Awakening Joy 2026

A Women’s Retreat
June 12-15, 2026
Midcoast Maine

Immersed in the beauty of nature, living with a bit of luxury!

You are warmly invited to join us for four days and three nights of Awakening Joy – a women’s retreat on the beautiful shore of Penobscot Bay in Searsport, Maine. Step out of the noise of everyday life. Give yourself the gift of slowing down, attuning to nature, connecting to the beauty around you, the quiet within you, and the company of kindred women. Relax and let it all be.

Picture yourself in a sanctuary for body, mind and soul where slow breaths and long exhales just happen! Feel that sigh of relief. Allow the rhythm of nature to move through you. Hear the sounds of the water washing in and swishing back over the pebbles and out to sea. Smell the salt mist lingering in the air. Relax on the porch watching an eagle soar as the sun melts into vibrant hues or a soft pastel cotton candy sky.

Come be in the presence of your sacred self and sisterhood. Cultivate a calm center, an openness to wonder, inner peace, and a heart full of joy.

Take time for pause and renewal, making space for what is ready to move through you. Share in joy and laughter, be held in your grief. It’s all welcome here. Brighten your light. Give yourself this gift of rejuvenation as the sweet days of early summer begin to appear.

No need to grocery shop, cook or clean up after meals. Delicious and nutritious meals will be prepared for you, with your personal preferences and requirements in mind.
(Please note that the kitchen is not celiac-certified.)

The Setting

We will enjoy a serene oceanfront fifteen-acre property at Limina Renewal Center on the shores of Penobscot Bay.

What’s Included

Everything you need for deep restoration:

• All meals and snacks
• Accommodations
• Self care practices: quiet mornings, meditation, journal prompts, qigong, yoga nidra, and gentle yoga
• Optional walk on the Belfast Rail Trail
• Dips in the cool waters
• Free time to rest, read, walk the trails, relax, and connect in community
  
• All taxes and fees, and group tip for Limina staff
  
• Optional Pre Retreat online meetup

What’s not Included

Transportation to and from the retreat center and to nearby Belfast for our walking adventure.
Cash for personal shopping in town or any additional gratuities.

Is this for me?

If you’re ready to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself, nature, and an intimate group of women, yes, this is for you.

Envision a slow walk through the woods, the scent of spring in the air, splashes of blue violets at your feet. Picture yourself relaxing by the seashore, finding silence in the labyrinth, hearing the rhythm of the waves, and feeling the aliveness of dipping into the cool waters.

You are worthy of profound rest and rejuvenation! Ground yourself, walk gently on this earth, feel the kiss of nature, warmth of the sun, and hugs of new and old friends. This retreat is made for women who are ready to come home to themselves. You will be held in sacred space and surrounded by beauty. Come. Be reminded of who you are. Come create space and hear the whisperings of your soul.

No Experience with qigong or yoga necessary. All Women Welcome!

You’ll be gently guided. All you need is an open heart.

What will you leave with?

Leave with a simple Spring qigong practice and a short tonglen compassion meditation, a clearer mind, and a full heart. Return home feeling present, alive, and reconnected to your inner knowing. Grateful for your life.

Who is this not for?

If what you need right now is a packed schedule, city energy, nightlife, or time to scroll and catch up on work, this is not your retreat.
This will be an alcohol free retreat.

Health

* You’ll want to be in relatively good health, as we’ll walk, explore Belfast on foot, and practice qigong.

Cancellation Policy

Please note there are no refunds after payment is received. If there is any chance you may need to cancel, we recommend purchasing trip insurance.

Come join us. Salt air & sea await.

You have been the steady one, the strong one, the one who holds it all together. What if, for four days, someone held you? If you are ready to feel alive, present, and vibrant, this retreat was made for you. If your heart is saying yes, we’d love to have you join us. I’m looking forward to welcoming you with open arms! 

Accommodations & Pricing
Bay, Skye and 2 new rooms, Cove & Heron, are Now Available.
All prices are per person.

Sign Up Now!

Bay Room – Sweeping ocean and meadow views, large shared room on the 2nd floor, two queen beds. Shares two full baths in the hall (walk-in showers, one with a separate luxury tub). Per person $1,779.00

 Bay Room 1

 Bay Room 2

Skye – 2nd floor, luxury private room, king bed, couch, en-suite bathroom, sweeping ocean views! $2,239.00 

Skye Room

Cove Room -Ocean view 2nd floor, brand new shared room now available. Two queen beds, shared bath with Heron. $1,700 per person

Cove Room 1

Cove Room 2

Heron Room – Spectacular 2nd floor brand new private room, queen bed, ocean views on two sides. Shared bath with Cove Room. $2,139.00

Heron Room

Register Now
Any questions  e-mail Susan
Space is intimate and limited. 

Maple – Private room, queen bed, ocean views. Sold

Eagle – Cozy private room, full bed, meadow view. Sold

Rainbow – Private room, queen bed, garden and meadow view. Sold

Harbor Room – Large shared room, two queen beds, private deck, full ocean views. Sold

Spruce – Private room, queen bed, ocean views. Sold

Shanti, Susan

May you grow still enough to hear the trickling of water seeping into the ground, so that your soul may be softened and healed, and guided in its flow. May you grow still enough to hear the splintering of starlight in the winter sky and the roar at the earth’s fiery core.

Brother David Steindl-Rast

Penobscot Bay shorefront

Joyful Buddha on the path