Women and Community:
Reclaiming Our Health, Our Voice, and
Our Power
NEW DATE: MAY 6-8
This OMO retreat is an ideal experience for women who want to mindfully reclaim their whole selves, focus on self-care, and step more deeply into their inherent power.
This is the season to embrace your ambition.
This OMO retreat is an ideal experience for women who want to mindfully reclaim their whole selves, focus on self-care, and step more deeply into their inherent power.
This is the season to embrace your ambition.
This all-inclusive weekend is for women who prioritize restorative self-care. It's also for those who value both togetherness and quiet. You will have an opportunity to connect with others as much as or as little as you prefer. Workshops will be offered throughout the weekend. The extensive grounds of the Bon Secours Retreat Center are open for you to explore alone or with others. The newly renovated, private rooms are fully stocked with everything you need, and Bon Secours has had an exemplary record with their high Covid-safety standards. Rooms are even TV-free, so you can take a break from screens. Everything is included; there is no need for you to cook or clean! Meals are prepared daily and include a wide variety of fresh options. Various diets can be accommodated.
Topics covered over the weekend include:
Topics covered over the weekend include:
- valuing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally
- our changing monthly cycles
- voicing our wants and owning our passions (intellectually, creatively, physically, etc)
- defining our lives
- establishing and maintaining boundaries, and more.
Here’s a preliminary look at our schedule. Remember: everything is optional; you can do as much or as little as you desire. You can participate in every gathering or spend most of your time alone in nature. You are in charge of you!
Friday, May 6, 2022
Check-in beginning at 3pm
Saturday, May 7, 2022
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Friday, May 6, 2022
Check-in beginning at 3pm
- Independent exploration of the retreat center, walking paths, and grounds (313 acres!)
- 6pm Dinner and getting to know each other
- Gathering as a whole group to set intentions
- Starry Night Walking Meditation
- Adding to Your Self-Care Toolkit: stress relieving activities that can be done in 30 seconds to 30 minutes with Corinne, Psychotherapist
Saturday, May 7, 2022
- Sunrise Exercise: Body Weight Circuit Training with Jenny, Physical Therapist
- 8am Breakfast and connecting conversation
- Whole Group Gathering: Self Care Discussion and Activity
- Workshop 1: Changes to Our Reproductive System as We Age: preparing for perimenopause with Dr. Kimberly Turner
- Workshop 2: Presence, Pleasure, and Peace: Turned On and Tuned In to Our Lives, Our Communities, and Our World with Rebecca, Educator
- 12pm Lunch
- Workshop 3: Meditative Creative Pattern Art with Jenn, Art Teacher
- Afternoon Exercise: Pelvic Floor and Core Strengthening with Jenny, Physical Therapist
- Labyrinth Walk and Enso Circles
- Independent Time
- 6pm Dinner
- Whole Group Gathering: Featured Book Discussion of See No Stranger by Valarie Kaur
- Evening Exhalation: Women's Power Circle
Sunday, May 8, 2022
- Sunrise Yoga with Carla S, certified Yoga instructor
- 8am Breakfast
- Whole Group Gathering: Reflect and Incorporate Ideas from the Weekend
- Check out of room
- 12pm Lunch
- Departure or Independent Time outdoors for those who wish to stay at the retreat center
Our featured book for whole group discussion on Saturday:
How do we love in a time of rage?
How do we fix a broken world while not breaking ourselves?
Valarie Kaur—renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer—describes revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves. It enjoins us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say: You are part of me I do not yet know. Starting from that place of wonder, the world begins to change: It is a practice that can transform a relationship, a community, a culture, even a nation. (Goodreads)
How do we love in a time of rage?
How do we fix a broken world while not breaking ourselves?
Valarie Kaur—renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer—describes revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves. It enjoins us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say: You are part of me I do not yet know. Starting from that place of wonder, the world begins to change: It is a practice that can transform a relationship, a community, a culture, even a nation. (Goodreads)
See No Stranger online Book Discussion April 20 and May 11
Joining the online See No Stranger book group is a great way to prepare for the retreat. This discussion will encourage us to evaluate expectations for ourselves and our communities. We will explore the book in greater depth during the online sessions while still leaving plenty of room for conversation at the retreat.
Register through Eventbrite for reminders or visit the homepage on April 20 and May 11 for the Zoom link.
Joining the online See No Stranger book group is a great way to prepare for the retreat. This discussion will encourage us to evaluate expectations for ourselves and our communities. We will explore the book in greater depth during the online sessions while still leaving plenty of room for conversation at the retreat.
Register through Eventbrite for reminders or visit the homepage on April 20 and May 11 for the Zoom link.
Things to Bring:
- comfy clothes and shoes; layers for all different weather experiences
- journal for writing and reflecting
- face mask(s)
- reusable water bottles (water refill stations are in every meeting room)/travel mug
- foldable camping chair for possible outdoor gatherings
Optional Items:
- a book to swap (bring a book & take a book)
- drum or noise maker
- craft items to use and share with others
- a bottle of wine to share during dinner
- yoga mat, blocks, beach towel, meditation cushion, cozy blanket
- comfy clothes and shoes; layers for all different weather experiences
- journal for writing and reflecting
- face mask(s)
- reusable water bottles (water refill stations are in every meeting room)/travel mug
- foldable camping chair for possible outdoor gatherings
Optional Items:
- a book to swap (bring a book & take a book)
- drum or noise maker
- craft items to use and share with others
- a bottle of wine to share during dinner
- yoga mat, blocks, beach towel, meditation cushion, cozy blanket
Location: Bon Secours Retreat Center- 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Location: The serenity of these 313 acres of woodland and farmland rests at the high point of a hilly setting in the Howard County countryside some 20 miles from Baltimore City. The spacious grounds are a haven for native wildlife. The labyrinth and peace garden support more reflective activities.
We chose Bon Secours because of its COVID safety over the pandemic, integration in nature, newly renovated facilities, affordability, and convenience for us in Howard County. Please note that Bon Secours was founded by a Catholic sisterhood and is still run by the Catholic Church so Christian elements will be on display. Crosses can be removed from rooms by guests as desired. Bon Secours follows the same tenet as OMO: ALL ARE WELCOME; they host non-religious groups like ours as well as groups from other religions.
Location: The serenity of these 313 acres of woodland and farmland rests at the high point of a hilly setting in the Howard County countryside some 20 miles from Baltimore City. The spacious grounds are a haven for native wildlife. The labyrinth and peace garden support more reflective activities.
We chose Bon Secours because of its COVID safety over the pandemic, integration in nature, newly renovated facilities, affordability, and convenience for us in Howard County. Please note that Bon Secours was founded by a Catholic sisterhood and is still run by the Catholic Church so Christian elements will be on display. Crosses can be removed from rooms by guests as desired. Bon Secours follows the same tenet as OMO: ALL ARE WELCOME; they host non-religious groups like ours as well as groups from other religions.
Note: PayPal fees will be deducted from any refunds
OMO was founded on the belief that we ALL can Learn, Grow, and Lead together.
Safety Expectations and Information from Bon Secours
Bon Secours Retreat Center is committed to providing every guest with the peace of mind to relax and enjoy their time. You will be welcomed by staff who have been fully trained on the importance of upholding the highest level of sanitation standards and the sensitivity of the current circumstance which we are in.
The Bon Secours team has diligently implemented safety precautions recommended by the CDC and in accordance with state, and county guidelines. Staff members reporting for work are symptom free. If they know that they have been exposed to COVID-19, they have quarantined at home for the proper time before reporting to work.
When we arrive:
Lodging Accommodations
Delicious Dining
The professional food and beverage staff will help you refuel with a delicious selection of choices, prepared fresh each day in the Bon Secours kitchen.
Safety Expectations and Information from Bon Secours
Bon Secours Retreat Center is committed to providing every guest with the peace of mind to relax and enjoy their time. You will be welcomed by staff who have been fully trained on the importance of upholding the highest level of sanitation standards and the sensitivity of the current circumstance which we are in.
The Bon Secours team has diligently implemented safety precautions recommended by the CDC and in accordance with state, and county guidelines. Staff members reporting for work are symptom free. If they know that they have been exposed to COVID-19, they have quarantined at home for the proper time before reporting to work.
When we arrive:
- The expectation is that all guests entering our Center are healthy. If you have a fever, cough, respiratory illness, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell or think you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, please postpone your visit until you have been symptom-free for 14 days.
- Face masks must be worn to enter the building and at all times throughout our Center.
- No-contact temperature checks will be administered by our staff upon entrance to the building and guests will be required to sign a wellness document.
- At this time, entrance to our Center is limited to the main front doors only. However, you may leave the building using any exit door within the Center.
- Upon arrival, members of our group will be issued key cards and will also be given meal ticket/ID badges and are asked to wear their meal ticket/ID badges during their stay to identify them as guests of the Center.
- Cleanliness: The Housekeeping Staff has been trained with new protocols and will deep clean all areas of the Center regularly, using updated disinfecting standards and sanitizing supplies as recommended by the CDC. High-touch points and restrooms will be cleaned several times each day. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the building.
- Outdoors: please maintain social distancing guidelines. Although it is not necessary to wear a mask when you’re outdoors, if you come into contact with someone please put your mask on to converse. Also, it is mandatory that you put your mask on before you enter the building.
- Indoors: It is required that you wear your mask when you are in all common areas and meeting rooms. Please maintain social distance from other guests and our staff as well.
- Dining: You will need to wear your mask to get your food and while moving around the dining room. Our dining services staff, who are taking extra safety and cleanliness measures, will serve your food from the buffet area. Dining spaces will be marked that adhere to social distancing and when you have finished your meal, you will leave your dishes on the table so that our staff can clean properly.
- Guests who refuse to comply with our standards will be asked to leave. This is to ensure the safety of everyone and we hope to never have to ask to do this.
Lodging Accommodations
- 70 guest rooms, all with queen-size beds, private baths, linen and towel service and free Wi-Fi
- Guests frequently comment about the superb cleanliness of our lodging rooms and comfort of our beds and linens
- A host of other amenities, including a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool
Delicious Dining
The professional food and beverage staff will help you refuel with a delicious selection of choices, prepared fresh each day in the Bon Secours kitchen.
- Meals are served daily in our two bright and welcoming communal dining rooms
- Dining room capacity is limited due to Covid precautions so everyone will be assigned a dining room
- Light refreshments are available throughout the day in hospitality lounges located on each floor of the Center (coffee, tea, water and a bowl of fresh fruit)
- Dietary Allergies/Restrictions:
- OMO provides Bon Secours a list of those attendees reporting allergies/restrictions
- In order to guarantee a positive dining experience, those guests who have special dietary requests or needs (allergies, restrictions, etc.) are asked to speak to a supervisor in the Food and Beverage Department upon arrival.
- Those guests who require a very restricted diet (gluten free, organic, vegan, etc.) are welcome to bring some of their own food items to supplement what the Center provides. Refrigerators and microwaves are available for guest use.
- OMO provides Bon Secours a list of those attendees reporting allergies/restrictions
- Vegetarian options are available upon request (at each meal time).
We hope you join us!