Awakening Joy 2026
A Women’s Retreat
June 12-15, 2026
Midcoast Maine
Come join us. Salt air, sisters, and sea await.
The world is loud right now. The news, the needs of everyone around you, the endless list, and somewhere underneath the noise there’s a quieter voice trying to get a word in.
Are you stuck between envisioning a peaceful world and the realities of today? Are you caring for children (yes even the adult ones), and maybe parents too? Do you long to feel alive, present, and vibrant? Would you like to hear the whisperings of your soul, the subtle calling home to yourself, or perhaps the call that has been getting louder and louder waiting for you to create space and connect to your inner knowing?
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. Give yourself the gift of slowing down, attuning to nature, and 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 are invited!
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 connect with your sacred self and with others. Find calm, open to wonder, and let your heart fill with joy.
Take time for pause and renewal, away from the busyness of your life and the insanity of the world. Brighten your light and share in joy and laughter, be held in your grief. It’s all welcome here. Give yourself this gift of rejuvenation as the sweet days of early summer unfold.
No need to grocery shop, cook or clean up after meals. Delicious and nutritious meals will be prepared for you by Chef Angela, 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. Beauty abounds!
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?
Are you feeling depleted, longing for rest and renewal, and aching for something more? If you’re ready to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself, nature, and an intimate group of women – then 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.
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 Spring qigong and a simple 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.
Good to Know:
Health
*You will need to be in relatively good health as we will walk through the woods, have a walk exploring the Rail Trail and town of 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.
Join Us in Sacred Community
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!
Shanti, Susan
Accommodations & Pricing
All prices are per person.
Bay Room – 2nd floor, large shared room, two queen beds, shares two full baths with Spruce and Maple, one bath has walk in shower and separate luxury tub, the second bathroom has walk in shower, sweeping views of meadow and full ocean views. per person $1,779.00
Bay Room 1
Bay Room 2
Skye – 2nd floor, luxury private room, king bed, couch, en-suite bathroom, pure luxury with sweeping ocean views! $2,259.00
Skye Room
Maple – 2nd floor, private room, one queen bed, shares two full baths with Bay and Spruce, one bath has walk in shower and separate luxury tub, the second bathroom has walk in shower, ocean views. $2,039.00 Sold
Eagle – 2nd floor, cozy private room, full bed, shared bath with Rainbow room, meadow view
Sold
Rainbow – 2nd floor, private room, queen bed, shared bath with Eagle room, view of gardens and meadow Sold
Harbor Room – 1st floor, large shared room, two queen beds, shares full bath with walk in shower and a half bath with Lupine room, sliding glass doors, private deck access, beautiful full ocean views. Sold
Spruce – 2nd floor, private room, one queen bed, shares two full baths with Bay and Maple, one bath has walk in shower and separate luxury tub, the second bathroom has walk in shower, ocean views Sold
Any questions e-mail Susan
Space is intimate and limited – rooms fill quickly
Penobscot Bay shorefront
“Step into the world with wonder in your pocket, a sacred intention, your heart on your sleeve. Let your soul be your source of navigation as you travel through creation – let love be your home.”
Barbara McAfee
Joyful Buddha on the path
