Embodied Communication Retreat
With Lydia Johnson & Rae Gibson
May 21-24, 2026
A different kind of conversation
Embodied communication is more than words or actions. It is the sum of our experience, emotions, intentions, and expression.
This retreat is an invitation to explore a full-bodied connection to self and others.
EMBODIED COMMUNICATION RETREAT
With Lydia Johnson & Rae Gibson
May 21-24, 2026
Arrival: Thursday 5.21.26 @ 2pm at 9211 Moonlight Rd
Departure: Sunday 5.24.26 @ 3pm
Why Horses?
Because survival is so close to the surface in wild and formerly wild horses, they are perceptive to internal as well as external communications in the humans around them. Through their reactions to us, we see ourselves more clearly. Interacting with a fully autonomous wild creature, especially a beautiful prey animal built for survival in a herd, draws out full-bodied communication beyond words.
Meet Your Hosts
Rae and Lydia have a long family connection but have formed a deeper friendship in recent years of interesting conversations while eating lots of snacks. They both like to talk and listen and wear comfortable clothing.
Lydia Johnson
Lydia Johnson is horse trainer, wife and mother. Her natural curiosity and delight in all animals has shaped her understanding of communication as a full body experience. Lydia loves being outside and the unlimited potential for connection between living creatures. She was inspired to host this event to share her years of observation and deep joy around horses.
Rae Gibson
Rae Gibson is a hilarious story teller, gracious listener, mother, friend, and trained counselor. She has learned to make space for complexity in the people around her and feeding people is her love language. Rae was drawn to support Lydia in this endeavor through her belief that the tension between solitude and community holds rich promise. Rae is fascinated by intersubjectivity and attachment theory in our lived experiences and is looking forward to learning from horses with you!
What to Expect
Over four days, Lydia and Rae will guide you through an immersive experience that blends:
Hands-on interaction with horses
Personal reflection and journaling
Group connection and conversation
Spacious time for rest and integration
Nourishing, thoughtfully prepared meals
This is a space to explore a full-bodied connection to yourself, to others, and to the natural world,
without pressure, performance, or pretense.
Lodging Options
Accommodations are limited to 9 women. The retreat house includes 3 beautifully prepared rooms with either a king or queen bed.
Please review the photos of our thoughtfully designed bedrooms HERE and indicate your first, second and third choices during registration. If you are sharing a room with another woman, please indicate her name when submitting your bedroom preferences. This helps us place each guest in the space that best supports her comfort and personal journey.
Lodging is first come, first served:
Retreat House (3 Bedrooms)
- Ground level: two king beds and 1 queen bed.
- Check out Floorplan HERE
- Each room accommodates 2 guests or can be reserved privately
Tent Camping (3 Sites)
- Bring your own tent for a closer connection with nature
- Easy access to a shared indoor bathroom
- Communal house space during the day
- In case of inclement weather, campers will be able to move into a garage room to stay dry.
Meals
All meals are included and thoughtfully prepared.
Food is part of the experience—simple, nourishing, and shared together.
Please let us know of any allergies or dietary needs when registering.
A Note on Presence
To support a deeper experience:
Phones and devices are not allowed in common areas
You are gently encouraged to keep devices off during the retreat
A disposable camera will be provided so you can capture moments without distraction
What to Bring
We invite you to pack with intention:
- Comfortable, soft, or natural-fiber clothing
- Closed-toe shoes or boots (required for horse sessions)
- Journal
- Yoga mat
- Walking shoes
For Tent Camping:
- Tent, sleeping bag, mat, pillow
- Flashlight
- Towel
- Easy slip-on shoes
- Weather-appropriate layers
Join Us
This retreat is for women who want to strengthen their intuition, develop their perception, and honestly embrace their relationship with themselves.
You are welcome as you are. No horse experience required.
Your Investment to Attend Includes:
- Nature-inspired lodging in a peaceful, restorative setting
- Intentional, health-minded meals crafted to support your body and spirit
- 4 days of quiet contemplation, guided horse interactions, and opportunities for deep connection to self and others
The total expense to attend this retreat with accommodations and meals is as follows.
- Individually reserved room: $1225
- Shared room: $850
- Camping spot: $575
Registration Closing Date:
April 30 or when fully booked
$300 Deposit Due by: April 15th
Full Price Due by: May 1st
Payments
Payments may be made through Venmo.
Please note: All payments are non-refundable unless the host cancels the event.
Important Details
- Retreat takes place rain or shine
- Registration is non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the host
- You may transfer your spot to a friend with host approval if needed
Retreat Weekend Schedule
Sunrise 6am~ Sunset~7:45pm
Moon Phase Waxing 1st Quarter
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
- 2pm Arrival at Round Pen at Mill Swamp
- 2-4pm “What Horses Feel Like” Group Round Pen Session #1
- 5pm Dinner at Retreat House
- Fire Pit and settle in/go over weekend schedule & round pen session sign-up
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
- 6am Morning movement(optional) and Breakfast
- 1:1 Round pen sessions with Lydia (Rae or another person to observe if requested)
3 slots, 7-8am, 8:30-9:30am, 10-11am Lydia to be at the round pen all morning
optional Pasture sit, art buffet, woods walking free time - 11:30-1:30pm Silent Lunch Break- feed yourself buffet provided at Retreat House
- 2-4pm “Following Your Feelings” Group Round Pen Session #2
- 5pm Dinner at Retreat House
- Fire pit and open conversation
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
- 6am Morning Movement(optional) and breakfast
- 7-11am 1:1 Round Pen sessions with Lydia or self guided activity (same as Friday)
- 11:30-1:30pm Silent Lunch Break- feed yourself buffet provided at Retreat House
- 2-4pm “Comfort and Curiosity” Group Round Pen Session #3
- 5pm Dinner at Retreat House
- Fire pit and open conversation
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
- 6am Morning Movement(optional) and Breakfast
- 7-11am 1:1 Round Pen sessions with Lydia or self guided activity (same as Friday)
- 11:30-2:30pm “What People Feel Like” Group Round Pen Session #4
Packed Lunch available to eat at the Round Pen - 3pm Departure