august 30, 2026 | location: marin

slowing down in summer: half-day retreat to restore in nature

Join us for a contemplative day in Marin, a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and take refuge in nature.

August arrives at peak of summer: long days, more movement, different rhythms. This day is an invitation to come together in community, to set down the busyness, and to recalibrate to our own deeper rhythm and to nature's. It has been my experience that slowing down can be hard to do, and doing it anyway, outside, in the support of nature and community and guidance, is such a gift.

When we slow down in nature, something shifts. Our breath deepens, our nervous system settles, and our senses reawaken. We begin to notice what is usually missed. Birdsong, light through the trees, the feeling of the earth beneath our feet.

We will spend the day immersed in the beauty and awareness of the natural world. Through simple sensory practices, yoga, and mindfulness based meditations, we will gently recalibrate. We will connect with what nature does best: soften, regulate, and ground us.

There will be guided yoga and meditations, walking, short reflections, relational and small group practices. The retreat will be mostly held in silence. There will be space to wander. Space to feel. Space to simply be.

This day is meant to be cleansing, grounding, and gently awakening. It is also meant to be deeply nourishing, and easeful. If you have any kind of draw towards mindfulness, nature, and feel like some extra support in connecting to that would be nice - this is the perfect place for you, really! These days are simple and so good.

No previous meditation experience is needed. All are welcome. If you have any questions, feels free to reach out!

While we will mostly remain in one area, participants should feel comfortable walking hills to get to where we set up. For the walking portion, you can walk flat trails, hilly ones, or rest.

Schedule

9:30 Arrival and orienting

9:45 Guided mindfulness in nature meditation (30 minutes)

10:15 Slow yoga / deep stretch

10:40 Dharma talk

11 Mindful Walking in Nature

12 Lunch

12:30 Guided mindfulness in nature meditation (30 minutes)

1:00 Walking meditation

1:30 Relational mindfulness practice in small groups

2:00 - 2:30pm Closing

Final logistics will be shared closer to the event, as the location may shift depending on weather.

Again depending on weather, we will decide the week before on location.

Limited to 12 participants so we can keep the space intimate and connected.

We will be together from 9:30am to 2:30pm, and we will send more details about the location the week of the event. Please plan to dress according to the weather and pack a lunch.

Early rate $125 until August 1, $155 after.

There will be two spaces available for partial or full scholarship. Please reach out if that applies to you.

About your teacher, Julianne:

I’m a lover of nature, movement, beauty, embodiment and all the moments that help us remember who we are. My work weaves together mindfulness, nature connection, yoga, and Hakomi-informed somatic practices to support people in slowing down, reconnecting with themselves, and cultivating greater presence and ease. I’m deeply inspired by the healing power of the natural world and the wisdom that emerges through silence, embodiment, and community. Over the years, I’ve guided hundreds of outdoor classes, retreats, and immersive experiences throughout the Bay Area that invite people into deeper connection with their bodies, hearts, and the living world around us.

I’m indebted to and deeply grateful for my teachers that provide grounding, insight and heart wisdom I can bring to share with you. My primary teachers include Erin Selover (meditation, nervous system regulation) Ariana Totsatto and Melissa Grace (Hakomi Somatic Therapy) and Kimberly Ann Johnson (female nervous system and body wisdom).