EMergence: a daylong retreat For

Liberating the Creative Potential

January 4, 2025

Shelburne, Vermont


Albert Einstein said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." As we enter into the liminal space of a new year, this is the perfect time for practices that will support grounding and unlock the creative potential within so that we can envision a new path forward. Join us for a daylong retreat that will include mindful movement (drawing from the traditions of yoga, qi gong, and somatic healing), emergent strategy,  SoulCollage®, and flow singing. This combination of practices have been thoughtfully curated to ground us in our bodies, open our hearts, and be able to access our soul's wisdom. You will leave feeling supported, inspired, ignited, and clear about your vision and purpose for this new year.

Retreat Offerings

  • Rachel will be leading a mindful yoga and qigong practice that will facilitate a grounded spaciousness and help us cultivate presence and possibility. This practice will be slow and meditative, and will leave you feeling centered and inspired. 

  • Before recorded history, humans knew singing as a deep source of power: Power to change; power to heal; power to be present with what is. We will sink into the ancient gift of song to help us tap into resilience and capacity right here and now. It’s so simple: we sing with our own voices just the way they show up, creaky and smooth, following Patricia's relaxed guidance.

  • Rachel will also be leading an embodied, inquiry-based practice she developed called Emerge. This practice is a new way of approaching a question, challenge, or problem that uses collective consciousness to facilitate the emergence of embodied wisdom. Emerge developed from the idea that we can’t solve a problem with the same consciousness that created it. Rather than attempting to answer the questions with our minds, we practice sitting with the questions and feeling the answers in our bodies to unlock the wisdom we need from within. This is a powerful practice that will help you develop clarity and purpose for the new year.

  • Jen loves to invite others into the SoulCollage® process which she hopes participants find welcoming, fun and inclusive.  SoulCollage® is an expressive arts practice done individually or in community. Founded by Seena B. Frost, the method develops creativity and intuition, encourages self-discovery, and provides personal guidance.  SoulCollage® meets you wherever you are on your journey. You don’t have to be an artist to make SoulCollage® cards. Anyone can create and enjoy this powerful practice.  


  • A nourishing, grounding lunch will be provided by a fellow VT Womenpreneur. The menu will be naturally plant-based and gluten-free.

Meet your hosts

  • Image of Jen DeBedout

    Jen DeBedout

    SoulCollage® Guide

  • Image of Rachel de Simone

    Rachel de Simone

    Mindful Movement & Emerge Guide

  • Image of Patricia Norton

    Patricia Norton

    Flow Singing Guide

Retreat overview

FAQs


  • We don't see creative expression as a skill to demonstrate, but rather as a mindfulness practice. Our hope is that this retreat will support a grounded, spacious flow of energy so that you can access your inherent wisdom and creativity in a playful, exploratory manner. All voices and forms of creative expression are welcome. Come as you are, and be open to possibilities!

  • Absolutely. The movement practice will draw from the yoga and qigong traditions, and will feel like a moving meditation. Rachel provides clear and easy to follow cues, and encourages all students to listen to their bodies. Beginners are welcome, and no prior experience is needed.

  • We are designing the menu with universal design principles so that it will be naturally plant-based and gluten-free. If you have specific needs, please email rachel@lotusvt.com to let us know how we can best accommodate you.

  • This retreat is intended to be a place of inquiry and connection. If you feel drawn to the ideas of embodiment, practicing presence, and being open to the creative potential, we’d love to have you join us! We also welcome questions and connection, so please reach out and let us know how we can support you.