She does this through earth and body-based practices, an exploration of archetypal work, and elemental shadow work.

    Mona owes her practice and “work” to her ancestors before her, her immigrant family, and the teachers she’s had the privilege to learn from in this life. As a Somatic Therapist, her practice focuses on touch and the power of co-regulation and safety that can happen from being in contact with another. Again, healing happens in community.

    Mona is new to this land of the Occaneechi, Saponi, Lumbee and Tuscarora peoples, having just moved here a little over a year ago from unceded Ohlone territory, also known as Oakland, CA. You can learn more about her in the about page.

If you are interested in attending and in need of financial assistance, please email either Lydia at lydia@wildgroundalabama.org or Mona at mona@somaeldeen.com expressing your need and we will work with you to make your presence possible.

FAQs

Will food be provided?

Snacks, lunch, and tea will be provided. There will be vegetarian and vegan options, but feel free to bring your own meal if you prefer.

Will there be time to enjoy the grounds?

Absolutely! Introspective time has been woven into the schedule. Also, you are welcome to take breaks as you need them. This retreat is about listening to your body, so if your body says “take a break” take that break.

How far is this from durham?

The Southwind Retreat Center is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Durham.

I’m coming from out of town, where can I stay?

There are some local B&B’s that you can find here. You are also welcome to camp out on the grounds at the retreat center Saturday night for $25 per person.

What do I need to bring?

Bring water, a journal and something to write with, something you’d like to add to an altar space, a scarf or eye cover, and a blanket.

Are there other payment options available?

If you feel like the installment option isn’t accessible, just reach out to Lydia and Mona with what feels accessible and we will find a solution together.