Serenity Now: A Special Mother’s Day Retreat
For Moms of kids who have struggled with
substance use and/or mental health challenges

A weekend of self-care, self-compassion, loving kindness, and self-love

May 11-13, 2018
at the beautiful Chautauqua Institution,
​Chautauqua, NY

Just re-opened registration because there are 2 empty beds just waiting for moms who might really want to join us this weekend!  If you want to watch my video about this somewhat uncomfortable decision for me, here's the link to the video! 

This retreat is for you if you have loved a child with these challenges, no matter where you are on this journey, no matter where your child is now on this journey, whether your child is doing well right now, or whether your child has died.  Because all that matters is that you have known the unique experience of loving this child – the powerlessness, the hope, the fear, the loss… that others may never know. 

You have lived a life that you never imagined, never planned for and certainly were not prepared for. 
You deserve some time to soak in self-care, self-compassion, and bask in loving kindness. 

My wish for you is to live your life as fully as possible, knowing that peace, joy, and laughter can still be part of your life, no matter what your child's path may be – and to know that that is ok for you to live fully.   

Can you relate?
As moms of kids with
substance abuse and/or mental health challenges…

We live in a world that our own family and friends may not understand.
We, at times, feel isolated, alone, ashamed, scared, angry, or judged (or all of the above).

We ride waves of emotion and a roller coaster of experiences that
embody everything from hope and joy to plummeting despair. 
 

My wish for you this weekend…
I want to create an oasis, a sanctuary,
where you feel held among others
who in some way get it, who have walked a similar path.

I want you to have a respite from caring for your loved one,
to really be cared for as you greet yourself
with the utmost care, kindness, and compassion.

I want you to strengthen the ground you walk upon by learning how to nurture and nourish yourselfthrough practices of self-care
that can sustain you even after you return home.

In this space, you have permission to let down,
to let your guard down,to relax, to breathe,
​to luxuriate in time and space – just for you! 

This is not a support group or a 12-step meeting. 
This is not intended as a time to focus on or work on your life
as it relates to your child, although that is our common thread.
 

We will…

have a very spacious schedule to allow for
rest, movement, down time,
as you’d like to spend it.

have opportunities for creative expression,

enjoy time outdoors, time to be with nature and the beauty of Chautauqua Lake,

laugh, cry, be silent, and talk – there will be room for it all,

lay the stones for the foundation of the lives we’d like to live,

recognize ourselves and be honored as the special mothers and beautiful women that we are,

remember that our lives are about more than our child,
and know that it is, indeed, possible
to be happier than our unhappiest child.

We will come home to ourselves.
 
This is your time and space – use it as you will. 
There will be group times that you may join or not. 
This retreat is yours. 
It is all about you and all for you. 
You will be fed delicious and nutritious meals,
and you do not have to cook or clean!

Aaaahhhh…. breathe that in.
 
Refresh – Rejuvenate – Celebrate…
the Wonder of You!

Wear your PJ’s all weekend if you like, forget the makeup… just BE! 
Sleep, dream, eat, read, write, draw, paint, dance,
take in nature’s beauty and peace –
let the element of water help you flow a bit more smoothly. 

Let this be a weekend of fun and relaxation,
a time of healing and rejuvenation. 
A time just for you! 

                                          Schedule

Friday arrive between 2:00-5:30pm
Welcome non-alcoholic happy hour 5:00-6:00pm
Dinner and Evening Session 6:30 – 9:00pm
                   
Saturday: AM session 10:00 – 12:00
Lunch/break with available activities (or none at all) 12:00 – 4:00pm
PM session: 4:00 – 5:30pm
Dinner 6:00pm
Evening TBD
 
Sunday (Mother’s Day):
Brunch 9:00 AM
AM session 10:00 – 12:00
Lunch 12:00 (optional)
Depart

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Still have questions?  Take 11 minutes to watch this video which will give you a better sense of me, how this retreat will be and what the intention of the weekend is: Serenity Now Retreat Video
​

Cost
$325 (includes $99 non-refundable deposit)
includes private room, all meals and snacks, all retreat activities, and a special Mother’s Day gift bag.
  (includes $99 non-refundable deposit)
 
Register
 
Re-opened registration - 2 spots remaining for 2 amazing moms!  Is one of them you??
 
Space is very limited so that this can be a lovely,
safe, and intimate gathering. 

Cancellations and Refunds
$99 deposit is non-refundable. 
​Before April 11th, refund is available for any additional funds paid. 
After April 11th, no refunds are available, but it may be possible to transfer your registration to another mom – please contact Barb directly if you run into this situation. 

Location: The Chautauqua Institution, 1 Massey Ave., Chautauqua, NY 14722 (GPS address – our exact location within the institution and directions will be emailed to you before the retreat)
 
Getting here: The Chautauqua Institution is located in the southwestern corner of New York State.
Approximately 2 ½ hours from Rochester, NY; 1 ½ hours from Buffalo, NY; and, 50 min. from Erie, PA. 
 
From the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), take exit 60; turn left onto NY-394/North Portage Street. Continue to follow NY-394 East.

From the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86) - if eastbound, take Exit 7 (Panama/Chautauqua Institution), turn left onto CR-33, then right onto West Lake Rd./NY-394. If westbound, take exit 8, then right on Route 394 West.
 
Flying: Chautauqua is served by the Chautauqua County Airport in Jamestown, NY (15 miles south of the Institution) via Continental Airlines from Cleveland, OH. Other nearby airports include the Buffalo (NY) Niagara International Airport (70 miles northeast of CHQ) and the Erie (PA) international airport (40 miles west of CHQ).

Train: Amtrak (Buffalo or Erie, no stops in Chautauqua County) (716) 856-2075.

Car rentals include:

• Buffalo airport and Jamestown, Chautauqua County Airport
• Hertz Rent-A-Car (716) 484-1060
• National Car Rental 1-800-654-3131.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car 1-800-325-8007