the land knows you, even when you are lost….
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Braiding Sweetgrass
breathing stories
September 17 - 21, 2025
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Monhegan, Maine
For the fifth year, I invite you to join me for an intimate retreat on Monhegan. Our program is an embodied book group, one of journeying and journaling through the wisdom and words of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s memoir Braiding Sweetgrass. Drawing on her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, mother, and woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices.
I’m thrilled to consider the possible ways Kimmerer’s storytelling will become the guide to write with the places and beings that hold our stories, both those that soothe and stir. Together, we will write through the island's topography, the geography of our senses, and our storied experiences. There will be ample time to search for sea glass and hike the trails through Cathedral Woods to the rocky shores of Pebble Beach. Special guests will share their island wisdom and creative making as another opening to our own. Through writing, ritual, and restorative yoga, we will meditate, celebrate, and honor the variations of our authentic voices, as can only happen when you find yourself on this artist's island 10 miles out to sea.
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Join me on retreat in my island home, featured in Decor Maine : Art History
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Braiding Sweetgrass: breathing stories is limited to eight participants ~ I hope you will join me this year!
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learn more
2024 RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS | FROM RESTLESSNESS TO RETREAT | ABOUT SARAH | ISLAND WRITING
contact sarah 585.414.3070 or email
Monhegan taught me that all I need is me ~ val g, rochester, ny
Your Retreat Program Includes:
Accommodations at the Trailing Yew
2 daily locally sourced meals
on-site WiFi
Hiking • Bird Watching • Art Making • Sea Glassing • Lobster Eating
Daily guided and silent meditation
Writing your life stories
upon registration, receive your personal copy of Braiding Sweetgrass
For women of all ages and life stages
Each retreat is limited to 8 participants
Braiding Sweetgrass includes daily hiking ~ if you are unsure about your physical fitness, please speak with Sarah
I felt like the bright, salty sunshine and air of Monhegan scrubbed the corners of my soul, and I saw all the cracks and creases and also cleaned the gunk that needed to be moved. It was a deeply satisfying and nourishing experience. I feel like my personal bucket as a woman, mom, midwife, and human became filled to the brim with trust that we can have hard times and find meaningful ways to re-visit reintegrate into ourselves when the opportunity presents itself ~
Elsa, Philadelphia, PA, 2023 retreater
Daily itinerary:
enjoy what you love
7 - 7:30am silent meditation
7:30-9:30am breakfast
9:30 - noon guided meditation & writing
12-3:30pm lunch on your own | explore the island
3:30-5:30pm creative writing | creative time
6pm dinner
Both Retreat Programs Begin on Wednesday evening with dinner, and end on Sunday after breakfast
Rates
ALL RETREATS BOOKED BEFORE MARCH 15, 2025, RECEIVE $100.DISCOUNT
Single Occupancy, shared bath • $2000
Shared Room Double Occupancy, shared bath • $1800 per person
what’s included:
Retreat Program, Breakfast + Dinner, on island trucking, housekeeping tips & hotel taxes
personal copy of Braiding Swetgrass • two follow-up sessions via ZOOM (one group | one private)
(Not included: transportation to island, lunches, alcoholic & specialty beverages, massage services)
Deposit $600 (receive your copy of book)
Balance Due in full forty-five days prior to departure: August 1, 2025
Payment Plans Available • email for info
Accommodations and reservations are only confirmed with your deposit ~ via Venmo, Apple Pay, Zelle, or check
Payment and Cancellation Policy:
$600. deposit to hold your space is nonrefundable. In the event of a cancellation made 60 days or more before the scheduled arrival date, July 17, 2025, your deposit will be credited the full amount (minus a $75. administrative fee) and held for one year to be applied to a future retreat, workshop(s), or private coaching.
No credit or refund is available if the cancelation is August 1, 2025, or if a participant leaves the retreat early for any reason. However, in some instances, if Sarah is able to fill your spot with another guest, she will refund you your retreat cost minus the initial deposit. Please note that Sarah cannot guarantee that she will be able to fill your spot.
There will only be one cancellation/re-scheduling allowed per reservation. A second cancellation will result in the loss of all funds paid.
No refunds. I strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance
FAQ
How do I get to Monhegan?
Part of Monhegan’s charm is its elusiveness ~ it becomes its own secret to stumble upon and hold in your heart…
Blissfully located 12 miles out to sea, Monhegan has been described as the “crown jewel of Muscongus Bay.” Ultimately, in order to arrive on island, you will take the boat either from Port Clyde or New Harbor.
If you are arriving by car, you may leave your car parked inshore at the boat line’s secure lots. If you are flying into Portland or Rockland, car service can be arranged to take you to the dock of your choice. I recognize getting to the island is as much of the journey as your time on island itself, and will happily discuss all of your options 1:1.
Contact Sarah ~ 585.414.3070 voice/text
What should I bring?
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons on island ~ mornings may begin with fog, then open into bright sun and warm winds, followed by cozy sweaters to cut the evening chill ~ that being said, we are at the whims of mother nature, so plan accordingly.
I will send a complete packing list to retreat participants, but in general, I recommend you bring sturdy comfortable hiking boots/sneakers; something for rain; a bathing suit if you are hardy (fun fact: I am not); and lots of layers.
Dress to be comfortable, not to be dressy.
While we won’t be practicing daily asana, I do recommend comfortable clothing for sitting (whatever that means for you) and you may also wish to bring your own yoga mat.
Can special dietary needs be accommodated?
Short answer, yes.
At the time of registration, please indicate any allergies/avoidances.
Breakfast will be served at the Yew. Each morning, cofee/tea will be brought directly to your room, followed by a healthy meal, including hot and cold options, made to order, served in the dining room.
Hot tea and water always available during retreat program. Lunch as you’d like, on your own. There is limited refridgerator space available to store food.
We will have two dinners catered by the Yew, one sunset dinner at the Island Inn, and a lobster dinner at my house (which doesn’t have to be lobster), always offering fresh seasonal choices.
There is no doctor on the island so if you do have a severe food allergy, I recommend you bring an epi~pen!
Please contact me privately if you have specific questions or concerns
What are the options for lunch?
lunch is intentionally “on your own” to best plan your day ~ that might look like getting a bowl of chowder at the Barnacle, watching the boats come and go at the dock, or a lobster roll from the Fish House on the beach. The Monhegan Store will gladly pack you a lunch for your afternoon hike on the back side, too. Or finish your hike with a stop at the Monhegan Brewery!
What if I wish to stay longer?
When have I not wished to stay longer??
If you think you might find yourself in a similar situation, consider the following options
I have my own accommodations on island ~ may I still participate?
Of course, and we would love to have you in our circle of sharing!
Out of consideration to all and to hold the space of our practices, it would be expected that you make a commitment to the entire retreat program. $600 fee for retreat program, which includes all retreat materials, and a copy of our text, Braiding Sweetgrass mailed to you in advance.
Please contact me with additional questions
Should I get Travel Insurance?
see above payment and cancellation policy ~ I highly recommend travel insurance because life happens!
For further information, contact Sarah
585.414.3070
sarah@tobejustsew.com