SOU’WESTER EVENTS!
See what’s happening during your next stay or plan a visit around our free live music, workshops, wellness offerings and more!
Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series
The Art of Bright Leadership
with Gracie Koester
CANCELLED
Whether leading your own micro-biz, a crew, an organization, or just participating fully as an engaged team member–your work is to contribute your unique, powerful gifts and co-create conditions for others to do the same. The impact ripples across not only work, but life. You become both strong and fluid in leadership; adapting to change and enacting your vision. The results of Bright Leadership are thriving, joy, satisfaction, growth, and creativity.
This retreat will connect you to your core commitments, illuminate new ways to lead with ease and impact, and equip you with tools to reach greater reward. We will uncover your Highest Purpose, and draw lessons from Aikido and the roots of our humanness. We will hone your skills in seeing your ecosystem and optimizing the exchanges within, and channel your vision into inspiring goals with actionable, measurable metrics. You will emerge shining more brightly, doing more of your best work, and extending value and joy in your ecosystem.
- Connecting to our roots as biological beings
- Honing in on your Highest Purpose
- Identifying dimming cycles
- Setting inspiring & motivating objectives
- Working with an agile mindset
- Lessons from Aikido, yoga and meditation
Gracie Koester is a Business Geographer dedicated to helping individuals, organizations, and communities generate greater impact and reward. Trained to see in layers and interconnections, she has a knack for making the complex simple. She works individually and system-wide to connect dots–uncovering new insights and pathways to success.
Ecosystem thinking and agile strategy are central components of Gracie’s work, integrating a people-centered approach with a strong focus on metrics. She combines big picture thinking and attention to detail to help leaders and organizations design and implement nimble, powerful strategy and generate thriving cultures. The results enhance that sweet spot of productivity & creativity: brighter ideas, brighter work, brighter people.
Gracie is an experienced facilitator, speaker, listener, and consultant. She brings a decade-plus of experience coaching and consulting in the realms of agility, strategy, leadership, and team performance. Gracie has worked across industries, including healthcare, design, advertising, tech, retail, construction, and social impact.
At her core, Gracie is a lifelong learner. She holds a BA from Macalester, and has trained in Ecosystem Intelligence, The Master Moves, Leadership Embodiment, and Generative Leadership. She resides in Portland, OR.
SCHEDULE :
MONDAY
4pm arrive, settle in
5pm
Welcome; an invitation to Brighten
Agile warmups & new connections
Setting focus for the retreat
7pm dinner
TUESDAY
10am-1pm
Connecting to our roots as biological beings
Honing in on your Highest Purpose
Embodiment practice; lessons from Aikido
1-4pm
Lunch & reflection & self-guided rejuvenation
4-5:30pm
Identifying dimming cycles
Seeing and flowing in ecosystems
Illuminating exchanges
6pm
Highest Purpose meditation with Adrian
7pm dinner
WEDNESDAY
9-10am
Trio conversations & exchange
10-11am
Yoga w Adrian
11-12:30pm
Setting ‘Moonshots’ (inspiring & motivating Objectives)
Measuring with metrics that matter
12:30-3:30pm
Lunch & reflection & self-guided rejuvenation
3:30-5:30pm
Commitments as a listening act
Agile mindset & embodiment practices
5:30pm spa time
7pm dinner
THURSDAY
9-10am
Gratitude & Inventing the future
Commitments to Brighten
BEGINS: Monday at 5pm
ENDS: Thursday at 11am
COST: $300, plus lodging ($200 deposit reserves your space and is credited towards your total)
BRING: A notebook and pen, a comfy cushion and/or blanket for sitting, & a yoga mat, if you have one
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW (at top of page), enter the date range and the access code BRIGHT
*For SHARED LODGING OPTIONS please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome.
Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/wellness/retreats to see the full schedule of retreats.
Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series
Expansive Alignment: Committing to Your Vision
with Renee Sills
Just one week after the Autumn Equinox and supported by the auspicious beginning of a waxing crescent moon in Libra, we’ll gather together for an immersive exploration of Embodied Astrology and the personal and collective potentials of Jupiter’s upcoming transit through Capricorn.
Jupiter in Capricorn (December 2019 – December 2020) is an invitation to trust the future by actively shaping it. In astrology, Jupiter is a planet associated with optimism, good-fortune, vision, life purpose, broadening perspectives/horizons, philosophy, self-improvement and positive consciousness. Capricorn is a sign that helps us all to materialize on the earthly plane, confront and move through obstacles, grow stronger through challenges we face and manifest our ambitions. Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn happens once every twelve years, but in 2020 this transit will combine with several other long-term influences making it an important, and potentially pivotal time for personal and collective healing, transformation and development.
Regardless of your sun sign, each person’s natal chart includes Jupiter and Capricorn as active and important influences. Working with your own natal placements allows you to understand how this upcoming transit will affect you specifically and will give you clues, tools and timing for working most effectively with its challenges and opportunities.
This unique retreat combines astrological method and how-to, movement, meditation, somatic healing practices, and creative, intuitive journeying. You will:
- Learn practical skills for astrological chart analysis and gain a deep understanding of how Jupiter and Capricorn work in your natal chart.
- Be guided through intuitive and accessible mind/body explorations that will help reveal, clarify and synthesize your personal vision and life purpose, creative offerings and soul-commitments.
- Craft a personal manifestation design for the next year that works most effectively with the exciting and powerful astrology of 2020 and Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn.
- Enjoy a healing and regenerative retreat with a fun group of vibrant individuals on the beautiful Washington coast at a one-of-a-kind, female/queer-owned and operated retreat center where you can walk/cycle on the beach, use the Finnish Sauna, peruse the art gallery and pause in the wellness space!
Renee Sills is a multidisciplinary artist, consulting astrologer and embodiment coach/guide. She has worked with hundreds of clients and students worldwide who appreciate her unique insight and effective guidance. She specializes in crafting strategies for counter-culture success with artists, activists, makers, movers and visionary entrepreneurs. She offers astrology, embodiment and creativity as tools for cultivating and maintaining liberatory relationships, (re)generative occupations/vocation, and living in alignment with purpose, passion and integrated authenticity.
Renee is the author and producer of the Embodied Astrology podcast. She comes from a lineage of astrologers and intuitives. She has studied astrology in-depth for over 20 years and continues to train under experienced mentors. She has taught yoga and other movement forms for 15 years and holds several certificates in bodywork and energy healing. She has a BFA in Intermedia and CyberArts and an MFA in Art & Social Practice. She resides in Portland, OR.
SCHEDULE (subject to slight changes):
SUNDAY
3pm: Arrival and check-in
5 – 5:30pm: Welcome drinks and snacks
5:30 – 7pm: Opening talk, introductions and intention-setting for our work together in the retreat
7:30pm: Dinner at the Pickled Fish (optional, cost not included in retreat package) + sauna and free time
MONDAY
9:30 – 10am: Juice Flight Wellness Offering
10am-1pm: Embodying Your Vision – Exploring Jupiter’s astrological symbolism through meditation, movement, art and writing
1 – 4pm: Lunch and free time
4 – 7pm: Interpreting Jupiter in your chart: Understand how Jupiter works for you through its sign and house placements, disposter and planetary aspects
7pm onwards: Dinner on your own + sauna and free time
TUESDAY
9:30 – 10am: Complimentary coffee and tea
10am – 1pm: Clarifying Your Commitment – Exploring Capricorn’s astrological symbolism through meditation, movement, art and writing
1 – 4pm: Lunch and free time
4 – 5:30pm: Interpreting Capricorn in your chart: Understand how Capricorn works in your chart through its house rulership, natal planets and angles in Capricorn and Saturn’s placement
5:30 – 7pm: Synthesis – Interpreting Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn for your chart
7:30pm: Catered Dinner and evening lecture on important dates for Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn
9pm onwards: Sauna and free time
WEDNESDAY
9 – 9:30am: Complimentary coffee and tea
9:30 – 11am: Commitment to Vision – Embodiment practice and ritual
11am – 12pm: Prepare to depart (checkout at 12pm)
BEGINS: Sunday at 5pm
ENDS: Wednesday at 11am
RETREAT FEE: $250
**7 spaces are open to Sliding Scale, and are reserved for QTLGB+ and BIPOC only**
Sliding Scale suggestion:
$50-100 (greatest need)
$100-200 (mid need)
$200-300 (low need)
*If interested in Sliding Scale, please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
LODGING costs are separate from retreat fee. This is a nightly rate, individual to each room. Please see below how to book direct online.
DEPOSIT: $200 deposit reserves your space and is credited towards your total
BRING: Journal and pen/pencil, comfy cushion and/or blanket for sitting and a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW (at top of page), enter the date range and the access code ALIGN
*For SHARED LODGING OPTIONS please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome.
Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/wellness/retreats to see the full schedule of retreats.
WEEKLY WELLNESS OFFERING
Self-Guided Chakra Balancing Aromatherapy
All are invited into our cozy Velvet Lounge in the lodge to choose a chakra that you would like to work on. Lounge, meditate and make your own chakra balancing aromatherapy spritzer to take home. Directions and pricing provided.
COST: various prices, depending on what you want to make, are listed in the lodge velvet lounge
RSVP: Call (360) 642-2542 at least 24 hours before this event so we can be sure to set out enough for everyone!
Fall/Winter 2019 Workshop Series
Spice Rack Remedies : DIY Kitchen Medicine for Common Ailments with Elyssia Maya Schaeffer
The contents of our spice rack, pantry and refrigerator offer much in the way of simple home remedies for the common ailment. That childhood cup of warm milk before bed and Grandma’s aloe plant for your summer sunburn were not just old wives tales! In this workshop, we will make DIY medicines for five prevalent health concerns – headaches, indigestion, rashes, eye irritation and sleeplessness while discussing why these simple solutions actually work. You will go home with a sample of each remedy and a deeper understanding of the herbal allies at your fingertips.
Elyssia Maya Schaeffer is a Certified Wellness Coach, Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Ayurveda & Yoga Teacher living in Portland, Oregon on her little slice of heaven affectionately known as “Schaeffer Family Farms”. When not health coaching, teaching workshops or managing the eclectic medicinary of a Naturopathic and Acupuncture clinic, Elyssia can be found reveling in the joys of her farmstead with her fun-loving husband, two cheeky chihuahuas, a sweet bunny and eight spunky Silkie chickens.
Elyssia believes everyone has the wisdom and power within themselves to make positive changes for their physical and emotional well being and truly enjoys supporting each person’s unique process in creating and putting into action the lifestyle habits that lead to the most balanced, vibrant, authentic expression of themselves.
COST: $30
BRING: All supplies provided. Please bring a sacklunch. A winter chai tea, homemade energy bars and fruit will be provided for snacks.
All ages welcome. 8 students max.
RSVP: via souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.com or 360-642-2542 between 9am-9pm
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Fall/Winter 2019 Workshop Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome. Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/art/workshops to see the full schedule of artist-led workshops.
5th Annual Handmade Bazaar at The Sou’wester
Art Exhibit
Shore / Lines
by artist Marcus Fischer
November 8, 2019 through January 12, 2020
A new art exhibit in a vintage travel trailer turned into a permanent art gallery, at The Sou’wester Lodge
‘Shore / Lines’ is an exhibition featuring a multi-channel sculptural sound installation inspired by the coastal environment.
RECEPTION with the artist on Friday January 10, 6pm-9pm.
OPEN: Fri/Sat/Sun 9am-9pm (and by request: visit the lodge front desk and we’ll open the gallery for you)
Art Gallery & Opening Reception free and open to the public.
Marcus Fischer is a first generation American musician + interdisciplinary artist based in Portland, Oregon. His work typically centers around memory, geography + the manipulation of physical audio recording mediums. Slowly unfolding melodies and warm tape saturated drones have become a trademark of his recordings + live performances alike. These sounds have found their way into multimedia installations, short films, and even into the award winning public radio program Radiolab. Fischer has released a number of recordings on the widely respected 12k label including his photographic + sonic collaborations with label founder Taylor Deupree. In 2017 Marcus Fischer was an artist in residence at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation / Rauschenberg Residency where he completed “Loss”, his most recent solo album (released September, 2017)
Two of his sound works were on view in the 2019 Whitney Biennial May 17th-Sept 22nd, 2019.
Fischer performs solo, in collaborations, and as a member of unrecognizable now and wild card.
This trailer is a 1960’s Aloha made in Aloha, Oregon. It was rescued from a neglected RV park in the northern part of the Long Beach Peninsula. Now repaired and transformed into an art space, this art gallery is part of our Artist Residency Program and our non-profit organization, Sou’wester Arts.
Art Exhibit, “Water and Wood”, by artist Sam Montaña
January 17 through April 5, 2020
A new art exhibit in a vintage travel trailer turned into a permanent art gallery, at The Sou’wester Lodge .
‘Water & Wood’ is an exhibition featuring wood sculptures and water themed photography by Portland based artist Sam Montaña.
OPENING RECEPTION on Friday January 17, 6pm-9pm.
OPEN: Fri/Sat/Sun 9am-9pm (and by request: visit the lodge front desk and we’ll open the gallery for you)
Art Gallery & Opening Reception free and open to the public.
This trailer is a 1960’s Aloha made in Aloha, Oregon. It was rescued from a neglected RV park in the northern part of the Long Beach Peninsula. Now repaired and transformed into an art space, this art gallery is part of our Artist Residency Program and our non-profit organization, Sou’wester Arts.
The Sou’wester Lodge, 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
360-642-2542 9am-9pm, www.souwesterlodge.com, souwesterlodge@gmail.com
Winter/Spring 2020 Wellness Retreat Series
Steady & Clear:
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation for the Flow of
Your Life
with Laurel Clohessy
This retreat is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy, transformation, and rejuvenation of Kundalini Yoga, sacred chant, and creativity as you discover and return to the HOME that is your true self. Whether you are an experienced yogi, or this is your first time practicing Kundalini Yoga, you can benefit from this practice. Kundalini Yoga and meditation, as taught by Yogi Bhajan is for anyone and everyone. Just breathe, and lean in the right direction and you too will benefit! The best way to know it, is by doing it-so we will experience basic pranayam or breathwork, kriyas or yogic sets, meditations, and mantras that can become a part of your own daily toolbox. Tools to release stress, to unlock creativity, and be your best YOU. Kundalini yoga is often called “the yoga of awareness,” as it is a journey of self-mastery and one that activates all the systems of the body.
We will enjoy the blessings of community-in a few group meditations and exercises, as well as the natural world-taking time by the ocean to practice a walking meditation. There will be a couple of brief writing and art exercises explored post-yoga sets as a tool for self-reflection and awareness. In this weekend retreat, you will get to know the other participants as we share in community. This will also be a time to slow down and listen to yourself in the beauty of the setting on the Washington Penninsula. There will be free time to explore, soak, relax, and enjoy on your own. All parts of the retreat classes are by choice-if you need to rest or skip anything that is just fine. You will leave with handouts and a personal recipe for your own personal practice, as well as a group 40-day sadhana to continue after if you choose.
Kundalini Yoga is a tool to experience your birthright to happiness and greatness as the human being that you are. “Great challenges come to Great people.” -YB
I hope to see you there! Sat Nam
Laurel Clohessy (Deshpal Kaur) grew up with Kundalini Yoga sprinkled throughout her early childhood. She returned to the arms of this practice following the birth of her oldest son. In 2005 Laurel studied with Gurmukh to become a certified Khalsa Way Prenatal teacher. In 2007, she completed the Radiant Child teacher training with Shakta Kaur, and in 2014 Laurel completed her Level 1 KYTT with Sevak Singh Khalsa. She has loved bringing these healing teachings to humans of all ages through the years in Montessori schools, University, birth centers, detention centers, and studios. Laurel is a Cornerstone Childbirth Educator, mother to two boys, educator, and lover of all things ginger. Laurel often incorporates poetry and dance movement into her all-levels classes. It is her joy to share these teachings with others, and she sees the powerful practice of Kundalini Yoga as a compass that can always point us forward, as well as return us to the happiest, truest Self. Laurel teaches currently in Portland, Oregon and is a transplant from Flagstaff, AZ.
SCHEDULE: (subject to change)
FRIDAY
6-7pm
- Check-in, logistics, welcome circle
SATURDAY
9am-12pm
- Morning Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
- Discussion-Sadhana/Developing Personal Practice/Morning Self-Care
- Meditation & Mantra, Reflective Dialogue Practice
Lunch Break and Free to BE Time
2-5pm
- Tune-In, Yogi Bhajan Short video
- Yoga with Self-Awareness Art/Drawing exercise
- Dance Movement
Dinner Break and Free to BE Time
7-8:00pm
- Gong & Sound Relaxation. Goodnight
SUNDAY
4:45-6:45am
- Aquarian Sadhana
8:30-10am
- Walk to the beach
- Group meditation
- Closing circle/Farewell
BEGINS: Friday at 6pm
ENDS: Sunday at 10am
COST: $120 / Lodging separate
BRING: Comfortable clothing to move, Yoga mat (if do not have-there will be a few to loan) and cushion, walking shoes, towel or blanket to sit on at the beach, water bottle, journal or notebook and pen.
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW, enter the date range and the “promo code” STEADY
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
SOU’WESTER ARTS WEEK: the Sou’wester will be given over to artists and art collectives for a week of residency work and a weekend of open houses and public performances.
The goal of this event is to highlight the creative process and the experiential nature of the Sou’wester Residency Program. Walking into an active creative process reveals valuable intersections among artists as well as with the public. Experience these living artifacts at the open studios and weekend performances. Visit HERE for more information.
Winter 2020 Workshop Series
How the Light Gets In with instructor Suzie Kassouf
canceled – It can feel unbearable to carry the pain of our world in this unprecedented era of social upheaval and ecological destruction. Luckily, the task of tending to our broken world can infuse us with life-affirming purpose, connection and joy. Through vinyasa, meditation, group activities and time spent in nature, we will learn to honor our pain as a precious signifier of our compassion and care for our world. Most importantly, we will develop in ourselves a robust and muscular hope, rooted in the very unpredictability of these times. Leonard Cohen implores us, “ring the bells that still can ring/ forget your perfect offering/ there is a crack in everything/ that’s how the light gets in.” I look forward to sharing this with you.
Suzanna Kassouf is an educator, yoga instructor and climate justice activist. After 10 years of personal practice, she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training at The People’s Yoga with Suniti Dernovsek in 2018. She is an organizer with the climate justice group Sunrise PDX and is student teaching Environmental Justice and Ethnic Studies at Lincoln High School in Portland. Suzie believes strongly that our world is desperate for healing on multiple levels, and that true liberation can be found in community and service to others. She is passionate about marrying activism and spirituality and strives to courageously live the path of nonviolence in her life and work.
COST: sliding scale $40, $30, or $20
BRING:Pen, paper, yoga mat and a reusable bag. Please wear clothes comfortable for practicing yoga, walking on the beach and in the woods, and sitting for meditation. *optional: meditation cushion, blanket, yoga props. Sharing food is a powerful tool for deepening connection and building community. Please bring a dish to share as you are willing and able as well as an individual plate/bowl and utensils. Coffee provided.
No age limit but this class deals with deep emotions. 16 students max.
RSVP: souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.com or 360-642-2542 between 9am-9pm
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Winter 2020 Workshop Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome. Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/art/workshops to see the full schedule of artist-led workshops.