Do you long for time and space to retreat, reflect, and restore your spirit in these challenging times?

You're invited to join us in

A Sacred Pause

A Women's Retreat

How are you really doing?

We are living through a time of profound transformation—personally, culturally, collectively. The world as we’ve known it is shifting. Old systems are crumbling. Certainty is elusive.

Many of us are navigating not just external instability, but also a deeper inner reckoning: Who am I now? What matters most? Where do I go from here?

It’s a lot.

If you're feeling disoriented, heavy, exhausted—or like you're carrying more than one human should have to hold—you are not alone.

And still, within all this… something deeper is stirring.

Many of us sense that this moment, as chaotic and exhausting as it is, also carries the possibility of profound transformation. If we choose to meet it with intention, it can become a crucible—a sacred fire through which clarity, resilience, and a deeper knowing of ourselves are forged.

That is the intention at the heart of A Sacred Pause.

This retreat is not about escape. It’s about remembrance.

It’s a time-out from the noise and demands of daily life—a space to exhale, lay your burdens down, reconnect to your inner wisdom, and listen for what’s next.

Sometimes, in order to move forward, you just need to stop.

In a world that insists you keep pushing through, choosing to rest and reflect is not indulgent—it’s revolutionary.

It’s radical self-care.

Whether you’re running on fumes or simply longing for deeper connection, this retreat offers the stillness, nourishment, and compassionate community you need to restore yourself.

A time-out from the noise of everyday life.
A place to rest, reflect, and root back into your own truth.
To be held by nature, nourished by community, and reminded of the deep wisdom you carry.

Because in times like these, radical self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how we find our way home.

It's up to you

The hard truth is: no one else can do this for you.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

What you need is a jumping off place...something that allows you to shift gears without the demands of daily life interfering. A little structure, a little facilitation, and the presence of supportive companions.

So much of my time was focused on others that it was hard to find the time I needed to be inwardly focused. I needed to have a dedicated chunk of time to check in with me.

Free directories: directories are Over the weekend, I had a profound change in my story about fear—moving out of thinking I needed to go into worry and stress whenever I felt fear and understanding that was simply my story – and my decision – about how to react to fear. With this realization I was able to write a new story for myself and respond to fear in a centered, accepting way. This was an amazing group of women and Julie offered warm support, gentle guidance, deep reaching questions and experiences as she shepherded us through our time together.

Marcia C.

Westminster, CO

The retreat allows me stop everything and think only about me, which is something that I rarely do.

It allows me the space and time to focus and pinpoint the issues that I need or want to deal with while at the same time feeling unconditional support from the other women. For the first time in a very long time, I felt a part of a group, of the circle. I felt connected to the other women in many ways. There's an ease during the retreat, a camaraderie among the women who respect one another and offer unconditional affection. You can be who you are, and there are no critics. There’s nothing more inspirational than the power of a group of like-minded women who are supportive of one another.

MaryBeth C.

Newport, KY

I came to this retreat so broken. I felt like I had completely lost myself and my way. I had no idea what to do with my life. But once I was there amazing things happened to me.

Everyone was so accepting and wonderful. With the community of women there I gained clarity and acceptance which allowed me to remember who I was. The group was supportive but gave me space and didn't try to solve my problems—they let me do this on my own. The retreat was the best thing I have ever done for myself, and the experience changed my life. The whole experience has left me feeling like a large weight has been lifted off my shoulders which makes me feel lighter. I feel whole again.

Donna C

Marietta, OH

Why we gather

We gather in a community of women to process and honor our experiences—to grieve our losses and feel all our feels, to have our stories witnessed and our burdens shared, and to experience the transformation and renewal that come with intentional soul-tending.

In a word, it’s about healing.

This is a space of deep care and safety—where nothing is forced, and everything is welcome. You are invited to come just as you are, and be gently supported as you soften, open, and reconnect with yourself.

When you create space in your life to truly immerse yourself in reflection and creative process, something begins to shift. Through this work, you may find that:

You gain greater clarity about what’s been weighing on you—and how to move forward.
You see your next steps more clearly, with grounded confidence.
You revel in the connections with your circle sisters, feeling deeply seen and held.
You are refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.
You find voice and release for your grief, frustration, and anger through the power of creative process and SoulCollage®.
You begin to hear the quiet call of what’s next—and start finding your way toward it.

Where we'll be

Hope Springs Institute provides the perfect container for this transformational weekend. The 130 acres on which Hope Springs sits is palpably sacred, due no doubt to both its ancient history (including its proximity to the Serpent Mound!) and the modern-day efforts of the Hope Springs staff.

Arriving there you can exhale and allow the land itself to support you as you release your burdens. Delicious, locally-sourced meals, “inspired lodging”, and soul-stirring gathering spaces - all surrounded by the natural beauty of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southern Ohio - this is what awaits you at the Autumn's Pause Retreat for women.

What we'll do

Our 5 days together will take you deep into the inner exploration of your growing edges and your blind spots, all balanced with open time for relaxation and integration. The art and practice of SoulCollage® and creative process will serve as the primary tools for your exploration.

In addition you’ll experience guided imagery, meditation and other processes to help you reconnect to what’s important to you and rediscover your own internal rhythms and timing, all with the support of a community of like-minded women where your own process will be held, witnessed and honored.

And it's not just deep seriousness all the time! We've been known to have powerful drum circles, campfires and singing, and some fairly raucous late-night hot-tub soaks.

When we'll do it

Wednesday, Oct 29 - Sunday Nov 2

You're invited to arrive after 3pm on Wednesday to settle in and relax on the land. We'll gather for dinner together on Wednesday evening at 6:30pm.

Officially we close after lunch on Sunday, usually by 2:30, however there is an optional Integration Day through Monday which invites you to some time on the land to process and, well, integrate your retreat experience, that I highly recommend if you are at all able.

What's included?

Your registration fee includes:

Five days and four nights’ lodging in a colorful, comfortable room. Due to the intensive nature of this retreat and the number of introverts who are drawn to it, most rooms are private with a shared bath. There are, however, 3 double rooms reserved for women interested in sharing at a reduced cost.
Three fabulous meals each day, featuring fresh, local foods, mindfully prepared by a dedicated staff
Limited registration (15 women) to ensure every guest has the support and attention she requires
Five days of retreat and rejuvenation in a community of mindful women
Exclusive use of the Hope Springs property for our group
Expert guidance in a mindfully cultivated creative process that takes you through a transformative journey of release, reception, and renewal.
Round the clock card-making space for those late-night inspirations
Access to hundreds of magazines to inspire your card-making (and feed your inner image-hoarder!)
Unstructured time to walk the labyrinth, hike the trails, meditate in Spirit House, hang out in the hot tub, or relax in a hammock… whatever will soothe your spirit and fill your heart
All supplies and materials

PRIVATE ROOM

SHARED ROOM

Save $150

EARLY BIRD PRICE (till 7/24)

$1350

Your investment includes:

5 days and 4 nights in a private room with shared bath
All tuition, supplies and materials
Exclusive use of the Hope Springs property

See below for more details

Save $150

EARLY BIRD PRICE (till 7/24)

$1250

Your investment includes:

5 days and 4 nights in a double room, most with an ensuite bath
All tuition, supplies and materials
Exclusive use of the Hope Springs property

See below for more details

🌿 PRICING & REGISTRATION DETAILS

EARLY REGISTRATION: Save $150 through July 24, 2025

During this time, your investment is $1350 for a private room with shared bath.
This includes all meals, retreat tuition, and supplies/materials.

After July 24, the rate increases to $1500.

DOUBLE ROOMS
A few shared rooms (double occupancy) are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

$1250 per person during early registration (through July 24)
$1400 per person after July 24th

Most double rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Pricing includes all meals, retreat tuition, and supplies/materials.

✨ Please note: additional discounts are not available for double rooms.

Coming solo but open to a shared room?
If you're registering alone but would like to be considered for a double room with another solo participant, please let me know on your registration form while selecting the single room option. If a match is possible, I’ll place you and refund the price difference. Please understand that by registering, you're committing to the retreat regardless of whether a shared room becomes available.

🌻 EQUITY PRICING
To support a more diverse and inclusive retreat circle, I’ve set aside two equity-priced spots for Women of the Global Majority* or others from historically under-resourced communities.

These are available at $1000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

If this applies to you, please reach out directly to discuss availability and receive access to equity pricing.

*The term “Global Majority” is a collective term that honors people of African, Asian, Latin American, Arab descent, those of dual heritage, and Indigenous communities worldwide—who together comprise roughly 80% of the global population.

💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS

You may pay in full at registration, or
Choose a payment plan (details provided on the registration form)

🛑 REFUND POLICY
If you need to cancel and I’m unable to fill your spot, the following refund schedule applies:

90+ days before retreat: Full refund (minus deposit + processing fees)
60–89 days before: 75% refund (minus deposit + fees)
30–59 days before: 50% refund (minus deposit + fees)
29 days or less: No refund

If your spot can be filled, you will receive a full refund, minus Stripe processing fees—regardless of the timing.

Even if you've paid in full, your deposit of $650 (plus any fees) is considered non-refundable unless your spot is filled, as it helps cover my commitments to Hope Springs.

Please note: in some cases I may not know whether your spot can be filled until the retreat begins. If a refund is due, it will be processed once I return to the office the following week.

📅 REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Registration closes Sunday, October 5, or when we reach capacity—whichever comes first.

This retreat tends to sell out well before the deadline, so if you feel the nudge to join us, I encourage you to register early and claim your spot.

Extend your retreat and ease your transition with an optional

Integration Day

Because returning to reality can be real buzzkill

I hear it every year:

"I feel like I've finally relaxed and now it's time to leave."

Or "I wish this lasted longer!"

Now there's an opportunity to remain immersed in the feeling and healing of the community and Hope Springs!

Normally we all depart for home after lunch on Sunday, but you can choose to stay an extra night and depart on Monday.

Why? Because it's awesome!

Use the extra day to rest, hike, drum, collage, soak in the hot tub, gather around the fire... whatever calls to your spirit as you allow the insights and shifts of the long weekend to settle more deeply into your being.

It's a little retreat within a retreat.

You'll get an extra night's stay along with dinner on Sunday with breakfast and lunch on Monday. Need to leave before lunch? Hope Springs can provide you with a box lunch to go.

Simply add the extra day when you register ($175). And yes, you can add on later by just contacting me.

Join Us

It's the best gift you can give yourself, that time to check-in, reevaluate, heal, grow and just be with yourself.

Before the retreat I was feeling the need to have a grounding practice in my life. I loved the evolution of the circle, how everyone came ready to do their work and be ‘seen’. It created a very cathartic opening on many different levels for me. I went from not knowing if this process really would work for me, to being blown away by the layers it was revealing. I feel blessed to have found SoulCollage® at this point in my process.

Cathy L.

Sitka, AK

The retreat surpassed all my wildest imaginings

This was the first retreat at Hope Springs in which I did not spend much time hiking on the land. I was totally absorbed in the process and the participants. I am hooked on SoulCollage®. The process of making and reading my cards is such a fun, intriguing, and informative way to dive deep within my unconscious self. My heart is made happy to have been held in such sacred space doing deep work!

Karen G.

Stephenson, VA

"And it feels like quiet,

feels like nodding in agreement, feels like a long exhale. It looks like autumn, it looks like light on fire, it feels like dancing and it goes like this: if you ask yourself what else you need the answer’s nothing." Lyrics from "Long Exhale", inspired by and written during the first retreat in 2010

Beki T.

Columbus OH

This has been a time for "me" for several years now, and it is always the best thing I do for me all year. I always come away in a calmer state of mind, body and soul.

The retreat always brings together like-minded women in search of something more in life. And you walk away with such a connection with these women that it is almost tangible. The structure is wonderfully organized and balanced with free time. SoulCollage is an incredible way to reach deep into yourself to heal, listen to your heartfelt voice and to move forward. It is usually not easy work, but it's always what's needed for that moment in my life.

Laura B.

Columbus OH

A truly transformative weekend with the perfect blend of silence, creativity, nature and fellowship.

I was looking for a time away from everything to just be. Letting go of a long held shame has made me feel lighter and happier and more able to move forward in my life. It ALL was fabulous for me - feeding my soul where I needed to be fed! As a first timer to a somewhat established group, I felt welcomed and included. I am so grateful for the safe space Julie created and the amazing group of women who were vulnerable and courageous!

Gerri W.

Charleston, WV

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an artist or to have done SoulCollage® in the past to get something out of this?

Absolutely not! There will be a special introductory session for those new to the SoulCollage® process, and plenty of support from me as well as others who have experience. And “artistic skill” is never a requirement. In fact, I’ve frequently found that people who previously thought themselves to be lacking in that particular gene have been deeply moved by discovering just how beautifully they can express themselves through SoulCollage®.

Do I need to have a “burning issue” to attend?

Some women come to the retreat with the intention of addressing a particular challenge or issue that is “up” for them. Others come as a part of their regular self-care and mindfulness practice in their lives. Still other women come out of curiosity or because the experience “calls” to them in some way. All are perfectly fine!

From reading the testimonials, it looks as if some people have come every year. Are newcomers welcome?"

Absolutely yes! While some women have made this retreat an annual part of their own life process, others come in and out as needed. I take great care in creating connection and community, and women are always touched and amazed at the rapport that develops over the course of the weekend.

Do I have to be “middle-aged” to attend?

This retreat is for adult women of any age who find themselves needing time, space and guidance to gain clarity and move forward in their lives. Women ranging from 20-somethings to retirees have attended, and all have gotten what they needed, and indeed often more than they expected. Additionally I’ve found that the mix of ages provides a beautiful backdrop from which to witness the common threads that unite all our stories, heartaches, hopes and dreams.

Can you accommodate my special dietary or health needs?

Hope Springs will do its best to meet any special needs you may have. You will have a chance to detail those upon registration. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Do I have to participate in all the activities?

While there is a structure to the retreat and an intentional flow through the process, I am more interested in supporting women to tune in and listen to their own inner wisdom and meet their own needs than I am in forcing my agenda. I do my best to help you meet any needs you may have for rest, relaxation and solitude and still keep you integrated with the larger flow of the weekend. [

Do you have any scholarships?

I am committed to welcoming all who are interested in participating and creating a diverse community. I have reserved two spaces at Equity Pricing for women. These are available on a first come, first served basis.

Do you have a payment plan?

If the 2-payment deposit option does not meet your needs, please consider using PayPal Credit upon registration if you would like to be able to spread your payments out. This way you have 6 months with no interest to pay in full. If this is not an option for you for some reason please contact me directly to discuss payment options. I am happy to talk with you about your situation and do what I can to make this retreat accessible.

What if I need to cancel? Can I get my money back?

If for any reason you need to cancel your attendance, you will receive a refund as follows:

90 days prior: Full refund (minus deposit)
60 days prior: 75% refund (minus deposit)
30 days prior: 50% refund (minus deposit)
29 days or less prior: No refund unless your spot can be filled by another woman, then 50% refund (minus deposit)

Should a positive COVID-19 test prevent you from attending at the last minute, Hope Springs will credit their portion of your payment towards another experience onsite at Hope Springs. I will refund my portion based on the Refund Policy outlined above.

What exactly is SoulCollage®, anyway?

SoulCollage®, developed by therapist and author Seena Frost, offers a tool through which you can access your own intuitive wisdom and hear the voice of your soul. A simple and delightful creative process, SoulCollage can give shape and form to the sacred time you create for yourself in your personal journey to wholeness. It is a unique and fun tool that can be used when you don’t know how or where to start the process of cultivating your spirit, and can provide form and structure for journaling, meditation or prayer practices, or even therapy.

SoulCollage requires no artistic experience or talent. All that is necessary is a willingness to be open to the experience.

PRIVATE ROOM

SHARED ROOM

Save $150

EARLY BIRD PRICE (till 7/31)

$1150

Your investment includes:

5 days and 4 nights in a private room with shared bath
All tuition, supplies and materials
Exclusive use of the Hope Springs property
Includes $640 to Hope Springs for lodging, meals and snacks

See below for more details

Save $150

EARLY BIRD PRICE (till 7/31)

$1000

Your investment includes:

5 days and 4 nights in a double room, most with an ensuite bath
All tuition, supplies and materials
Exclusive use of the Hope Springs property
Includes $640 to Hope Springs for lodging, meals and snacks

See below for more details

JOIN US

Amplifying the power of your intention

If you are breathing, you've already been doing some of the personal work necessary to dump the unconscious baggage that no longer serves you—knowingly or unknowingly progressing in your own personal evolution toward greater consciousness and wholeness.

But one of the best ways to create real and lasting change is to bring conscious intentions to your process and to have that commitment witnessed by others. If you've ever had any kind of group experience you know the synergy that happens in community, which amplifies everything.

This retreat is an opportunity to bring concentrated time and attention to your personal journey within the context of sacred space, gentle guidance and the power of compassionate community.

Furthermore, at the 2017 retreat it became clear that the work we were doing was not just about our own personal lives. It was apparent to all of us that we were processing things with a far greater reach. It became clear we were working on behalf of the collective, and by collective I mean the planet.

That may sound a little "woo-woo" to you, but we are in fact all connected. So when one person "does their work", it affects far more than just that person. And when that work is intentional and amplified by the potency of the group dynamic, the effects can be profound. I have come to truly believe that during these retreats we are transmuting these old, painful "shadow" energies on behalf of our evolving planet.

And that, my friend, is warrior's work.

It is yet another way to be of service to our hurting world.

Below are words that came to me one day in the week following the 2017 retreat. They dropped fully formed into my head one day and insisted upon being written. They perfectly capture the experience of an Autumn's Pause:

Thirteen women gather in a circle.

Each brings her own unique pain, heartache, frustration, grief, rage, confusion, longing.

We see our own story reflected in the words, the eyes, the hearts of our circle sisters.

Together and separately, we feel.

We process.

We release.

We envision.

We hold and are held by the circle

with compassion, with strength and with permission to be where we are.

Under the silver light of the full moon we howl with sorrow, with rage, with joy, with laughter.

We transform and transmute: for ourselves, for our families and ancestors, for our communities, for our country… and, dare we dream, for our planet.

We return home carrying the spirit of the circle within us

A little fragile, yet also empowered, ready to take the first step that reveals itself in our path to create our “one wild and precious life”.

The invitation is yours

If this is what your heart’s been waiting for, I invite you—or if need be, I challenge you—to claim space for yourself and take a brief respite from the chaos of today's world, where the only decision you will need to make is “what do I want to do in this moment?”

Get in touch