Welcome to the Fall Writing retreat at Galleywinter! Be held in ripe landscapes and nourished by silence - your inspiration and vision deeply fed, bodies caressed by all. Pick up the reins and work your way deeper into that most important conversation - a conversation with yourself, some shared in sacred reciprocity, some simply released to the page.
Relax into the container of the land, trees, horses, human herd, bathtubs, nourishing meals, cozy bed, deep sleep, and dreams. Relish your cozy bed, find special places to sit and stare, go among the trees and listen to the breeze, know you’ll be nourished with healthy food, rest and sleep as you desire, read, walk on the land, SOAK it up. Become a true noticer - of nature, yourself, and all of life.
Supported by the Fall transition to prepare for the next chapters of our lives, we will each move within our own sovereign space in the safety of the newly formed herd and the circle of woodland that holds galleywinter grounds and all its structures, lovingly created. Practice let go of the old stories, beliefs, and habits that hobble you. Be invited to slow down, listen closely and furher your relationship with your precious body, your most reliable guidance system. Find the parts of yourself that know exactly what to do. Start a conversation with yourself that becomes a reliable inner dialogue.
Morning Yoga with Jordan. Warm up the physical and energetic bodies with gentle stretching and guided movement with plenty of old favorite and new pose modifications for everyone.
Chi Gong with Jay DeMaio. Jay has been guiding Qigong and the Internal Martial Arts since 2012, with a five-year certificate of training in Medical Qigong from Blue Willow World Healing Center. Jay guides Qigong as a deep, internal “feeling while healing” experience. Jay is trauma-aware of chronic emotional stress patterns, chronic illness, traumatic early child hood imprints and physical limitations.
Individual Somatic Sessions - Massage/ Energy*Reiki/ Polyvagal / Equine Facilitated. Optional, not included in fee. Schedule now or when you arrive. $125.
Massage: Tom Ross, LMT - Sessions support the movement of energy through the body and light-being. Possible focus on the vagal system to access deep relaxation and connectedness. A boost of positivity!!
Energy Healing/ Reiki: Jordan Winn LMT & Reiki Master. Jordan is a dedicated practitioner of massage therapy, Reiki Usui Holy Fire mastery and Yoga. Reiki means Universal Healing Energy, and is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that channels this energy to you and particular areas of the body. Reiki treats the whole person and promote feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.
Polyvagal Table Work: Jay Demaio, LMT and Emotional Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapist since 2007. Since 2007 I have worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist and more recently as an Emotional Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapist serving central Virginia. With extensive training in Polyvagal Bodywork (Nervous System Attunement Bodywork), Cranio- Sacral Therapy, Therapeutic Massage Modalities and Somatic Therapies for Trauma Resolution, Jay meets you where you are, listening deeply and supporting your body’s inherent wisdom.
Equine Facilitated Sessions: Gail Todter PhD & Denise McFadden. Energy Attunement - Sharing Space, Grooming, Walking together
Hot/ Cold Therapy in the Forest Baths and/or Sauna.
Schedule - Arrive 2 pm – 6 pm Thursday Oct 10 | Finish & Depart 2 pm Sunday Oct 13 | Detailed Schedule provided on arrival.
Accommodations - Private rooms / Shared rooms / Barn & Camping. Contact Gail gail@leadingforth.com / 434-244-2663 to select the best space for you.
Retreat Fee: $760 Includes all activiites, meals, shared rooms or camping. Private rooms add $75. Additional nights (10/9 or 14) add $100 | Register. PayPal, check, or Venmo accepted.
Customized health retreats: Counseling is available to ground or enhance your visit. Ask about nutrition, fitness, stress management, communication and relationship-building, body-wise approaches to alignment, sovereignty and empowerment; horse-wise sessions to become more aware of your personal space, your influence within and around you, emotional states and co-regulating.
Yoga, Meditation, Sit spots, Walking, Gym - All of these offerings are available to while here on retreat: practice yoga or meditate in the yoga studio, barn loft, forest deck, on the lawn, in your room, or out on the farm. There are sit spots all over the property, as well as walking paths. Two Hammocks, one in sun, one in shade. The Poplar Grove – seven sister trees east of the house. The creek adjacent to the nut field – sitting there, when the water is high, you can submerge yourself!
Experience with Horses There are several ways to experience the horses of Galleywinter Farm. You can simply observe and admire our horses from across the fence. Or Sit with a Horse! You can request our new meditation deck nearby the barn and safely share space with a particular horse or horses. Situated in a stand of old poplar trees near the barn, this lovely wood deck allows you to relax, observe and commune. You can also schedule sessions to interact directly with the horses through horsemanship instruction, musing, mentoring, self-discovery, and other therapeutic purposes. Contact Gail to discuss.
Other Services Include:
To design and schedule a group retreat/workshop, please contact gail@leadingforth.com.
Contact Gail by email or phone: 434-244-2663 to discuss the best accommodation for you. Choose private, semi private, under roof or outdoors. Visit our Accommodations Page for descriptions and booking details – very simple! Pay by PayPal or credit card.
If Gail has given you a quote for a RETREAT or PRIVATE BOOKING, you can pay here. Receipt of your payment constitues registration.
Please enter amount below, just the amount, no dollar sign!
Comments from Past Journaling Retreat
"The bonds we formed are precious. It was impossible not to see everyone suffers and everyone can heal."
"The food was delicious, the room was peaceful and lovely, the activities were powerful, and the company was delightful.
M.C. - January 2024
"Bearing witness to the stories and insights of others was so inspiring - and humbling!"
"The meals were a feast for the senses and left my body feeling light, full, and happy."
" I had one of the best experiences of my life! "
"The writing resonated more than I imagined. It feels like a sacred gift."
"The retreat was ,,,, rejuvenation, rebirth, aliveness, nourishment, restful, inspiring, affirming, supportive, loving, awakening, a miracle."