Join me, Martha Gallagher, internationally acclaimed musician/performer, life transformation-through-joy mentor, conscious movement/dance facilitator and Blessing creator, and experience the wonders and benefits of nurturing yourself, in the beauty of Nature.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself, Life is about creating yourself!”
Unknown
It is my hope and intention that this retreat will not only be a time of respite for you but will also be a resource for you to turn to even after it is over. Once you’ve returned home, when the old routines, hubbub and habits threaten to undo all the good you’ve given yourself during the retreat, you will have the “tools” that you will have learned at the retreat to help you stay balanced in your new way of being.
“Retreat” means “respite;” breathing space.
The peaceful environment invites you to acquaint yourself more deeply with you, in ways
that may feel otherwise inaccessible to you in your daily life. When we do things with
love that benefit ourselves, it also benefits the world.
This is not a “do, do, DO” retreat, crammed-full-of-activities, nor is it a corporate
intensive disguised as a retreat. It is a respite.
“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration,
adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.”
Lorraine Anderson
Yes, we will do, but at a deliciously relaxed tempo, luxuriating in what
we do with delight and purpose. But there is no test, no finish line, no score - and no rush.
In the company of an intimately-sized gathering of like-hearted women, you’ll enjoy
content-rich-yet-relaxed activities, explorations and practices, designed to help you
release old thoughts and patterns that keep you from experiencing your inner calm, your
creative spirit and your joy in life. This opens space to welcome in and embrace new,
more nurturing, nourishing, flourishing, wondrous ways of being.
So What Are the Benefits of a Retreat Centered on Nurturing, Nature, Creativity, Spirituality and Wellness?
It can often be difficult to trust that our life has purpose and meaning, and especially
when we are not being “productive”, in the way society defines it. And so we tend to
“go, go, GO!” all the time. However, it is the rhythms of the seasons, of the Earth,
that show and encourage us to rest, to embrace organic rhythms, allowing for our being to
unfold naturally, without forcing or trying to make things happen.
And so we gift ourselves the time and space to slow down and rest; to simply be.
"Adopt the pace of Nature; her secret is patience."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s when we are rested and in a calm state of being that we can embrace the freshness
of life and shift into a more inspired state of wonder, awe and curiosity. We open
ourselves to a deeper wisdom, creativity and expression.
This doesn’t mean we know all the answers to the questions in our lives. Instead we
realize it’s in the not knowing that we can be truly open and receptive - and when
we are receptive we can truly discover, learn, create and transform to living with more joy.
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Fun. Yes, FUN! Who says taking care of ourselves, delving into spiritual practices and exploring creative avenues can’t be fun? No one I know! So yes, we will have fun!
“I loved the fact that this retreat focused on our wholeness; body, mind, spirit. Oh, and
all the laughter…!”
Nurture in Nature participant
You’re nestled in amongst the High Peaks of The Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York State, a breathtaking corner of this geographically diverse state.
You’re at Nurture in Nature, spending four
beautiful days and nights during stunning Fall foliage season on retreat; days
of personal relaxation and rejuvenation interwoven with simple yet powerful,
uplifting creative explorations and spiritual practices.
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In the companionable company of a intimately-sized group of kindred spirits -
friendly, delightful women who, like you, desire to enrich their lives through
a deeper connection with Nature, inner tranquility, embracing a more relaxed pace,
living with joy and experiencing the delights of creativity, inspiration
and spiritual connection.
There is a beautiful place, where “Forever Wild” is not only an ethic, but an official designation - The Adirondacks; your portal to your innately creative self…
There is something magical in the energy of this lovely region that will inspire you. Take yourself outdoors, to the forest, to the water’s edge, under the open sky - drink in the delights of being in Nature.
Here, you can be enveloped by the beauty of mountains,
lakes, streams, gentle forests, sunsets & sunrises.
New York State's Adirondack Park covers more square miles than Glacier,
Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks combined. Nearly the size of Vermont,
it includes mountains, lakes, rivers, bogs, fens,
and one of the finest temperate deciduous woodlands in the world. The wildlife is diverse,
the scenery grand, the atmosphere crisp, balsam-scented, and moody.
Just a stone’s throw away, in the lush forests, lakes, & wetlands that are home to an amazingly
diverse array of native and migratory birds, you delight in the magical music of birdsong as their
graceful flights inspire you to new heights of creativity and connection.
The Adirondack region is like no other place on Earth.
This corner of the world, the Adirondack Mountain region, is the
PERFECT place to spend 4 delightful days of repose, discovery and delight…
By the end of this retreat you will have:
❊ Luxuriated in slowing down, loving the opportunity to rest and refresh.
❊ Relished a deeper connection with Nature and the cherishment of your personal well-being; through nurturing your body, mind and spirit each day
❊ Reveled in your innate creativity, spiritual connection and joy in life, revealed now more fully, inviting you to continue to open, be curious, compassionate, imaginative and delighted by life.
❊ Savored camaraderie and connection through friendships new or known, learned new ways to help keep enlivening newfound possibilities for living a nurturing life, with explorations and practices to support you in maintaining a healthy balance of nurturing, connection with nature, creativity, spiritual connection and joy in your daily life.
We’ll spend four lovely days and nights in the charming comfort of The Bark Eater Inn;
an Adirondack farmhouse-turned-BnB. Wonderfully comfortable and warmly welcoming -
with delectable meals that highlight culinary delights from around the region!
Enchanting, cozy rooms, inviting reading/relaxing areas - both inside and out,
a gracious dining room plus acres of on-site trails through woods, meadows to
wander at your leisure, a fish pond and the magical yurt, where most of our retreat
will take place.
Meghan and Tyler, the Bark Eater hosts, are a delightful couple who will make
sure your experience at their Inn is a fabulous one. Friendly and helpful, they
are a wealth of knowledge and information on the region and activities for all
interests, activity, fitness and age levels.
This gorgeous, tranquil setting is the perfect place to bring your mind, body
and spirit into harmony, peace and joy.
Wynde Kate is a renowned Wellness Chef; her meals are not only fabulously delicious,
but are also wondrously nutritious. She prepares the scrumptious farm-to-table
meals fresh daily, using veggies, cheese, breads and meats from local farms and
producers. Nurturing, delectable and leisurely, these meals also literally
“set the table” for many an interesting discussion and delightful camaraderie.
Wynde Kate is happy to accommodate special diets in as far as she is
able; it will be best to let me know regarding any special dietary needs
and restrictions you may have and I will connect you with her in advance.
Enjoying gathering with new friends - by the campfire, on a woods walk or around the table
- with a glass or cuppa, laughter ringing through the air, sharing newfound insights,
inspiration and the enlivening sparked by our creativity/artistry and Nature sessions
that have offered you both rest as well as rejuvenation.
Savoring the irresistible aroma of our delicious meals - morning, noon and night -
wafting through air as you wend your way peacefully from the yurt or through the
garden across the tranquil grounds to the Inn’s welcoming dining room.
Walking in the the woods, the meadows or to the water’s edge, wandering at
your own contemplative pace, listening to birdsongs that ripple amongst the
trees, simply taking in an intoxicatingly spectacular view of the mountains.
Relishing the relaxed pace of your day, cares having dropped away, a peaceful
joy filling your entire being.
A joyful “inspirista,” Martha Gallagher delights in life, sharing joy as an internationally-acclaimed musician/performer, life transformation-through-joy mentor, conscious movement/dance facilitator and Blessing creator.
For over 40 years she has been relishing her music journey, exploring, discovering
and developing her signature sound, “joie de vivre” style of playing and music
creation on the harp. International solo tours, studio recording and producing
(7 full-length releases on her indie label Singing Strings), leading retreats and
providing inspirational mentorship for musicians engaged much of her life.
The time of Covid isolation changed all that, but not in a negative way, using the
time not on tour to create new music (a personal delight!) and begin the wondrous
journey of creating herself anew, drawing on known gifts and talents as well as
discovering new ones.
Immersing herself in the joyful art of Blessing, she created new, beautiful offerings
as The Blessing Woman, working
with people to create personalized Blessings for themselves,
their loved ones, special places, events and other important aspects of their lives.
Hand-in-hand with Blessings, she is a
Journey of Joy personal guide and mentor for people who wish to transform
living their lives with more joy.
A certified TranscenDance TM conscious dance facilitator, she also created Moving Spirit;
a women’s spiritual gathering that draws upon music, spoken word and dance to awaken
one’s connection to self - body and mind - and deepen one’s spiritual connection, cells and soul.
Martha believes deeply in the beauty, wisdom and power of the moments of our lives.
As support for people’s personal meditation, prayer, meditation, self-care and mental
health maintenance practices, she created Just
A Moment Music; a subscription series of daily peaceful music moments.
Martha lives in the heart of the High Peaks region of The Adirondack Mountains of
northeastern upstate NY with her hubby of 37 years, Dennis. This beautiful place is
her home, a place of Nature and spiritual connection, a delightful playground and a
place of inspiration. While serious hiking and climbing abounds in the region, her
favorite way to enjoy it is through wandering in the forest at dawn or twilight or
simply sitting by the river in her back yard, listening to the birds singing.
Recognizing the calming, healing, and inspiring aspects of The Adirondack Mountain region,
she has been excited and delighted to share this area and the benefits of it with others. She began leading
her signature Nurture in Nature retreats in 2017.
Martha also loves being “MeMa” to her 6 yo grandson, who lives “simply just too far away!” in AZ
Please feel free to email Martha with any questions you may have.
Giving yourself the time and space of a respite experience, allowing yourself to
absorb new ideas, while having diverse experiences in fresh, distinctive and inspiring
surroundings, with the presence and support of an uplifting, knowledgable retreat
leader/guide and like-hearted attendees; this is a recipe for your genuine enjoyment
and success.
Our retreat will be a bijou-sized gathering of like-hearted women, allowing for
plenty of time, energy and space for each person to receive personal attention
during our group activities. No one need feel rushed or frustrated for any reason.
This will be a time of patience and joy.
So, what can you expect of these 4 delightful days and nights?
Time, space and guidance exploring, discovering, expanding and celebrating your
❊ Intrinsic connection with Nature
❊ Instinctive wisdom of self-care
❊ Intuitive compassion and grace
❊ Innate creativity
❊ Organic love of moving and dancing
❊ Delight in connection with others
❊ Unabashed joy in life
AND totally enjoying yourself on a fabulously fun, transformation-inducing retreat!
Wouldn’t it be divine to discover and embrace ways to live your daily life with more calmness, delight, creativity and joy?
How wonderful would it be to discover your deep connection with Nature and how transformative that can be?
How would it feel to be given the keys to unlocking the connection between physical movement and creativity?
Would THAT be worth coming to the gorgeous Adirondack region for?
You Bet It Is!
I have spent decades in the harp world as a performer, teacher, music publisher
and workshop leader, so I know that a good portion of my circle of connections
is with harpers and harpists.
If this is you, read on!
As you may have noticed, this is not a harp workshop or even a harp-centered retreat.
There will be no technique classes or teaching of tunes during this retreat. BUT
what you will discover is what excites and supports all enthusiastic explorers
on their harp journey:.
❊ Relaxed, natural ways of playing the harp
❊ Access to boundless creativity
❊ Deeper inner artistry and creative expression
❊ Illuminating paths to the freeing delight of improvisation
❊ Playing with unabashed joy!
Have you been feeling bored by yourself, music you play and how you play it?
Do you feel stuck in the same place in your playing, no matter how many
workshops you take? No matter how hard you practice?
If yes, then maybe what you don’t need right now is another new tune or another
class on keeping your thumbs up or a workshop on sight-reading or even improvisation.
Maybe what you DO need - and truly desire - is to slow down, let go, relax, refresh,
rejuvenate and re-enliven yourself - body, mind and spirit!
Then when you turn to your harp, your music, you come to them from a whole new
place - one that allows your creativity and artistry to flow, one that welcomes
and embraces the joy of making music.
I am offering special harp time during the retreat for a cozy circle of
harpers and harpists to gather to explore and infuse your harp brain, your physical
body and your artist spirit with the benefits of the offerings of this retreat.
“I loved the mix of nature and all the various ways to open our creativity and relax -
lots of great rejuvenation time, yummy food, small group, personal time, beautiful
location…”
“Great music, food, location, discussions, laughter, spirituality; kindred spirits!”
“The time was generous for the unfolding…”
“It was wonderful to have personal time between scheduled sessions.”
“The camaraderie was terrific!”
“Loved all the experiential learning and exploring time… truly a great retreat and
not just a workshop in a pretty place.”
This delightful retreat experience is for you if...
♥ You love the idea of gathering in
a gorgeous setting with a small group of like-hearted women who, like you, love
and long to continue to grow personally,
creatively, spiritually.
♥ You would love sustainable ways to
nurture yourself, care for your well-being and live life with more peace and from
a joy-filled place.
♥ You love the prospect of broadening
your creative thinking, and look forward to continuing to build on that long after
you’ve returned home from this retreat
♥ You have a love of travel and an
understanding of how new environments and routines can reset and refresh your
outlook on life.
♥ You’re delighted to explore how
to unlock the mysteries of living with less “push” effort and with more abundance of joy!
The Adirondack Mountain region of Northeastern New York State is a unique place. Designated by NYS as a “Forever Wild”region, it is six million plus acres of private and public lands. Technically called The Adirondack Park, it is unlike any other state or national park. Strict development and building regulations keep the region free of rampant building.
Beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers, perfect for hiking, skiing,
rock and ice climbing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and many more outdoor activities,
draw tourists and seasonal residents each year from all over the globe.
The history of the region is rich with native culture, conservation, and the arts. Saranac Lake, a
30 minute drive from The Bark Eater Inn, is a mecca for visual artists and art lovers. The Lake Placid region,
a 20 minute drive, is rich with Olympic history, having hosted the Winter Olympics in
both 1932 and 1980. Famous writers, composers, musicians, business magnates, theologians
and philosophers have a long history of spending time in the Adirondacks to ponder, refresh and rejuvenate.
Drives through the mountains and valleys are scenic. Roads are generally in good shape,
but it’s rare where it’s a straight line from one place to another, and roads can be winding,
so just allow a little more time than mileage might indicate.
Daily content-rich-yet-relaxed nurturing self-care practices, Nature connection activities, creative explorations, and spiritual practices with Martha, designed to support you as you decompress from life’s stresses and create delightful, meaningful, sustainable patterns for nurturing yourself going forward.
Divine daily meditative opportunities to support you in opening to your inner
calm as well as your creative channels.
Illuminating TranscenDance sessions with Martha, using conscious dance to help
release stagnancy, negative energy and revitalize your and your body, mind,
spirit connection. (Designed for all fitness and mobility levels).
Activities that invite you to discover your deep wells of imagination and creative thinking.
A consciousness-expanding Mindfulness Nature Connection experience with Meghan
Kirkpatrick (our Inn host), gardener, herbalist and naturalist.
Personal time to enjoy the opportunities, spaces and settings inviting you
to rest, refresh, reset and revitalize your imaginative spirit. On your own,
you can choose to explore the region; labyrinth walk, hiking, shopping.
Fun and enlightening culinary session with Wellness Chef Wynde Kate, exploring natural ways to uplift the meals that nourish you.
Learning, exploring, creating, dining, and relaxing with like-hearted women, creating the perfect conditions for forming new bonds of friendship.
Welcome Reception in the garden (weather permitting) Sun.
A special centering time on Sun. evening for intention-setting for the retreat,
with musings, chants and short meditation.
Meaningful opening and closing ceremonies with attendee participation.
Fabulous farm-to-table meals, prepared primarily with fresh, local, organic,
seasonal ingredients. Dining will be in the Inn’s gracious yet cozy dining
room, with porch and outdoor deck seating also available.
Comfy lodging at the Inn or in the on-site cabin on The Bark Eater property
(Special retreat pricing for lodging booked only through the Inn)
Access to and enjoyment of The Bark Eater’s gorgeous garden and their on-site trail network.
Beautiful setting, enjoyable, engaging and substantive activities, woods walks,
gorgeous scenery, delicious food, wonderfully comfortable accommodations, music,
dance, art creation, delightful camaraderie… One could hardly ask for a more wonderful
combination of delights!
PLEASE NOTE:
~ Offerings are subject to change.
~ To create that wondrous community element that is so much a part of the magic of a retreat,
full participation in the retreat activities and offerings by attendees is anticipated.
Community is very much a part of the retreat experience and the selection and
schedule of the various offerings has meaning and purpose. However, please know
that all offerings are optional. The invitation to you is to nurture yourself
as you feel called to but to also be open to the opportunities within the offerings
for your personal growth, transformation and joy.
Here are the retreat details in a nutshell.
Lodging at the Inn has been reserved for our retreat. You will need to book
your room through the Inn directly and pay for it separately from the retreat
payment. Once you pay your deposit contact and booking info will be provided.
All rooms are private; some with private bath, some with shared bath. I’m unable
to guarantee a particular room, but requests will be accommodated as best as
they are able. I can say that I have seen every room - and they are all beautiful!
Meals (Sun. PM - Thurs. AM) are catered in-house and will feature culinary
delights that are fabulously delicious, healthy meals made primarily with local,
organic ingredients.
Guests If you have a spouse, partner or friend traveling with you
who is not participating in the retreat, please contact me directly regarding the
guest policies and fees
Click to email Me regarding a guest
Travel and transportation are not included. You are responsible for
arranging your own travel. Information given here is simply for your information
and convenience. As a fellow traveler I have made many trips in and out of this
area. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.
Email Me if you have travel questions
Airports include:
❊ Albany (NY) International Airport (ALB)
❊ Burlington (VT) International Airport (BTV)
❊ Plattsburgh (NY) International Airport (BPG) - connecting flights
from certain larger airports on certain carriers.
❊ Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) Lake Clear, NY -
connecting flights from certain larger airports on certain carriers.
Albany and Burlington airports are a 2 hour drive from Keene, NY. Plattsburgh
and Lake Clear are about a 1 hour drive. Car rentals are available except at
Lake Clear (having a car gives you more freedom of schedule and to explore the region).
Event:
Nurture in Nature Retreat
Date:
Sept. 17 - 21, 2023 (Arrive 9/17 PM, depart 9/21 AM)
Location:
The Bark Eater Inn, Keene, NY
Investment:
Retreat
Full retreat, meals (11), special activities
$2197*
Lodging
Private room w/bath (tax incl.)
or Private room w/shared bath (tax incl.)
$791.00
(shared bath) $625.00
Please contact me directly in advance of the retreat about
policies and fees if a spouse, partner or friend will be traveling with you.
Email Me regarding a guest
If you’re a local who would love to attend the retreat without lodging,
please EMAIL me for details. But, you might want to truly nurture yourself
by staying at the Inn - it’s a real delight!
Email Me about attending without lodging
*Early Bird pricing is gone but you can still nurture yourself and attend the retreat!
All you need to do at this time to reserve your spot is pay a non-refundable deposit of $300. You will receive an invoice for the balance, to be paid in full by Sept.10, 2023. I will email you the lodging booking/contact info once your deposit has been received. You will be responsible for booking your own room.
Click to Reserve Your Spot
Put “NiN” in the notes section.
Do you have more Questions? email Me
Payment plans available. Please email me for options.
email Me
Please read carefully:
There is a No Refund policy for this retreat. Cancellation policy must be
firm and we strongly recommend the purchase of adequate travel insurance. Our recommendation is
Travel Guard Insurance online
and choose from several policy options
The Bark Eater Inn has their own cancellation policy regarding room bookings,
separate from our retreat policy. Please be sure to ask them about their policy when
you call to book your room.
Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended when making travel plans. You can use our suggested Travel Guard Insurance online and choose from several policy options
The idea that we can change ourselves has long fascinated me. Can we really change? Can we transform stale thoughts, actions and habits that hold us back into new ways of thinking and being? Can we shed our “old skin” and become someone new - the person we truly are, in our cells and soul?
The answer that comes to me time and time again is “Yes!” And it goes beyond the idea of it. I have shed a number of “old skins” and continue to do so. It can be a wondrous time of discovery and delight and I so love being able to share a "trail of breadcrumbs” as well as “tools of being” - with others who feel dissatisfied or out of sync with themselves or the culture that surrounds them. While the journey looks different for each of us, there are common markers that can be guides to all of us.
