Book Club: Women Rowing North
by Mary Phiper
New York Times Bestseller * USA Today Bestseller* Los Angeles Times Bestseller * Publishers Weekly Bestseller
Aurora's Descent: a Retreat for Women in Midlife Transition
A unique retreat combining literature, movement, and nature connection. This extended weekend offers dedicated time for both independent reading and group discussion, complemented by mindful movement practices designed to enhance focus, retention, and embodied understanding of literary themes.
Retreat Highlights
- Guided 'Letting Go' Movement
- Workshops & Independent Study Time
- Forest Bathing & Solo Meditations
- Evening Mobility & Stretch Sessions
Schedule
Day 1 - Thursday
- 3:00 PM – Arrival & Check-in
- 4:30 PM – Opening Circle & Book Introduction
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
- 7:30 PM – Evening Mobility & Stretch
Day 2 - Friday
- 7:00 AM – Morning Movement (optional)
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – Guided ‘Letting Go’ Movement
- 10:30 AM – Independent Reading Time
- 12:30 PM – Lunch
- 1:30 PM – Book Discussion Circle
- 3:30 PM – Forest Bathing Experience
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
- 7:30 PM – Evening Discussion
Day 3 - Saturday
- 7:00 AM – Morning Movement
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – Workshop Related to Book Theme
- 11:00 AM – Independent Reading Time
- 12:30 PM – Lunch
- 1:30 PM – Solo Meditation in Nature
- 3:30 PM – Book Discussion Circle
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
- 7:30 PM – Evening Mobility & Stretch
Day 4 - Sunday
- 7:00 AM – Morning Movement
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – Independent Study Time
- 12:30 PM – Lunch
- 2:00 PM – Book Discussion Circle
- 4:00 PM – Creative Response Workshop
- 6:00 PM – Special Dinner
- 7:30 PM – Evening Celebration
Day 5 - Monday
- 7:30 AM – Final Movement Practice
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast
- 10:00 AM – Closing Discussion & Integration
- 12:00 PM – Departure Lunch
- 1:00 PM – Check-out
Meet Your Facilitators
Elena Thomas
Literary Guide & Discussion Facilitator
Elena brings her background in literature and group facilitation to create meaningful discussions that connect literary themes to personal growth and embodied experience.
David Lin
Movement & Meditation Guide
David specializes in movement practices that enhance focus, creativity, and mental clarity, supporting the deep literary exploration at the heart of this retreat.
Retreat Details
Dates
September 18-22, 2025
Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Group Size
18 participants maximum
Price
$1250 per person