Sacred Belonging calls us into BEING
Are you ready to embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary? Join us for a soul-stirring 3-day river expedition crafted exclusively for women who are yearning for a deeper connection—to nature, to each other, and to themselves. This isn’t just an adventure; it’s a voyage of the spirit, designed to awaken your inner strength and cultivate resilience through the timeless wisdom of the flowing river.
"Nature is a manifestation of the divine, a reflection of the infinite. To see nature is to see the divine." - Swami Sivananda
As we journey down the river, every bend mirrors the twists and turns of our personal growth. The river's flow becomes a guide, teaching us about resilience and the art of navigating life’s challenges. Just as the water carves its path through rock, so too do we learn to forge connections and develop our interpersonal skills.
Each micro current and paddle stroke offers lessons in communication and empathy, helping us build stronger, more meaningful relationships. The sacred waters remind us of the deep currents that connect us all, revealing the power of adventure not only in the wild but within ourselves. Together, we’ll embrace these lessons, finding strength in our shared experiences and discovering the transformative potential of both the river and our own journeys.
Join Valerye Woodruff and Rachel Shireman for an enriching 3-day, 2-night women's canoeing expedition down the Suwannee River. We will start our river journey at Spirit of the Suwannee River Outpost. We will load up our canoes with all of our tents, sleeping bags, clothes, pots and pans (and more), and paddle down the river. We will paddle 7-15 miles a day and primitive camp alongside the river.
This retreat is designed to enhance empathic communication and foster a deep connection with nature. If you are a woman ready to feel empowered, resilient, and profoundly connected, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.
*8 SPOTS AVAILABLE*
SCHEDULE:
Meet Tuesday October 29th - 6pm - 8pm:
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Introduction
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Safety Briefing
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Gear Logistics
Day 1:
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9:00 AM: Meet at the boat launch
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9:30 AM: Morning lessons
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12:00 PM: Launch on the river
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1:00 PM: Lunch
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2 PM: On the river activities
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4:00 PM: Set up camp
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6:00 PM: Dinner
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8:00 PM: Songs and chanting by the fire
Day 2:
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6:00 AM: Wake up, yoga, meditation
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8:00 AM: Breakfast
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8:30 AM: Morning activity
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9:30 AM: Launch on the river
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1:00 PM: Lunch
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2 PM: Canoeing
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4:00 PM: Set up camp
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6:00 PM: Dinner
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8:00 PM: Songs and chanting by the fire
Day 3:
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Same schedule as Day 2
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4:00 PM: Take out, closing ceremony
what's included:
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Three days of transformational workshops
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Three days on the river
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River shuttle
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2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
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Snacks throughout the day
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Coffee, cacao and tea
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Canoe
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Gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, camp chair, large dry bag, and small dry bag)
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Apparel (if rented) - (rain jacket and pants, Long underwear top and bottoms, warm fleece, mosquito net)
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Group Integration call after the retreat
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60 minute private integration call with Valerye or Rachel after the retreat
not included:
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Transportation to the river
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Lodging before or after the river retreat
We will explore:
- Outdoor skills
- Paddling techniques
- Leave No Trace principles
- Primitive camping
- Yoga and pranayama
- Breath work
- Cacao
- Mantra meditation
- Nature connection
- Nonviolent Communication
- Relationship tools
- Conflict resolution tools
- Goal setting
MEET THE TEAM
Valerye Woodruff
Communication and Relationship Coach & Outdoor Instructor
Meet Valerye! She's a passionate communication and relationship coach with over 10 years of outdoor adventure under her belt. She’s raft guided in four states, guided backpacking trips in New Zealand, and taught personal development and outdoor skills on epic 3-24 day whitewater and backpacking expeditions in South Korea, Utah, and Oregon.
Valerye is all about connecting people to themselves and God through adventure, communication, and relationships. Her mission? Self-realization. She’s transformed her life from a *rough* upbringing to one full of growth and healing. Her journey is packed with life-changing experiences, personal development trainings, world travel, and yoga studies. She’s a trained yoga teacher and a devoted Bhakti Yoga student.
Ready to embark on an adventure of self-discovery and transformation? Valerye’s got your back (and your paddle)!
Rachel Shireman
Yoga Teacher, Breathwork Facilitator & Nature Lover
Rachel is a dedicated yoga teacher and Breathwork facilitator based in Gainesville, Florida. With a rich background in outdoor education and nature connection, she also serves as a transformative life coach. Rachel's passion lies in connecting people to the natural world, demonstrating that we are not separate from nature. She believes that nurturing our relationship with the environment is essential for both our nervous system and soul. Rachel's work is a testament to the healing power of nature, guiding others to find balance and peace through a deeper connection with the world around us.
