Exhale: A Grief Retreat

Chelsea Forte X Carly Misenheimer

October 26th-30th 2023

Exhale: A Grief Retreat is a transformative 5-day yoga retreat on the breathtaking Orcas Island, WA. We will gather on the days leading up to Dia de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day, when the veil between worlds is believed to be the thinnest, to be with ourselves and remember those who have shaped us. This experience is designed to help you connect with your body, nourish your soul, and process the weight of grief accumulated over the last several years. Whether you have experienced the loss of a loved one, undergone a major life transition, grappled with pandemic-related grief, or faced the pain of changing relationships, this retreat offers a soulful space to be kind to yourself, move your body, and heal in the company of others. 

*Grief is a deeply personal, activating, and exhausting experience. If your body decides at any point not to open that box, that’s okay! You will have ample opportunity to move your body, breathe, laugh, relax, reflect, and deepen your yoga practice. Guaranteed fun or your money back!

What to expect

Wake up to a view of the stunning Doe Bay and bundle up for a morning walk with a hot beverage. Meet at the quaint waterfront studio for morning vinyasa then set out for a day of feel good activities including hiking, relaxing at the spa, and nuzzling up with a book, before winding down with restorative yoga and breathwork. 

Meals

Breakfast, light lunch, and two family style dinners (Saturday/Sunday) are included in your investment. For those who arrive in time for dinner Thursday evening, meet at Doe Bay Cafe for a delicious meal and a cozy open mic night. Friday evening we will hit the town for dinner and some off-season island fun!

Doe Bay Accomodations 

This retreat will be laid back and communal with shared rooms and limited options for private rooms, if that’s your vibe. Each group cabin is located in the heart of Doe Bay Resort, just steps from the spa and a short walk to the waterfront. If you’re interested in booking a private yurt, contact Carly or Chelsea for more information.

Schedule

Thursday

5pm Arrive! Get settled, Explore

Heavy snack arrival

8pm Dinner and Open mic night at Doe Bay Cafe

Ferries from anacortes 3:40pm - 4:45pm or 6:30 - 7:40pm

Friday

Slow Morning (Breakfast provided)

10:30am Yoga flow

Mid day Spa time

6pm Slow flow

7:30pm Paint the town red (Dinner and Shenanigans in Town)

Saturday

Slow Morning (Breakfast provided)

10:30am Yoga flow

Free Time (Optional Hike)

6pm Slow flow

7:30pm Family Dinner

Sunday

Slow Morning (Breakfast provided)

(Optional Cold Plunge)

10:30am Yoga flow

Mid day Spa time

5pm Grief Ritual & Breathwork

8pm Family Dinner

Closing Campfire 🔥

Monday

10am Departure

Ferries to Anacortes 8:45am - 10:10am or 12:25pm - 1:30pm

Twin Bed // Shared Room — SOLD OUT

YURT // Private $1050-$1550

For those who’d like a little more space and distance.

$650 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot; $1050/$1550 double occupancy remainder due October 15th.

Payment plans available, please reach out if you need these options.

*Yurts have power and heat but share a communal bathroom and kitchen a short walk away.

QUEEN BED // Private Room $950 - $1450

For those invested in a quiet and relaxing weekend. $1450 for double occupancy.

$550 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot; $950/$1450 double occupancy remainder due October 15th.

Payment plans available, please reach out if you need these options.

*All Cabins share bathrooms and kitchen.

Queen Bed // Shared Room — SOLD OUT

Move and Breathe

With your guides

Carly is a North Carolina native with a Southern softness and a cultivated sense of honesty. A Cancer Sun and Mercury, she tells it like it is but she does it gently. Carly has clinical training and years of experience working as a healthcare chaplain. Currently serving as a hospice chaplain, Carly brings a particular comfort to grief work, creating brave spaces for folks to openly process their feelings around loss. She weaves elements of judeo-christian spirituality, internal family systems, and emotion focused care into her yoga teaching, giving opportunity for connection to more than just one’s physical self. While she self-identifies as a “sad girl,” Carly’s friends would call her a pretty good time. She’s excited to foster vulnerability, laughter, and community on the island.

Chelsea is a creative soul originally from California, now based in the Pacific Northwest for nearly a decade, drawn by the moody weather With a Taurus Sun, a Cancer Moon, and a Sagittarius rising her feelings are very feeling-y, her feet are firmly planted and she’s always ready for an adventure. She’s been described as blunt, grounded, and “the opposite of a panic attack”. Chelsea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in somatic trauma therapy, somatic attachment therapy, reiki, and breathwork. She integrates principles of trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, and somatic experiencing into her yoga teaching, breathwork journeys, and other holistic care offerings.  She’s excited to cultivate coziness, connection and feeling supported.