The voice emerges when it feels welcomed...
Join applied theater artist, yoga therapist and transformational coach, Kate Holly (MFA, ERYT), for a rejuvenating 3-day weekend in the woods where you will open the channel of your voice.
This women’s retreat is open to anyone who is either female-identified or AFAB (assigned female at birth), which allows us to openly explore how silencing occurs through patriarchal conditioning, along with the liberation practices that help us reclaim the full autonomy of the voice.
Blending wisdom from the embodied voice practices of the Roy Hart Theater, the groundbreaking work of the feminist psychologist and ethicist, Carol Gilligan (author of In a Different Voice), the mythic insight of Clarissa Pinkola Estes, a range of expressive arts practices, and the healing power of ecology to connect us to our essential nature, retreat activities will range from playful to contemplative.
The voice is a living instrument of change.
The voice is an expression of our power.
When our voice grows, the power of the world is reimagined.
“When women do not speak, when not enough people speak, the voice of the Wild Woman becomes silent, and therefore the world becomes silent of the natural and wild too. Silent, eventually of wolf and bear and raptors. Silent of singings and dancings and creations. Silent of loving, repairing, and holding. Silent of air and water and the voices of consciousness.”
-Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run With the Wolves
“When people ask me what I mean by voice I mean something like what people mean when they speak of the core of the self. Voice is natural and also cultural. It is composed of breath and sound, words, rhythm, and language. And voice is a powerful psychological instrument and channel, connecting inner and outer worlds. Speaking and listening are a form of psychic breathing. For these reasons, voice is a new key for understanding the psychological, social, and cultural order–a litmus test of relationships and a measure of psychological health.”
-Carol Gilligan, feminist psychologist and ethicist and author of In a Different Voice
Our retreat takes place at Liminalia, a magical property that unlocks possibility…
Liminalia is a private retreat center nestled in the coastal woods of Vernonia, Oregon. Here, you will find abundant peace, quiet, comfort and inspiration. The outdoor spaces invite you to journal from the perch of a giant cedar, float on the creek, walk to the waterfall, rest on the outdoor bed, and listen for bird calls.
The beautiful indoor spaces include two saunas, private cabins, a yoga studio, a cozy living room and community dining area, and more.
You can read all about Liminalia on their website HERE, or scroll the gallery below.
A Thoughtfully Crafted Schedule of events for Contemplation, Creativity and Connection…
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Gentle Yoga Sessions
Each day will begin with a short gentle yoga session, and some evenings will also have candlelit restorative yoga for listening to the wisdom of the body.
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Journaling, Coaching and Facilitated Conversation
Self-expression is deepened through our workshop sessions that include journaling, coaching, and insightful conversations.
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Fun in the Forest
A silent nature walk will awaken our ability to listen to the voice of the Earth. Free time allows for hiking to the waterfall, swimming in the creek, and exploring the woods.
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Arts & Crafts
Gently guided arts and crafts time invites participants to explore the visual and imaginal aspects of self-expression. NO artistic skill is necessary to participate.
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Creative Play (introvert friendly!)
With campfire singalongs and mystery shows, this retreat will invite you to express your magic in ways that might just surprise you. Invitations to play will be varied, accessible, and provide gentle on-ramps for introverts.
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Embodied Voice Workshop
Kate’s 3-hour embodied voice workshop, inspired by her training in the Roy Hart Voice Method, will meet you where you are and help you connect to parts of your voice that are longing to be heard. NO previous vocal training is required.
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Embodied Problem Solving
Using applied theater and improvised movement techniques, we will learn to investigate our hopes, dreams and challenges through the creative wisdom of the body, culminating in fun and accessible performance experiences that are healing, rather than intimidating. NO performance experience is necessary.
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Open Space
There will be plenty of time to tune in to your own voice. Use our free time sessions to rest, play, swim, sing in the sauna, and otherwise enjoy the stunning sweetness of summer in the Pacific NW.
Scroll the gallery to see the spaces…
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The White House (shared with up to 3 people)
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Grey Haven (shared with up to 3 people)
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Indoor Dining Area.
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Where the magic meals get made.
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The Movement Studio.
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The Steam Sauna (there's a dry sauna too!)
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Daisy Rose cabin for 1-2 people. There are 3 cabins of this size available.
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The outdoor bed for stargazing and creek watching.
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Firepit for smores and singalongs.
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Outdoor lounging with goats.
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The main house at Liminalia.
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With room to spread out, you can also bring a tent and camp!
Nutritious, Delicious Catered Meals with Gather Around Nutrition.
Delight in artfully crafted meals, desserts and beverages from our chefs-in-residence from Gather Around Nutrition. Whatever your dietary needs and preferences, our dining experiences are guaranteed to be a sweet spot highlight of this retreat!
Your All-Inclusive Retreat Experience Provides…
Time and space to unplug, relax and listen to your inner voice.
You have access to the amazing Liminalia property, which includes a yoga studio, indoor community gathering rooms, dry sauna, steam sauna, private creek, fire pit, and enchanted woodland. Take all the time you need.
Eight fully catered meals plus snacks, beverages and desserts.
Healthy, beautiful and fresh food inspired by the bounty of summer, prepared by a talented team of chefs from Gather Around Nutrition who can accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Facilitated Retreat Activities with Kate Holly.
From yoga to journaling to embodied voice and creative self-expression workshops, Kate will facilitate each activity so that you can feel safe and supported, explore your growth edges, make some great friends along the way, and have FUN.
You provide:
Your transport to and from Vernonia, Oregon (a 90 minute drive from Portland—carpools encouraged!), personal snacks and drinks (optional), bedding and tent if you are camping. There tend to be a lot of non-drinkers and light drinkers on these retreats, so no alcohol will be served. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine or other favorite beverage to share with dinner if you like. Please refrain from heavy drinking while on retreat.
Sleepover Cabins:
$1200 per person*
*Save $75 if you sign up by May 15th, total rate $1125!
Enjoy a private single bed in either the charming White House or the adorable Grey Haven with your fellow bunkmates (like-minded souls with a penchant for respectful cohabitation). These cabins sleep up to 4.
Reserve with a $300 non-refundable deposit.
You will be given the option to pay the remainder in full or in monthly installments.
Private Cabins:
$1500 per person*
*Save $75 if you sign up by May 15th, total rate $1425!
Stay in one of 3 cabins that has a comfortable bunk bed. Choose single occupancy for optimal privacy, or bring a friend along for an additional $800.
Reserve with a $300 non-refundable deposit.
You will be given the option to pay the remainder in full or in monthly installments.
BYO Tent Camping:
$1050 per person *
*Save $75 if you sign up by May 15th, total rate $975!
Bring your own tent and get cozy under the stars! You can glamp if you want to.
Reserve with a $300 non-refundable deposit.
You will be given the option to pay the remainder in full or in monthly installments
Previous retreat participants are saying…
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"Opportunities for self discovery and growth are hard to come by, however a retreat with Kate can change your life. Re-ignite your dreams with some amazing ah ha moments. It's always magical when you can gather any group with the kind of intention you bring and the space that supports amazing possibilities."
Mishawn, participant in Plant Your Dreams Retreat
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"Best investment ever. We need time, space, and rest so that we can dream, gain clarity, and move forward with more intention. Kate is such a powerful teacher, life coach, and entrepreneur and creates such a meaningful space to help grow others."
Plant Your Dreams retreat participant
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"Don’t hesitate, sign up! It is wonderful. I have been to several retreats, the focus on personal growth and the future is really what sets this apart. And then the other details are wonderful like the focus on healthy food, the friendships, the natural setting, and the flexible, go with the flow feel was also really nice."
Deanna, participant in Plant Your Dreams Retreat
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“The Sweet Spot retreat offered by Kate was a wonderful experience that left an undeniable impression on me. Kate's guidance, knowledge, and insightful facilitation fostered an environment of genuine learning, fun, and self-discovery. The retreat was thoughtfully curated. The engaging and interactive workshops provided me with practical takeaways, as well as personal introspection.The location was not only stunningly beautiful but also conducive to introspection and connection. The serene surroundings offered the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and reflective exercises. The integrated elements of mindfulness, physical activities, creative expression, and nourishing cuisine made me feel so balanced. Beyond the retreat itself, the tools and insights I gained have had a lasting impact. I have witnessed positive changes in my mindset and overall sense of purpose.”
-Kristina, participant in Sweet Spot Retreat at Liminalia
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"This experience was an absolute gift. I am eternally grateful for what it helped to open up in me…Thank you, Kate. You are an artful, intuitive, radical facilitator! Pure magic!"
-Julia, participant in Sweet Spot Retreat at Liminalia
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"Go experience Kate’s incredibly varied realms of knowledge - from theater to yoga to humor to economics to coaching - and see what helps to move you along. This is an opportunity to have FUN and sample many ways to know, grow, flow, and connect. I loved the location; the presence of animals; the beautiful food; the cold creek and hot saunas; the kind/ present people; yoga in the morning and one night; Kate's magical synthesis of Buddhism, yoga, theatre devising, movement improv, and other things I cannot name. Kate has a gift for making sure the things that need to happen happen while also holding space for weird wild magic. "
-Jen, participant in Sweet Spot Retreat at Liminalia
Kate’s voice story…
I was a super shy kid (like, anxious about the 5th-grade presentation for months before it even happened kind of shy). Despite my terror of public speaking, I loved dancing around in my living room and singing along at the top of my lungs to the Annie the Musical soundtrack. My love for theater eventually won out over my deep-seated introversion, and with years of practice and training, I developed the ability to share my voice.
In 2010, I completed a master’s program where I studied the Roy Hart approach to voice almost every day. I learned that the voice is intimately tied to both the body and the psyche, and it can be a tool for both inner and outer liberation. When we expand what’s possible with our voice, we expand possibility in every part of the self.
I have been facilitating embodied voice workshops for over a decade, primarily in yoga teacher training programs. After many years of working with actors, it has been profound and moving to see how this work translates and resonates with people who may not identify as performers.
As an artist, an entrepreneur, a teacher/facilitator, a coach, and now a therapist-in-training, I have relied on my voice to carry me through the world, and I have seen that when people connect to their voice they heal and grow in unexpected ways, and new dreams become possible.
For more info on my credentials and lineages, see my about page.
FAQs
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This retreat is for female identified and AFAB (assigned female at birth) folks who are seeking a more empowered relationship to their voice or creativity, and/or who would benefit from a restorative and playful retreat.
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Liminalia is absolutely enchanting, every space has been arranged for beauty and comfort, and we are going to have an epic experience, but the lodging is what would typically be described as “rustic”, with luxury invested in the things that matter most: comfortable beds, good food, plenty of nature, and transformational experiences.
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This retreat is a perfect opportunity for introverts to get their social needs met while also having plenty of time and space for quiet and contemplation. You will be encouraged throughout the retreat to tend to your own sweet spot, balancing social interaction with introspection and solitude. The voice workshop will gently support you in expanding your growth edge around being seen and heard.
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Participants from my past retreats have experienced everything from a fun and inspiring reset, to a radical life transformation. I believe retreats meet you where you are and give you what you need most. This retreat in particular will focus on enlivening your relationship to your voice and self-expression in ways that you can take back to your life, career or business.
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This retreat will focus on meaning making, deep connection and play. Our top priority is to create a safe and respectful environment for cohabitating and enjoying each other’s company. Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited, and alcohol or other legal substances should be consumed mindfully, moderately and respectfully. Please note: there is no wifi or cell service on the property, so plan on a digital detox! There is a land line phone available for use.
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Participants are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of the retreat start time. Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 or displaying symptoms will be asked to refrain from attending the retreat. Unfortunately, refunds are not available for COVID cancellations. It is recommended that you practice precautions (masking, avoiding large crowds) for the days and weeks leading up to retreat if possible.
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Due to the many upfront expenses associated with producing a retreat, the $300 retreat deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel by May 1st, 2024, you will be refunded whatever you paid beyond the deposit. Cancellations after May 1st are non-refundable, though credit for another retreat or offer from Kate Holly Coaching may be provided on a case by case basis.