Self-Love Day Retreat
As winter begins to loosen its grip and the holidays settle behind us, we gather in the quiet in between seasons. This late winter day at Just Love Forest is an invitation to gently emerge from hibernation, to remember love as our starting place, and to step into the year held by nature and community.
Self Love Day is not about fixing or striving. It is about warmth, presence, and listening. A day to soften the nervous system, tend the heart, and let love be the ground we stand on as we move forward together.
Morning Gathering
We’ll begin our day nestled in the warmth of the heated yurt, rose tea in hand, gathered in circle with Bala. This opening space is devoted to slow arrival, deep introductions, and orienting ourselves to the land, the season, and one another. Like the forest in late winter, we take our time waking up, honoring what has rested and what is beginning to stir.
Nourishing Lunch
We’ll share a wholesome, organic, plant based meal, prepared to nourish and ground the body. Eating together becomes part of the medicine, a simple and sacred act of care as we continue our inward journey.
Loving Kindness Art Experience with Heather Cape
After lunch, we’ll be guided by community member Heather Cape into a Loving Kindness art experience rooted in meditation, intention, and heartfelt expression. Through a gentle, guided meditation, you’ll be invited to listen deeply and identify ten people you carry in your heart. These may be people you love, people you wish to thank, people you long to reconnect with, people you wish to apologize to, or simply those you want to remind that they are loved.
From this meditative space, you’ll create ten hand painted “heart cards” postcards, each one infused with care, presence, and a personal message of love or appreciation. Using simple art materials and intuitive techniques, you’ll allow your hands to express what words alone often cannot.
These cards will be taken home with you and mailed after the retreat, extending the medicine of the day beyond the forest and into the lives of others. In this way, self love becomes relational, moving outward in gentle ripples of connection and healing.
Cacao: Entering the Afternoon with Warmth and Intention
We close the day gathered once more in circle, sharing ceremonial grade cacao with Sofia Castro. Reflections are welcomed. Silence is honored. Loving kindness is extended inward and outward, marking our transition out of winter’s inward pull and into the unfolding year ahead.
Sound Healing and Somatic Integration with Sarah Woolson
In the afternoon, we’ll be guided by Sarah Woolson through a deeply restorative sound healing and somatic experience. Sarah is a licensed psychotherapist and board certified music therapist based in the Atlanta area, and the founder of Woolson Wellness. Her work integrates sound baths, music therapy, mindfulness, and body based practices to support healing around anxiety, trauma, grief, and identity.
Sarah brings a rare blend of clinical depth and creative, heart centered care. With experience in pediatric and adult mental health, and a strong commitment to supporting marginalized communities, she specializes in offering embodied healing beyond traditional talk therapy. Her work includes community sound healing and ketamine assisted psychotherapy, always rooted in safety, attunement, and nervous system regulation.
During this session, the resonant tones of crystal bowls and sound instruments will support deep rest, recalibration, and emotional integration. This is an invitation to soften effort, listen with the whole body, and allow what has been held to gently release.
Closing Circle
We’ll close our day with ceremonial grade cacao shared with Sofia Castro, gathering once more in circle to reflect, integrate, and offer loving kindness to ourselves and each other. This closing ritual marks our transition out of winter’s inward pull and into the unfolding year, rooted in love and connection.
This retreat is a gentle threshold. A pause before momentum. A remembering that love is not something we earn, but something we return to.
Join us at Just Love Forest this Valentine’s season to wrap up winter, awaken the heart, and begin the year held in community.
Investment in Your Journey
$150+tax includes all experiences and a plant-based lunch
Members pay $50
Reserve Your Spot
To join us, please register individually to complete the necessary waivers. After registration, you'll be directed to our payment page to select your contribution level.
If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us at bala@justloveforest.com.
We look forward to sharing this day of self-love and connection with you.