A MONTHLY RETREAT HELD BENEATH GRANDMOTHER MOON
Perhaps your world is a bit like mine—living in the suburbs, time claimed by 101 obligations (often for everyone else), and the primary rhythms of life are dictated by a Google Calendar. It seems most days are driven by demands to go, achieve, control, produce, achieve, and manage. And there’s so little space for just being, for flowing, and for receiving…
Last year, my friend Kathleen McIntyre, a somatic therapist in Cornelius (who holds private session in that gazebo nestled in the bamboo), invited me to one of her full moon circles. Curious, I said yes and went, not knowing what to expect.
What I found that summer evening was a small group of neighbors forming a rough circle in the grass behind The Willow Center. After explaining the focus for the evening, Kathleen led us as we faced the cardinal directions and offered gratitude. We moved. We had space for our own experience while being held by something larger. And for ninety minutes, I wasn’t in charge of anything beyond myself. I was just there— paying attention to my own thoughts, to my body, and to a sweet and tender experiencing.
I got in my car that night with a big grin stretching from ear to ear. I couldn’t wait for the next one.
When I came the following month, it was a completely different experience—one that somehow met me where I was at that time. And that’s what’s so lovely about these gatherings: they aren’t formulaic. There’s no performing by anyone. It’s just alive and responsive, making room for something to settle and open within those who gather.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS
Kathleen, or sometimes a guest facilitator, leads the evening from opening circle to close. The fire will be lit in the center, and you’ll find a spot around it—chair, blanket, wherever feels comfortable. The waterfall sounds help mask the noise of cars from town. In ninety minutes, it can feel as good as a vacation.
Your time in the circle is very private. You don’t have to talk to another person if you don’t want to. I usually try one of the decaf teas as I find my spot. Kathleen is a masterful facilitator—she helps everyone ground into the space, settle into their bodies, and just let the cares of everyday life be put to the side for the evening. These gatherings are a place of belonging, of genuine community.
Some months, Kathleen leads solo, and other months she co-facilitates with someone else. Sometimes participants are invited to share their experience toward the end; other times the container simply closes. The group is capped at 40, though I've rarely been there with more than 20. Each person has their own experience, and that’s exactly as it should be.
Kathleen accepts donations for the evening, and 100% of them go toward plants for the field where we gather, to support the slow cultivation of the land itself.
YOUR GUIDE & YOUR HOSTKathleen McIntyre
Somatic & Nature-Based Therapist · Cornelius, NC
With 25+ years of retreat facilitation, Kathleen brings somatic practices, trauma-informed care, and the wisdom of the natural world into a deeply relational approach to healing. She guides people back to their bodies and the rhythms of the earth.
Christy Sharafinski
Founder, Gatherwell · Lake Norman
Christy gathers women (and sometimes everyone) around the good stuff — art evenings, small dinners, moments worth leaving the house for. She’s helping to handle the details of these gatherings so Kathleen can hold the circle.
If this is your first Gatherwell event, welcome. We trust it won’t be your last.
YOUR INVITATION
If you’re curious, join us. I’m there most months, unless life happens. You’ll be welcomed regardless.
Come solo or bring a friend (please just make sure they register separately). Either way, you’ll leave the evening feeling deeply nourished and uplifted for the month ahead.
Willow Center for Resilient Living
21223 Catawba Ave, Cornelius
Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Tea is provided. Bring whatever else you need to be comfortable—bug spray, a jacket, whatever feels right.
If you can’t make this month’s circle but want updates about the next one, join The Good Stuff List to stay in the know.