Welcome! You have reached your next step in reinstating balance into your life and delving into your self-exploration process. Red Bird Retreats works with individuals and small groups to create a safe, creative, and mindful retreat experience. Our goal is to expose each person to new methods of mental, emotional, and physical growth. Each retreat is unique and offers a range of experiences.
Red Bird Retreats strives to increase and promote balance and growth. We facilitate programs that focus on stress reduction, improved quality of life, and approaches that assist with a long-lasting sense of well-being.
Retreats may offer a combination of art-as-therapy, restorative yoga/movement body work, gentle movement, mindful walking/hiking, forest bathing, sound healing, the MARI assessment, journaling, and many other options. Please see below for indepth descriptions of some of Red Bird offerings.
What is Restorative Yoga/Movement?
Restorative Yoga or Movement is the practice of asanas. There will be 3-4 poses in a session which are held for longer periods of time than traditional yoga. The participant will be supported in the poses with props, blankets, and towels to assist with the process of relaxing the nervous system and decreasing feelings of stress in the mind and body. Each participant will be guided through the movements and eased into deep relaxation; allowing themselves to quiet their mind, body, and emotions.
What is Art-as-Therapy?
Art-as-Therapy acknowledges the powerful and therapeutic benefits of the creative process while encouraging relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness. Art is a universal language that promotes a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment.
Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy is a form of therapy. It uses the creative process to explore, problem-solve, and heal thoughts, experiences, sensations, and emotions. Art Therapy “does not care for technical skills or techniques [like art as therapy], relieving people of the pressure to create ‘good’ art. The focus is enabling people to communicate their inner world through their artwork”.
If you’re interested in learning more about Art Therapy, please visit the AATA website .
What is Gentle Movement?
Gentle Movement is slow and intentional movement and stretching that aids in warming up the body, moving into a wakeful state, soothes aches/tightness, and assists with transitioning between activities.
What is Mindful Walking/Hiking Meditation and Breathing?
Mindful walking and meditation is a way to practice mindfulness, centering, and relaxation. It “simply means walking while being aware of each step and of our breath” (Michigan State University). This activity can be done in nature, home, in office, or around your neighborhood. Engaging in mindful breathing and walking meditation offers an accessible method for centering the mind and body no matter the environment or situation.
What is Candle-Carving?
Little is known about the exact origins of candles, however, their use has extended as far back as 5,000 years. Before the advent of electricity, lighting candles have been used for practical purposes as well as ceremonial rituals. The symbolism of the use of candles and fire with intention is rich and vast in relation to culture and context. During our retreat, participants will be guided through Jennifer’s unique approach to intention setting through the use of simple tools and candles. Each participant will leave with their own personal candle to be incorporated into mindfulness practices that can be utilized at home.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing is an easily accessible modality for centering the mind and body, remaining in the moment, and practicing mindfulness. This practice allows the individual to connect and align themselves with nature. It originated in Japan in the 1980s to help combat burnout and to encourage individuals to connect with their natural environment.
What is the MARI Assessment?
The MARI (Mandala Assessment Research Instrument) Assessment is “a comprehensive system that uses symbols, known as mandalas, to reveal the inner truth and reality of the subject as it is –not what the ego filters of consciousness would want it to be, but what it really is”. The assessment was influenced by Carl Jung’s work with mandalas . MARI “is a psychological assessment that includes 39 symbol cards and 45 color cards”, art making, and analysis.
A MARI practioner has been trained and certified to assist each indivdual in the assessment process. More information on the MARI Assessment can be found here.
What is Sound Healing?
Sounds healing is the use of tones and vibrations that assist in relaxation and promotes balance in the mind, body, and psyche. Sound healing uses various tools (bowls, chimes, tuning forks, etc.) and ” sound frequencies to create a therapeutic atmosphere to promote deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release”. More information on Sounds healing can be found here.
We look forward to assisting you in your journey!
