Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina! As you arrive today, take time to ease into the rhythm of the retreat. Whether you choose to explore Asheville’s rich arts and culture scene, unwind in its renowned dining spots, hike scenic trails, or simply relax by the pool, this day is yours to settle in and ground yourself. We begin tomorrow at 7:30 AM, so enjoy your evening however you choose. Overnight at the Element Asheville.

We begin our retreat by creating a Brave Space—a sacred container for honesty, vulnerability, and deep respect. This opening session introduces “The Reckoning,” the first step in Brené Brown’s Rising Strong™ process. We’ll start to name the emotional weight we carry and begin unpacking our stories with compassion and courage. Shame, judgment, and silence will meet their match in honesty, connection, and community. This afternoon, we explore the iconic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home. Set on 8,000 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens by Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore offers timeless beauty, historic architecture, and rich Appalachian elegance. Enjoy the grounds, sample wine, and walk the estate’s scenic nature trails. Overnight at the Element Asheville. Breakfast included.

Today is about releasing what no longer serves us. Through guided reflection and group discussion, we’ll examine what it means to let go—of control, of outcomes, and of emotional patterns that keep us stuck. Inspired by the recent hurricane that passed through Asheville, we’ll consider how external storms often mirror our internal chaos. Our afternoon unfolds in the tranquil setting of the North Carolina Arboretum, a 434-acre public garden nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Home to curated gardens and one of the finest bonsai collections in the U.S., this setting invites us to walk, breathe, and listen to what nature has to teach about surrender, stillness, and transformation. Overnight at the Element Asheville. Breakfast included.

Forgiveness is not about excusing harm—it’s about reclaiming our peace. Today, we explore where love has been fractured and how to move forward with tenderness and strength. Through stories and reflective exercises, we’ll consider what it means to hold pain and possibility at the same time. In the afternoon, we travel to Cherokee, NC. We’ll hike to the stunning Mingo Falls, visit the Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center, and finish with a five-mile riverside walk into town. The day blends natural beauty with cultural insight, grounding our emotional journey in the wisdom of the land. Overnight at Holiday Inn Sylva. Breakfast included.

This powerful day invites you to consider what’s next. What are you being called toward? What is no longer yours to carry? Through a mix of reflective prompts and open dialogue, we explore how to author meaning in a world that doesn’t hand it to us. In the afternoon, we ascend Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. The half-mile climb leads to a 54-foot observation tower, offering panoramic views across the region. The Appalachian Trail intersects here—a potent symbol of the long walk toward purpose. Overnight at Holiday Inn Sylva. Breakfast included.

As we close our time together, we hold space for sacred ritual. In our final circle, we’ll offer anointing, affirm shared insights, and name the commitments we carry forward. This moment of reflection and celebration honors the work done and the journey ahead. In the afternoon, we hike through Deep Creek, known for its serene waterfalls and forested trails. We’ll also explore the historic Road to Nowhere, a powerful metaphor for unresolved stories and unfinished paths. Later, enjoy free time in Bryson City to shop, explore, or simply soak in the magic of these mountains. Overnight at Holiday Inn Sylva. Breakfast included.