Join us in the Osmosis meditation garden for an unforgettable summer evening with fine wine, music, inspired poetry, and an artisan dinner.
Caravan poets include Kay Crista, Larry Robinson and Doug von Koss accompanied by musicians Jason Parmar on percussion and Donald Fontowitz playing Turkish Oud and Chaturangui. Together they will celebrate the world’s cultural and spiritual traditions with the sublime power of performance poetry.
Highlighted by Rumi’s Caravan, a Sonoma County tradition that invites guests to be lulled and inspired by ecstatic verse — some ancient, some contemporary – learned by heart, spoken with passion, and accompanied with improvisational music. Poet Kay Crista says, “What we want to do is welcome people to this oasis, it’s a place to slip out of the weariness of everyday living and just be nourished by the reminder of the deeper aspects of what is to be human and alive. We want to rekindle the wildness of the heart in a world culture where nature has been beaten into submission.”
And to top it all off, the evening will benefit The Climate Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire, align, and mobilize action in response to the climate crisis. Working with business, government, youth, and the broader community to advance practical, science-based solutions for significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, The Climate Center makes it easier for people to address climate change and ensure that future generations can continue to live, work, play, and thrive on this extraordinary planet. They provided the impetus for Sonoma Clean Power which has grown to provide Community Choice Energy to over 5 million people in California, reduced greenhouse gas in Sonoma County by 11%, and save $62 million in local consumer electricity rates. All proceeds to benefit The Climate Center.
5 – 6 pm – Wine and hors d’oeuvre on the front lawn
Founded in 2001, The Climate Center played a key role in the tremendous growth in California of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), local government-led energy service providers. CCAs grew from 2 to 23 over the past eight years and now provide 80-90% greenhouse gas-free electricity to over 11 million Californians.
The Climate Center has launched a bold, science-based campaign, Climate-Safe California, to accelerate equitable climate action in California, catalyzing other states, our nation and countries around the world to greater action for a climate-safe future. Our goal is that California, the world’s fifth largest economy, achieves net-negative emissions, removing more climate pollution than we emit, by 2030, 15 years earlier than current state policy.
Beyond our daily routines and to-do lists the world goes on with or with out us. The world of nature is generating its serene healing energy abundantly all the time if we could simply open ourselves to receive it. When, where and how we make our connection to this larger-than-human world is part grace, part circumstance and partly up to us. As we drive back and forth continuously in our cars and in our minds between the same points daily, our connection with nature and ourselves can unconsciously erode to the point where we hardly know much at all about our true selves.
What could one do in the time span of a day to go deep into a direct experience with nature and inner truth? We have been turning this question for over 30 years as we have developed our facilities, grounds and the way we serve at Osmosis.
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a relatively new movement that is growing rapidly in Japan and around the world. The spa environment could be an especially effective gateway to an optimal forest bathing experience.
“Shinrin-yoku” is a term that means, “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” It was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. Researchers primarily in Japan and South Korea have established a robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest.
The idea is simple: if a person simply visits a natural area and walks in a relaxed way there are calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits to be achieved.
We have always known this intuitively. But in the past several decades there have been many scientific studies that are demonstrating the mechanisms behind the healing effects of simply being in wild and natural areas. By breathing in the essential oils produced by trees (known as phytoncides), forest bathers can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and restlessness. These organic compounds support our “NK” (natural killer) cells that are part of our immune system.
Forest therapy approaches such as Shinrin-yoku have roots in many cultures throughout history. John Muir wrote, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home. Wilderness is a necessity.” He is one of many people who can be included when we think about the origins of the practice.
Forest Therapy combines leisurely walks on gentle paths under forest canopy with guided activities and meditations to help you open your senses, hone your intuition, and experience the forest, as you never have before. It draws upon mindfulness meditation practices, and the techniques of deep nature connection mentoring. The Way of Council for group discussions is also used at several points along the walk, to help participants learn from and teach each other.
Evolution for Expanded Awareness
Blending spa treatments with elements such as mindfulness practice and focused nature experiences such as Forest Bath present an exciting evolution for expanded awareness. As pioneers in the wellness and vitality movement, we at Osmosis look forward to providing special opportunities for individuals to make their connection to the larger-than-human world of nature.
Activate your inner wellspring and natural calm during a half-day retreat designed to nourish body, senses, and heart. Whether you long to experience meditative quiet in nature or be transformed by healing movement and expert touch; or perhaps to be inspired by meaningful togetherness; the retreat combines these elements among the forested paths, serene pavilions, and artful gardens of the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.
Body Tuning: A myofascial release movement practice to help let go of tension and stress and come home to your body. Learn techniques to align your posture in a way that promotes feeling relaxed and energized throughout the day.
Forest Bathing: A quiet walk among the ancient trees and year-round creek of Osmosis Sanctuary to open the senses to sounds, scents, textures and aliveness of the natural environment and its inhabitants. Experiencing mindful sensory contact with the world of nature has a restorative effect, especially on mood and mental health and can awaken a new appreciation for the ‘simple things’ in life.
Tea Ceremony and Story Circle: An opportunity to listen and be listened to as we reflect together on the experiences of the morning. Snacks provided.
Spa Treatment: Enjoy the gifted touch of an experienced massage practitioner in a private pavilion surrounded by forest. Upon registration, you can choose between a full-body swedish massage or a facial. A limited number of the Osmosis Spa’s signature enzyme baths are also available. **
COVID Safety: All of the activities will take place outdoors. The massages are in private, open-air pavilions. The cedar enzyme bath and facials are indoors. We will comply with local mask mandates while gathering and maintain physical distance. If you feel any symptoms of respiratory illness, fever or loss of smell, even if vaccinated, please stay home and we will refund your tuition.
* Participants may bring their own lunch or purchase Urban Remedy protein beverages or snacks at the Osmosis deli after the retreat. Water, tea, and snacks are provided.
To bring: Your lovely self. A yoga mat for the morning movement practice (we will have extra mats). A water bottle.
To wear: Layers, layers, layers! The day might begin cool and gradually warm up by as much as 20 degrees.
We will provide: Water, tea, and snacks.
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is located in scenic Sonoma County. Osmosis is well known for our unique Cedar Enzyme Bath, our rejuvenating massages, organic facials, and our beautiful Zen-inspired meditation gardens. Since day one, our expert staff has offered a holistic experience of nurturing, nourishing, and centering. We envision Osmosis as a sanctuary: a place to find relief from the emotional stress and physical pain of everyday life, and a place to prepare yourself for new beginnings.
Pamela Wirth is a Forest and Nature Therapy Coach and creator of ONEinNATURE podcast. She delights in bringing people and nature together to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing for all. www.powerofnaturecoaching.com
Wendy Figone is a Myofascial Release Therapist and Yoga Therapist who integrates the potency of nature and self-compassion into her healing practice. www.wendyfigone.com
Date: Wednesday, September 15
Time: 8:45am – 1:30pm (Please arrive early as we will begin on time)
Cost: $397
Location: Osmosis Day Spa and Sanctuary
Address: 209 Bohemian HWY, Freestone, CA
By RSVP only. The retreat is open to 9 participants.
Join us in the Osmosis meditation garden for an unforgettable summer evening with fine wine, music, inspired poetry, and an artisan dinner.
Masks are required at this outdoor event to maximize safety.
The evening will begin with a premiere wine and hors d’oeuvre reception followed by a gourmet dinner created by food artist Isa.
The evening will be highlighted by Rumi’s Caravan, a Sonoma County tradition that invites guests to be lulled and inspired by ecstatic verse — some ancient, some contemporary – learned by heart, spoken with passion, and accompanied with improvisational music. Poet Kay Crista says, “What we want to do is welcome people to this oasis, it’s a place to slip out of the weariness of everyday living and just be nourished by the reminder of the deeper aspects of what is to be human and alive. We want to rekindle the wildness of the heart in a world culture where nature has been beaten into submission.”
And to top it all off, the evening will benefit The Climate Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire, align, and mobilize action in response to the climate crisis. Working with business, government, youth, and the broader community to advance practical, science-based solutions for significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, The Climate Center makes it easier for people to address climate change and ensure that future generations can continue to live, work, play, and thrive on this extraordinary planet. They provided the impetus for Sonoma Clean Power which has grown to provide Community Choice Energy to over 5 million people in California, reduced greenhouse gas in Sonoma County by 11%, and save $62 million in local consumer electricity rates. All proceeds to benefit The Center For Climate Protection.
Caravan poets include Kay Crista, Larry Robinson, and Doug von Koss accompanied by guest poet Rebecca Evert. Accompanying musicians will be announced soon. Together they will celebrate the world’s cultural and spiritual traditions with the sublime power of performance poetry.
5 – 6 pm – Wine and hors d’oeuvre on the front lawn
Join us in this dreamy workshop where you will learn a variety of self-help tools for helping you to fall asleep and to sleep more deeply.
To fit everything into our busy lives, we often sacrifice sleep. Too often, we feel over-scheduled or over-stimulated, making it difficult for our nervous system to wind down and our minds to calm for sleep. Adequate sleep is an essential component to a healthy lifestyle and can affect both mental and physical health. It is vital to our well-being!
Body and breath awareness practices
Herbs and essential oils to calm the mind
Acupressure points to help you sleep deeply
Meditation techniques to prepare for sleep
Self-massage techniques for deeper relaxation
This All Day Vitality Boosting Retreat includes a 75-min. Massage, Cedar Enzyme Footbath, Organic Lunch & Informative Self Care Presentation!
“Sleep is the most important meditation, not for nirvana, but for survival!” — The Dalai Lama
Raizelah Bayen is currently the Training Coordinator at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary and the founder of Open Pathways Institute for Integrative Massage. She has been practicing and teaching healing arts for almost 30 years. Raizelah is certified in not only massage and acupressure, but also herbology, aromatherapy and yoga instruction. Her passion is teaching an integrative approach to healing in both her wellness workshops at Osmosis, and in her training classes for massage therapists.
Her workshops are well-organized and packed with self-care techniques that are easy to use at home, accessible for even the lay person. She is available for on-site workshops and massage trainings. If you are interested in hosting a workshop or class taught by Raizelah, please email her at openpathwaysmassage.com
