Liberation Beyond Loss - A Retreat for Motherless Women

You close your eyes and feel the cool, soft ground beneath you, grounding you in the present moment. As you inhale, the rich aroma of nature fills your lungs, grounding you further.

Your heart begins to sync with the rhythm of the forest, each beat becoming a gentle reminder of your connection to the world around you. The warmth of the sun on your skin feels like a tender embrace, reassuring you that you are safe, held, and cherished.

As you open your eyes and tune in, you realize the silence around you is not empty, but filled with the promise of healing and renewal. You let go of the past and the future, embracing the pure joy of being in the now. The emotions you’ve held tightly begin to soften, flowing through you like a gentle wave. You feel a lightness, a sense of release, as if the forest itself is helping you to carry your burdens.

In this sacred space, you realize that you are not alone; the spirit of your mother and the support of the other women on this retreat surround you. Together, you are creating a tapestry of healing, strength, and love that will continue to support you long after you leave.

Are you ready for transformation?

Can you imagine how your life would change if you were at peace with your mom being gone; with never seeing her again, and with the hard things that happened while she was here?

On this retreat, through engaging in transformative daily practices, you will release the emotions you’ve been holding inside, ultimately experiencing a profound shift, allowing you to remember your mother without the weight of negative emotions.

Wouldn’t it feel comforting to have someone show you how to navigate your day and work through the hard emotions as they arise?

Through daily group check-ins, you will develop the habit of noticing and working through your emotions as they arise, fostering a sense of calm and resilience.

How wonderful would it feel to share these feelings with others who understand and can listen, without trying to talk you out of your feelings?

During our time together, through expressing your true feelings and realizing that your truth matters, you will feel empowered and motivated to stand up for yourself when you return home.

Wouldn’t it be great to no longer hide your grief with a facade?

Using immersive techniques throughout our time together, you will learn how to discover your true feelings and stop pretending to be someone you’re not.

Oh, I need this! Sign me up.

Our Venue: The Land of Medicine Buddha in Santa Cruz, California

Nestled in 108 acres of majestic redwoods along the Central California coast, our retreat center is a peaceful refuge for healing and renewal. As you arrive, the gentle hum of nature and the serene beauty of the towering trees invite you to leave the noise behind and embrace stillness.

Winding forest paths lead to hidden meditation spots, beautiful temples, and many holy objects inviting quiet contemplation, allowing the ancient wisdom of the trees to seep into your soul.

Each step you take on these sacred grounds brings you closer to a profound sense of connection with nature, your own true nature, and the memory of your mother. This holy place provides the space for you to be lovingly held on your journey towards emotional liberation and inner peace.

About the Retreat Center

This tranquil setting offers comfortable, simple accommodations with large windows that frame the surrounding redwoods. Each room is designed for rest and relaxation, whether you’re in a private or shared space. Cozy bedding and serene views create an inviting atmosphere for unwinding.

The center features various communal spaces, including a dining hall, meditation rooms, and peaceful areas for journaling or quiet reflection. You can also enjoy the wellness amenities, such as a sauna and a serene outdoor swimming pool nestled among the trees. The extensive walking trails and forest views further enhance the peaceful retreat environment, supporting you as you rest, reflect, and heal.

It sounds wonderful! Sign me up.

The Cuisine

Nourish your body and soul in our cozy dining room, open 24 hours, where the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and homemade granola embrace you. Whether you crave a late-night snack, a quiet cup of tea, or simply a moment to unwind, this warm, inviting space is always there for you, complete with fresh fruit, cereal, and a refrigerator to store your favorite foods.

In honoring the Buddhist tradition of nonviolence, all meals will be vegetarian. Start your day with a breakfast spread that energizes and delights: savor a hearty egg dish or a comforting bowl of hot cereal, with gluten-free options and house-made granola. Enjoy dairy and non-dairy alternatives, fresh fruit, and a variety of spreads for your toast.

Lunch and dinner are crafted to be a feast for the senses. Picture a vibrant main entrée, thoughtfully prepared side dishes, and a fresh, colorful salad. The evening concludes with a bowl of hearty soup, fresh artisan bread, and a satisfying dessert.

Here, every meal is more than just sustenance—it’s an opportunity to connect and feel truly cared for in this nurturing environment.

Our Journey

After checking into your room, we will gather at 5 pm for an informal meet-and-greet followed by dinner at 6 pm. Following dinner we’ll convene in the Pine Room to create our own healing nest for the days ahead and take time to get to know each other, sharing stories of our journey to this retreat.

This evening session will also offer the opportunity to discuss the transformative techniques we’ll be using throughout our time together, and you can assess your current state, allowing you to clearly see your growth as the days unfold.

Today, you’ll gently and compassionately explore the experience you had during the time around your mother’s passing. Together, we’ll process these deeply personal moments with care and depth, creating a supportive space to release the pain and complexities that may still linger.

By the end of the day, you’ll be able to share your story with newfound clarity and peace, free from the heavy emotions that once held you back, and embrace a sense of healing and liberation.

Day 3 marks the beginning of a heartfelt and potentially challenging journey as you revisit and heal the childhood memories you shared with your mother. With gentleness and compassionate guidance, we’ll walk alongside you through these tender and vulnerable moments, offering a safe space to process and release what no longer serves you.

This rich, sometimes messy process will gently open the door to deep healing, inviting peace and a renewed sense of connection to the enduring love woven into the memories that remain.

As you release the emotions of the past and reclaim your power, you will gently explore and release any current fears you hold about facing the future without your mother. Through supportive guidance and nurturing, body-centered exercises, you’ll begin to ease the weight of these anxieties, creating space for hope, trust, and a deeper connection to your own inner wisdom.

To nourish and support your transformation, you’ll enjoy a peaceful lunch at the beach, followed by a serene afternoon at an outdoor, silent relaxation and rejuvenation spa nestled among majestic oak trees.

As you emerge on the final day of your metamorphosis, we’ll spend the morning gently reflecting on our personal and collective journey, uncovering the positive memories that were once hidden beneath layers of sadness and fear. Together, we’ll share our growth and insights, and you’ll have the opportunity to evaluate your progress from this healing experience.

Check-out is from 10:30 to 11:00 AM, followed by a heartfelt closing circle before lunch. After lunch (from 12:30 to 1:30 PM), our retreat will officially conclude. You are welcome to depart, or we recommend taking some time to explore the magical grounds and fully integrate the changes you’ve just experienced.

A Blissful, Relaxing Afternoon Excursion

Since water holds profound healing power, we’ve planned a special excursion to help deepen your emotional release and establish relaxation and inner peace as your new foundation.

You’ll spend a serene afternoon at the Refuge in Carmel, an outdoor, silent relaxation spa nestled among oak trees. Begin in the eucalyptus steam rooms, where the warmth melts away stress, then awaken your spirit with a refreshing dip in the cold plunge pools. Ease into the outdoor hot pools, where thermal waterfalls relax your muscles or find stillness in the cedar sauna with its purifying Himalayan salt wall.

Wrapped in your plush robe, recharge in the zero gravity recliners or bask in the warmth of the cozy fire pits in Adirondack chairs. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, capturing any memories of your mother that surface in this tranquil setting to work through later.This sacred afternoon is a chance to nurture your soul, find peace, and leave feeling lighter and more centered, ready to continue your journey of healing and opening.

It sounds Powerful! Sign me up.

How would you like to feel?

PEACEFUL.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward a peaceful state of mind that no longer judges, criticizes, or lashes out at others?

On this journey, through exploration of how the mind works, the validation of your difficult emotions, and somatic tools for healing the patterns in your body, you will experience glimpses of relief and peace, so you can return home knowing what to do in triggering situations.
CARED FOR.
Wouldn’t it be great to take a break from caring for others who don’t see you are hurting?

On this retreat, you will have your pain witnessed and acknowledged by others and you will get to enjoy the simple pleasure of being the one cared for.

RELIEVED.
Can you imagine how relieved you would feel if you were no longer overwhelmed by socks on the floor, things on the counters, and chores not done?

On this retreat, through somatic movement and energy-clearing techniques, you’ll release hidden emotions and make room for more joy, anchoring you with a feeling of peace.
NOURISHED.
Can you imagine how luxurious it would feel to have someone cook all your meals and clean up for a week?

During this retreat, you will experience the luxury of onsite catering, allowing you to focus on transformation and healing, returning home recharged and uplifted.
TRANSFORMED.
How amazing would it be to return as a new version of you?

On this retreat, through proven practices and powerful group transformation, you will experience profound changes and journey home feeling your personal freedom and empowerment.

I Am Ready! Sign me up.

This trip is for you if…

You have lost your mother in some way, recently or decades ago.
You suspect her loss is affecting you but you aren’t sure how.
You are willing to be open, truthful, and vulnerable with yourself.
You are open to new techniques and ideas.
You are seeking a transformative experience.
You want to integrate healing into your daily life.
You are willing to give your listening support and presence to others.
You are excited and nervous about this trip.

This trip may not be for you if…

You are looking for complete solitude.
You are not comfortable with intense emotional work.
You easily get overwhelmed by others’ emotions.
You have a lot to share and often take the lead in conversations.
You are not willing to dig deep or be truthful with yourself.
You are not willing to release the past or get uncomfortable.

Your Bonuses

Get to know your fellow travelers in our private retreat Facebook group. Receive up-to-date trip info, and get tips on how to prepare and make the most of our time together.
Strengthen your connection with everyone on our pre-trip Zoom call. Get clear on what is possible during our time together so you can begin the process of the retreat before we leave.
Deepen your connections with fellow participants in our exclusive WhatsApp group, available before and during the retreat. Share in the excitement, anticipation, and collective energy of your upcoming journey, creating bonds that will enrich your experience and carry through into the retreat itself.
Post-adventure group call. We’ll check in with each other and see how we’re doing post-retreat: what has changed, what is coming up, where do you need support, and remind ourselves of the tools we used.

What’s Included in Your Retreat

Three full days (and two partial days) of transformative healing sessions.
Four nights of comfortable accommodation.
Delicious and nourishing vegetarian meals – 4 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
24-hour access to the dining area for tea, coffee, cereal, and fruit.
Use of outdoor swimming pool and sauna.
Access to walking trails and spiritual spaces.
Complimentary wifi across the campus (limited in some rooms).
Travel, entrance, and tips to the Refuge, Carmel, an award-winning outdoor spa.
Pre and post-retreat Zoom calls and connection through our private Facebook group.

(Read more details in FAQs)

What’s Not Included

Travel Arrangements: Round-trip airfare and transportation to the Land of Medicine Buddha in Santa Cruz, California. (Shuttle info will be provided in the welcome letter.)
Additional Snacks: Any extra snacks desired during our visit to the Refuge in Carmel.
Personal Expenses:
- Souvenirs from the bookshop.
- Additional spa treatments at the Refuge.
- Miscellaneous expenses such as taxes, laundry, etc.
Insurance and Medical Needs: Personal expenses, medical needs, and trip cancellation insurance.
Alcoholic Beverages: Not allowed on campus or during the retreat.

(Read more details in FAQs)

I’m So Ready! Sign me up.

Ann Hince

My mother’s death was the biggest trauma in my life. At age 19, I woke to find her lying deceased on our bathroom floor. I never dealt with the trauma at the time and didn’t realize how much it was affecting me until I was in my late 30s, when I realized the tears from that event were still just under the surface.

That’s when I did what we are going to do on this retreat. Work through all aspects of her death and our life together until they simply became stories. No more holding those tears down. No more thoughts of her death popping into my mind at awkward times. No more sadness and feeling sorry for myself. Just peace and acceptance.

What we are going to experience on this retreat is what I did with each trauma from my life, and is what has allowed me to deepen my self-awareness so that now I can sense inside my body. I have shifted my skull bones and grown ¾ of an inch in my 50s because I have released tension at such a deep level. This retreat will show you the way.

Carla H Brown

Losing my mother brought up complex grief – a blend of relief, sadness, and a deep guilt tied to her memory and belongings. I understand firsthand the weight that unexpressed grief and past wounds can carry, often lingering silently in our bodies.

For years, I tried to push through the overwhelm and anxiety, striving hard to “earn” happiness. It wasn’t until an autoimmune illness left me temporarily paralyzed that I was forced to confront the buried pain from my past.

During this healing journey, I discovered therapeutic laughter and somatic grief practices, which became a lifeline. Laughter allowed me to release old fears and patterns in my body, bringing moments of lightness and joy I hadn’t felt in years. These embodied practices gave me permission to process my emotions fully, empowering me to transform that pain into resilience and peace.

Today, I work with women who have lost their mothers or carry similar wounds, helping them reconnect to joy. Through grief work, emotional support, and joyful embodiment practices, I provide a compassionate space where buried grief can be expressed and transformed into peace and strength.

FAQs

Any cancellation by you will result in a total loss of the $500 USD registration deposit.
Any cancellation made on or between: March 1, 2025 (PST) and May 1, 2025 (PST) will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price unless you find a replacement (contact us for info about finding a replacement), in which case the 50% will be refunded (but not the deposit).
Any cancellation made on or between: May 2, 2025 (PST) and the start of the retreat on July 2, 2025, will result in a total loss of funds.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it does not meet the trip minimum (if we do so, your deposit and any payments made will be refunded in full).
We reserve the right to determine if you are not a good fit for this trip (if we do so your deposit and any payments made will be refunded in full).

Trip cancellation insurance covers your travel and is always recommended when making travel plans. World Nomads and Travel Guard are two to consider.

If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to pair you with someone else who is also seeking a roommate. You’ll have a chance to meet and get to know your fellow travelers during our pre-trip online gatherings.

If you are signing up with a friend and would like to room together, simply let us know during the registration process. We will ensure that you are accommodated together in the same room.

In case there is no one to pair you with, we will contact you to see if you and two others might consider a triple. If there is no other option, your room will be considered a single, and an additional single occupancy supplement will be added to your retreat fee.

We understand that personal space and privacy are important elements of your retreat experience. While we typically assign roommates to enhance the communal spirit and shared experience, we do offer the option to upgrade to a single room for an additional fee. Single rooms are subject to availability, so we recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible to secure your private accommodation.

If you prefer to have your own room and not share it with a roommate, you can choose the single room upgrade during the registration process. Feel free to contact us if you have any specific requests or questions regarding room arrangements, and we will be happy to assist you in creating the perfect retreat setting for you.

No, this retreat is exclusively for women who align with the mission and purpose of our program. We’ve carefully designed the experience to cater specifically to women seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual rejuvenation in a supportive and nurturing environment. While we appreciate the importance of family and relationships, this particular retreat is dedicated to creating a space where women can focus solely on their own journey of transformation.

There are three international airports within driving distance of Santa Cruz:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (65 miles)
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) (38 miles)
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) (69 miles)

We would be happy to. The food is all vegetarian and there is a full-size fridge in the dining area if you have something specific you want to bring to snack on. If you have a dietary restriction within the confines of a vegetarian diet, please let us know when you register.

Travel to and from the Land of Medicine Buddha will be your responsibility. There is some public transportation, but a taxi or Uber is your best bet. On our first day, July 4th, which is a national holiday, traffic from the San Francisco Bay Area (all airports) to Santa Cruz can be very heavy in the morning, so you may want to time your trip for the middle of the day (check-in is 4 pm). We finish after lunch on Tuesday, so returning to the Bay Area at that time should have reasonable traffic.

We encourage travel insurance, especially if you are traveling from outside the USA. World Nomads and Travel Guard are two to consider. While you’re at it, be sure to confirm with your travel insurance provider what Covid-19-related issues are covered and to what extent.

In order to participate fully in this retreat, you must be able to use the stairs. There is some uphill walking to the temple and other sacred sites on the Land of Medicine Buddha campus, but those are optional experiences.

Average temperatures in July hover in the mid-70s, though Santa Cruz can experience much warmer days. (The record high was 107 degrees.) Last year the range was from the mid-50s to low 70s, with occasional warmer days or cooler nights. It rarely rains during Santa Cruz summers. Warmer clothing is recommended for the evenings when the fog comes in.

When you start packing for this incredible adventure, plan for comfortable, casual, and laid-back. You will not be needing anything dressy, so leave those beautiful stilettos at home.

Think about layers as you plan what to bring. Mornings and evenings can be cool, while the days can become tee-shirt weather. You want to include something moderately warm, like a sweater and jacket for the evening. Since there is a swimming pool and sauna, and we will be spending 3+ hours at the Refuge, Carmel, you will want to bring some swimwear and a coverup for walking to and from the pools.

Once you decide to join us, we’ll provide a more detailed list of what to bring and what not to bring.

Yes, you will be able to stay connected with your loved ones. Wifi is available in public areas although some rooms have limited access. There is limited cell reception for AT&T and Verizon.

That being said, the more you can disconnect from your life back home, the better the impact of your experience, so please plan to be “off the grid” as much as possible.

While we understand that each attendee’s journey is unique and may require flexibility, we highly encourage full participation in all sessions and activities. Our retreat program is thoughtfully curated to offer a cohesive and transformative experience, with each session contributing to the overall flow and synergy of the group dynamics. Your presence and engagement not only enhance your personal growth but also enrich the collective experience for all participants. Embracing all sessions and activities allows you to fully immerse yourself in the retreat’s offerings, ensuring a harmonious and fulfilling journey for yourself and those around you.

We’d be happy to help. Send us an email at: info@annhince.com or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page and we’ll get back to you.

A letter from Ann

Dear Motherless (or Fatherless) Daughter,

I wanted to take a moment to share the vision behind “Liberation Beyond Loss: A Healing Retreat for Motherless Women.” This retreat comes from a deeply personal place for me, shaped by my own journey through one of the hardest experiences of my life.

When I was 19, I awoke one morning to find my mother lying lifeless on our bathroom floor. It was a moment that shattered my world, and for years, I carried the weight of that trauma deep within me, not realizing how profoundly it was affecting every aspect of my life. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I truly began to understand the depth of the grief and pain I had been holding onto.

So, I decided to do the hard work of healing. I faced the memories, worked through the pain, and slowly those memories became stories—stories I could hold without the weight of sadness and loss. It was a process that brought me a level of peace I never thought possible.

That’s what I hope for you on this retreat—a chance to find your own path to healing, to let go of what’s holding you back, and to discover a sense of peace and acceptance. We’ll do this together, in a space that supports you to feel, release, and grow.

Carla and I are honored to share this journey with you and to create a safe place where you can connect with other women who truly understand. It’s not just about healing; it’s about embracing life with new clarity and strength.

With warmth,
Ann Hince

I have come so far with your guidance, help & support. You have taught me the skill of being. I will be using the tools you have taught me forever. Thank you Ann for your time & supportive light.

I’m so grateful to you Ann, for the countless hours of support you’ve given us! You’ve set us up to be able to tap on our own and move through hard situations. Grateful for your loving non-judgmental approach! Looking forward to future opportunities to tap with you.

CHB

A letter from Carla

Dear Beautiful Souls,

When I was young, I spent so much energy trying to be the child my mother needed. She was carrying unconscious wounds of her own, and her way of dealing with them often meant I had to step into roles beyond my years, trying to be both daughter and caregiver. It left me feeling unprepared and inadequate, wondering what more I could do for a love that often seemed out of reach.

After she passed, I was left with a confusing mix of emotions: grief, guilt, anger, and an unexpected sense of relief. For years, I carried those feelings, heavy and unexpressed, not realizing how much space they took up in my heart and body. Finding peace took time, patience, and learning to express emotions that had never felt safe to share.

It was through embodiment practices – learning to meet and release what had been weighing me down – that I began to discover a sense of lightness and joy I never thought possible. Today, I hold space for women who have lost their mothers or carry similar unspoken wounds, inviting them to reconnect with joy, inner peace, and a love they may not have fully experienced before.

This retreat is a sacred space to honor all these parts you’ve been holding. Together, we’ll gently explore the ways our grief has shaped us, and, in doing so, find pathways to liberate and transform it. We’ll laugh, reflect, and discover practices that help us move through pain with grace and resilience.

I’m deeply honored to join you on this journey and to offer a compassionate space where you can be seen, held, and supported.

With all my heart,
Carla

Grief Yoga® Teacher, Laughter Yoga Teacher, and Grief and Joy Coach
World Laughter Champion, 2023

Carla taught me to make peace within myself – by letting go of the heaviness through movement, breath and sound. I learned where I hold old patterns in my body, and I’m beginning to recognize who I truly am without grief and fear ruling me – It’s fun and I feel so much better afterwards!

Carla is a masterful facilitator in creating a safe and powerful space to help move and release emotions related to grief in the body. I felt lighter, freer, and more at peace. I highly recommend Carla to anyone seeking deep healing, release and transformation.

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