Our Stories, Our Selves: A Women's Writing Retreat 

October 17 - 20, 2024 

Hosted by Tracy Levy and Melissa Clary at Soulful Prairies in Woodstock, IL

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Embark on a Healing Journey

Experience the transformative power of writing, yoga, meditation, and lasting, soulful connections with fellow attendees alongside our equine partners at Soulful Prairies in Woodstock, Illinois. 

Give yourself the gift of a sacred weekend that is a dedicated space for you to explore the alchemy of creative attention, writing your life story, and the healing potential found in claiming all parts of yourself. 


This all-inclusive women’s retreat is guided by long-time writing and yoga teacher Tracy Levy and experienced gestalt practitioner Melissa Clary. 

what's included

accommodations

This Retreat Is Tailor-Made For You If...

You crave a getaway that will offer balance, clarity and breathe a new perspective into your life. 

You sense a story buried deep within that needs to find its way from your mind to the page.

You are intrigued by memoir writing as an integral part of your healing and creative journey.

You want time to unwind, destress, and rest in the arms of nature’s healing power.

This Retreat Offers...

  • Daily morning yoga and guided meditation.
  • Writing circles to learn and share.
  • A gong bath with the horses of Soulful Prairie.
  • All delicious meals are prepared by chef extraordinaire, Anna Jackson.
  • A supportive and safe community of women.

Accommodations

All accommodations are double occupancy. The four bedrooms share two full bathrooms and a cozy common sitting area with kitchenette amenities. You will also have access to the Pasture View Lounge where you can relax and enjoy the striking view of the horses wandering the expansive property.  


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Private Chef  Meals

All meals will be prepared on site by integrated health coach ‍Anna Jackson. Vegetarian options will be available and any dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Explore Guest Suites & Accommodations at Soulful Prairies

Your story isn't just any tale, it's the very foundation of your existence, shaping every aspect of your life and relationships.

It's time to harness its transformative potential. 

Unleash the Extraordinary Potential of  Your Story

A Widening lens of Self-Understanding

Gain profound clarity on how your past narratives shape your present reality and relationships.

The ability to transmute past experiences into beauty holds the key to deep healing and empowerment. Within our community, express your truths and embark on a journey of self-discovery where your narrative becomes a canvas for renewal. Witness the emergence of a stronger, more authentic self as you embrace the transformative power of art. 

Leave the Retreat With...

Empowerment Through Expression

Experience the cathartic release of sharing your truth within a supportive community.

Healing Through Art

Harness the transformative potential of art as a catalyst for deep, lasting healing, allowing creativity to illuminate and mend the fragments of your narrative.

Tools for Ongoing Growth

Acquire practical tools and strategies, including the power of craft to continue nurturing your story, catalyzing ongoing personal growth and transformation.


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Tracy, a seasoned educator, integrates traditional teaching with spiritual and wellness practices, cultivating environments of self-exploration, creative expression, and profound relational trust. With an innate understanding of language and a wealth of body knowledge, she empowers individuals to flourish as writers and human beings. Based in Chicago, Tracy holds a master's degree in English and Education from Columbia University in New York, where she honed her skills. She leads transformative writing circles, fostering connection and growth among women.

Melissa Clary, an experienced Gestalt practitioner and therapist with an MA in psychology from Tufts University, is a passionate writer, yoga enthusiast, and avid seeker of pathways to optimal living. Inspired by the symbiosis of writing groups and Gestalt therapy, Melissa champions thoughtful inquiry and gentle space-holding, harnessing the transformative power of writing to facilitate growth. Her passion lies in guiding others toward their best lives, melding her diverse practices into a holistic approach to healing and self-discovery.

Tracy & Melissa

meet your retreat hosts

pricing & registration

more about the venue

All-Inclusive Pricing: $1,875

The total cost of this retreat is $1,875 per participant. A 50% retainer is due upon booking to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due in full by August 15th, 2024.

This is an intimate retreat limited to 8 participants. Please note we are not able to accommodate single-occupancy rooms. All available rooms are multiple-occupancy.



Cancellation Policy:

The retainer is non-refundable, however, if your spot can be filled the retainer amount less 25% will be returned. No refunds for any cancellations 60 days or less before the retreat start date.

travel arrangements: 

Please note, travel to and from the Soulful Prairies venue, such as airfare, rental car, and rideshares are not included. Travel arrangements are the responsibility of each participant. 

register now

All-Inclusive Pricing: $1,875

The total cost of this retreat is $1,875 per participant. A 50% deposit is due upon booking to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due in full by August 15th, 2024.

This is an intimate retreat limited to 8 participants. Please note we are not able to accommodate single-occupancy rooms. All available rooms are multiple-occupancy.



register now

Cancellation Policy:

The deposit is non-refundable, however, if your spot can be filled the deposit amount less 25% will be returned. No refunds for any cancellations 60 days or less before the retreat start date.

travel arrangements: 

Please note, travel to and from the Soulful Prairies venue, such as airfare, rental car, and rideshares are not included. Travel arrangements are the responsibility of each participant. 

Policies: 

Retreat Registration

October 17 - 20, 2024 

Hosted by Tracy Levy and Melissa Clary at Soulful Prairies in Woodstock, IL

Thank you so much for your interest in the Our Stories Ourselves Women's Retreat! Please answer the following questions. Your answers are important to us and are held in confidence. 

Have questions before you submit the form? Please send us an email at heelsdownhealing@gmail.com to contact us directly.

Pre-Registration  Questionnaire 

After we review your submission, we will follow up with next steps for official registration!