After the Melt: Reflections on the Spring Premiere Retreat
The morning of the retreat, snow blanketed the ground — a reminder from the land itself that spring doesn’t rush in on the Prairies. It arrives in its own time. And so did we.
We gathered inside the forest at FortWhyte Alive, women from all walks of life, coming together to pause, reflect, and gently reset. What unfolded in those few hours has stayed with me far beyond the end of the retreat.
A Surprising Moment of Connection
As I stepped into the space to begin the guided deep relaxation/hypnosis session, I looked out at the group — and something unexpected happened. I made eye contact with a few women whose stories of “messy middle” transformation I already knew (or could intuitively feel). In that small moment, I felt a wave of empathy and connection that almost overwhelmed me. I was there to guide, but I also felt deeply moved — on the verge of compassionate tears, grounding myself in order to stay fully present for the experience we were about to co-create.
Collective Courage
During Dr. Kate’s workshop, one participant — the only Black woman in the room — vulnerably shared how the dominant discourse around Black women as “the Strong One” had shaped and limited her internal narrative. Her courage cracked something open for the whole room. Others moved toward her, hugging her as she cried. I found tissue to offer her and made a mental note to bring tissue boxes to future retreats. She later described it as “ugly crying,” but to me, it was a beautiful moment of release, connection, and truth — a room full of women, some parents, some not; some partnered, some not — all bearing witness to a shared yearning for tenderness, nuance, and space to be seen as full human beings.
At Polaris, we’re always learning how to hold space with care across difference. We’re committed to creating retreats where people impacted by systems of oppression can show up fully — and where we stay open to growth, listening, and accountability.
The Energy in the Room
Throughout the day, the energy was reflective and emotionally engaged. People didn’t just sit back passively; they leaned in. They listened to one another. They shared. There was chatter, laughter, thoughtful silence, and even moments of playfulness. The worksheets weren’t just filled out — they were revisited later that night and the next weekend with friends. One participant even sent us a photo of herself journaling in bed with a snack, indicating she thought the prompts were “so great that I had to go back!” That's the kind of impact we strive for – one that continues to resonate in their lives, season after season.
What We Heard
The feedback was clear: This retreat felt meaningful, nourishing, and safe. One participant called it “good for my soul.” Another said she’d love to see a weekend version. Many wanted just a little more time to reflect, to write, to connect. And we agree. Just as the snow doesn’t melt all at once, growth can’t be rushed — and we’re taking that wisdom with us as we plan for summer.
Where We’re Headed
As we prepare for our Summer 2025 Retreats, Dr. Kate and I are committed to building in more spaciousness — more time for reflection, deeper integration, and shared dialogue. We want our workshops to weave together even more seamlessly. And we want the experience to feel like a whole day of exhale — where participants can move through the content with ease, not urgency.
A Lasting Impression
If there’s one thing we hope Polaris Retreats leave behind, it’s this:
There is hope. There is light. And you can trust your inner wisdom.
These retreats aren’t just wellness events. They’re invitations to remember your wholeness, rewrite the stories that no longer serve you, and begin the next chapter — whatever that looks like for you.
We can’t wait to walk with you again this summer.
