Women often find themselves losing their identity amidst the many roles they juggle, frequently neglecting their own needs for the sake of others.
Danna and LeeAnn have designed a sanctuary where you can pause, breathe, and gently release what no longer serves you. In a world that constantly asks us to carry more, this retreat is an invitation to unpack.
Together, we will explore how anxiety takes root within the physical body and learn how to gently untangle its grip. Through a nourishing blend of somatic grounding techniques, forest bathing, and yoga, you will reconnect with the earth and your own inner rhythm.
Surrounded by a supportive community of women, we will identify your personal "resource spots"—internal and external anchors of safety—before drifting into deep restoration with immersive sound baths and guided meditations.
Step away from the noise, sink into the present, and rediscover the art of letting go.
April 29 - May 2, 2027
This retreat is for you if…
You are ready to shed the heavy expectations and perfectionism society places on women.
You are ready to challenge the belief that you must carry it all and question the societal norms that keep your mind racing and your body tense.
You are open to gently unpacking your thoughts and releasing mental clutter through quiet journaling and safe, shared sisterhood.
You are seeking somatic and mental tools to tune out the external noise, listen to your nervous system, and understand what your body actually needs.
You are eager to use the medicine of nature, grounding, yoga, and sound to reclaim your natural ease.
You are ready to hold gentle, empathetic space for other women who are also learning to navigate their anxiety and let go of control.
You want to walk away with a practical, gentle roadmap to face a hectic world with absolute clarity, grounded confidence, and peace of mind.
You are ready to make your well-being a priority and finally choose your own peace first.
every retreat sponsored by awaken is developed and guided by the following three foundational pillars:
NATURE: Within nature, your body is able to find patterns and rhythm that allow for a sense of calm and clarity. In nature we can practice being present and mindful which allow us to increase focus and reduce the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Grounding is a practice where an individual has a physical connection to the earth through activities like touching a tree, walking barefoot outside, smelling plants, and wading or swimming in water. Research suggests that grounding can help individuals decrease stress and enhance their creativity. During group sessions and afternoon activities, you will have time to practice grounding and learn techniques to be utilized in your daily practices.
NUTRITION: Good nutrition is vital to maintaining a positive mood and increasing cognitive function. Individuals may benefit from looking at their nutritional habits. Past trauma can affect your nervous system by remaining in survival mode. By looking at why we eat, what we truly enjoy, and what has influence over our relationship with food, we can begin to connect to internal body cues like hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. During group sessions we will help you identify and describe your internal body cues.
SELF-EMPOWERMENT: Through self-empowerment, you can begin to recognize unhealthy patterns. Patterns could include wanting to always please others, overextending yourself, putting yourself last, trying to keep the peace, seeking predictive outcomes, displaying addictive characteristics, and conveying low self-esteem. Once these patterns are identified, you can begin to set healthy boundaries, create time for self-care, and recognize your self-worth. Self-empowerment is vital in order to make positive decisions and to take action for yourself when it is needed. Self-empowerment is significantly correlated with your overall well being both for mind and body. Our group time will help you recognize your patterns and provide strategies to utilize daily.
What an amazing space to sit in front of the fire and relax!
lodging
Anxiety & The Art of Letting Go Retreat will be hosted at the World Famous Minnesuing Acres Resort nestled in the serene backdrop of the Northwoods. This private hidden gem borders the shores of Lake Minnesuing. What was once a private family vacation home is now available for small intimate gatherings.
To add to your comfort and privacy, participants of the Anxiety & The Art of Letting Go Retreat will be the only guests on the entire massive 200 acre lake front property.
The following amenities will be provided throughout your stay:
Kayaks and Paddle Boards that can be used in the lake
Two indoor swimming pools, sauna, indoor hot tub, and outdoor hot tub
Workout center
One lane bowling alley
Nine hole executive golf course
Pool table
Shuffleboard
Foosball
Dartboard
Wood burning fireplace in the main lodge and screen house
Outdoor fire pit
Mountain bikes for use on groomed trails
Hiking trails
Tennis court/Pickleball court
Basketball court
All Rooms Feature:
Private Bathroom with Shower
Desk and Seating Area
King or Queen Size Bed
Deluxe Linens
Premiere Bathroom Amenities
High-Speed Internet
Individually Controlled Thermostats
Blow Dryer, Iron and Ironing Board
Keurig Coffee Maker and Bottled Water
Our itinerary and activities have been carefully curated to provide our participants with the most meaningful and transformative experience possible, but should you choose to skip an activity you are more than welcome to do so. This retreat is all about you and your personal empowerment. We do encourage you to leave phones and other electronic devices in your room during the day to enhance your experience with us.
itinerary
Thursday:
3:00-4:00: Check In
4:00-5:00: Introductions/Tour of the Grounds
6:00: Dinner
7:15-8:00: Welcome Group
Free Time
Friday:
7:30-8:00: Meditation
8:00-9:00: Breakfast
9:30-11:30: Group (What brain science says about anxiety)
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-3:00: Free Time
3:30-4:30: Afternoon Activity (Yoga)
6:00-7:00: Dinner
7:00-7:30: Fireside Chat
Free Time
Saturday:
7:30-8:00: Sound Bath
8:00-9:00: Breakfast
9:30-11:30: Group (Anxiety reducing techniques)
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-3:00: Free Time
3:30-4:30: Afternoon Activity (Forest Bathing/Ornitherapy)
6:00-7:00: Dinner
7:00-7:30: Fireside Chat
Free Time
Sunday:
7:30-8:00: Breathwork
8:00-9:00: Breakfast
9:00-10:00: Group Wrap Up
10:00-11:00: Checkout
Cuisine
All meals, hor d’oeuvres, and snacks will be skillfully prepared by the in-house chef. Every meal will be flavorful, healthy, and carefully planned to nourish your body and mind during this life changing event.
Past guests have raved about the quality of the food.
What is Included with Base Room Fee:
Meditation
En-Suite Room (private bathroom within your room)
Daily Group time with Danna and Leeann
Folders filled with retreat information/material
Breathwork
Yoga
Sound Bath
All amenities listed above (swimming pools, hot tub, sauna, golf, tennis, etc)
Forest Bathing/Ornitherapy
Meals/snacks/beverages
Awaken gift
Parking
Pre-retreat meet and greet
Post-retreat follow-up video
What is Available for an Additional Fee:
Shuttle from Duluth Airport
$85.00 each way
Therapeutic Massage: Pay directly to therapist
Retreat Swag
what is not included:
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Beverages
Cost of all-inclusive stay
Single occupancy: $1395.00 per person
Double occupancy: $1245.00 per person
meet your retreat leaders!
Danna and LeeAnn have years of experience running groups, trainings, and retreats. You will eat delicious, home cooked food, laugh at their constant ‘sisterly antics’, smile at the breathtaking views, and leave feeling accepted, understood, refreshed, and glowing. You will not want to miss this retreat!
DANNA LIVINGSTON-MATHERLY
Danna holds a Master of Science in Education and Instruction, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a technical college Criminal Justice instructor and international university lecturer to her practice.
Alongside her academic background, she is certified in meditation, motivational interviewing, adult and youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and breath coaching, enabling her to guide clients through personalized breathwork techniques tailored to their body's needs.
As a wife, mother of five daughters, new grandmother, caregiver to aging parents, and dedicated educator, Danna understands firsthand the challenges of over-extension and energy depletion; by setting intentional boundaries and integrating the three pillars of Awaken, she continuously cultivates balance and resilience—a lived experience she brings directly to her work.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Danna enjoys traveling, embracing simple country living, and spending quality time with her family.
LEEANN WIESE
Dr. Lee Ann Wiese is a leader in the field of special education, bringing years of expertise in translating behaviorist theories and Cognitive Learning Theory into effective practices that recognize both internal and external influences on behavior. Recently transitioning from her role as a University Instructor to serve as the Director of Special Education and Student Services in the K-12 system, she is a Nationally Board Certified teacher who actively mentors and coaches current and future educators while lecturing on goal attainment and trauma-sensitive instruction.
In addition to her extensive background in special education and her deep understanding of the Neurosequential Model, Dr. Wiese integrates advanced somatic and holistic modalities into her practice, holding Level 1 certification in Brainspotting, Level 1 certification as a Sound Practitioner for sound baths, and specialized training in trauma-sensitive practices. Balancing a demanding professional career with raising her family, supporting her aging parents, helping run an organic beef farm, and founding Awaken, she understands firsthand the importance of life balance.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Lee Ann Wiese enjoys life on the farm, training her horse, cooking with local organic ingredients, and reconnecting with her spirit through the outdoors.
awaken support staff
Kerry Kowalik
Kerry Kowalik is a mother, wife, and health and wellness connoisseur. Currently a yoga instructor and trauma-informed somatic coach. As a somatic coach, she believes transformational healing is 80% body-based work and 20% mindset work. Acknowledging the body as a source of wisdom and intelligence can lead to sustainable and profound transformation and healing. Kerry has led dozens of individuals through movement, breath, and mindfulness to a place of awareness, curiosity, compassion, and acceptance. Kerry is always learning and leading by example. She is the embodiment of her work.
It is important to take time out of our busy lives and decompress. Kerry gives us a wonderful opportunity to do just that through her somatic practice. Connecting back into our bodies and utilizing our breath work can help nourish our bodies and release pent-up tension. Somatic practices encompass a series of movement forms that can be drawn together through their shared focus on body awareness through reflection on movement habits, opening up movement capacity, and developing self-directed or personal movement styles.
Elaine Bell
Elaine has been practicing massage therapy for almost six years. She brings a spa-forward, hospitality-driven approach to massage. Elaine enjoys music, her pets, and has recently opened her own massage studio, Beyond Gold Wellness Collective, in downtown Duluth, MN!
Dr. Mahala Livingston
Mahala is a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine and physician in New Orleans, Louisiana. We welcome her virtually to this year’s retreat to discuss the science of stress and the effects of lifestyle on women’s health.
