An invitation to mothers to return to themselves, this day-long retreat honors the sacred unfolding of Matrescence: the often unseen, deeply felt developmental transition to becoming a mother. Through guided movement and meditations, nature-based rituals, nourishing foods, and heartfelt conversations with yourself and fellow mothers, you will hold and be held in a space of reflection, connection, and renewal. Rooted in nature and supported by community, this is a time to exhale, be witnessed, and return home to who you are becoming.
About the Facilitator
Nora Seilheimer is a holistic full-spectrum doula, certified breastfeeding specialist, perinatal yoga teacher, reiki practitioner, and writer serving the Kalamazoo area. Through her work at Mindful Matrescence, she guides women at any threshold along their matrescence journey in using the tools of mindfulness to make meaning of their experiences and uplift their role as Mother. She believes that pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are forgotten rites of passage through which women require individualized care, communal support, and collective witnessing to their transformation. As a mother herself, she aims to guide her family and community toward healing, and believes that mothers everywhere, when equipped with community and self-tending, can lead the world in love and peace.
Retreat Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.: arrival
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: opening circle
10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: morning ritual and reflection
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: lunch (provided by host)
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.: afternoon ritual and reflection
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.: closing circle
4:00 – 4:30 p.m.: departure
Registration and Lodging Details
To reserve your spot, complete this online registration form. Please be sure to click on the link on the confirmation page to submit payment and reserve your spot.
Early Bird registration for this day retreat program is $228 (plus fees); on January 1, the cost increases to $250 (plus fees). Space is limited. If you have any issues registering or submitting payment, or if you would like to inquire about a payment plan, please contact Nora at [email protected]
As the day of the retreat approaches, expect an email from Nora detailing the events of the day, what to pack, and possible options for carpooling to GilChrist from Kalamazoo. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.
