Why Breathe the Wild Air?
Our health in body, mind, spirit, and heart, and our connections to ourselves, one another, and the land, are essential to our well-being.
And yet, how often do we take for granted the life-giving breath moving through us?
For one day, we’ll pay attention. We’ll notice the air moving in and out of our bodies, feel the wind on our skin, and listen for psithurism, the sound of wind rustling through the trees.
We’ll create space. Protect space. Hold space for one another.
And we’ll breathe on purpose.
Breathe the Wild Air at a Glance
WHEN
Saturday, October 3, 2026
TIME
10 AM–6 PM
Come as early as 9 AM for coffee + pastries. Stay after 6 and linger around the fire.
What the Day Might Hold
Join us on Saturday, October 3 for a day of connection, creativity, and renewal. Co-facilitated by Allison El Koubi, Gaby Lachney, and Lauren Ramseur, this women’s retreat invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and explore the spaciousness within and around you.
Inspired by the element of air, we’ll consider what it means to create space, protect space, hold space for one another, and notice the breathing room that already exists in our lives. Through intentional breath, mindful movement, woodland walks, creative reflection, circle gatherings, nourishing meals, and fireside connection, we’ll make room to listen, wander, connect, and simply be.
WHAT
A full-day retreat designed to foster connection and renewal in body, mind, spirit, and heart.
Throughout our day together, we'll move between gathering and spaciousness, shared experiences and time to simply be. You can expect a thoughtful mix of:
intentional breath • mindful movement • woodland wandering • community circle • creative reflection • nourishing food • fika • fireside connection • quiet • laughter • space
Everything is an invitation. There is nothing to accomplish.
Meet Your Co-Hosts
Allison El Koubi
Founder, Idyllwood Mountain Retreat
Allison creates experiences rooted in connection, belonging, and the restorative power of time in nature. After more than 25 years as an educator and school leader, she now brings that same love of gathering people into Idyllwood, weaving together meaningful conversation, creativity, nourishing hospitality, and the wild beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She believes we all need spaces where we can pause, breathe deeply, and feel more at home in ourselves and with one another.
Lauren Ramseur
Spiritual leader + Co-founder, Voices of Jubilee
Lauren has spent more than 25 years creating spaces for community, justice, reflection, and renewal. As a pastor and co-founder of Voices of Jubilee, she accompanies children and youth in Virginia’s detention and prison systems and helps people discover space within their lives to breathe deeply from the wellsprings of mercy and love. A gardener, artist, and lover of fresh mountain air, Lauren brings a grounding, creative presence to our circle.
Gather Around the Table
Breathe the Wild Air | 3 October 2026
WHO
An intimate gathering of approximately 30 women
HOW
Through intentional experiences in the wild air, in the woods, around the fire, in circle, and over delicious food and drink.
Gaby Lachney
Yoga teacher + Outdoor creative
Gaby is a yoga teacher, graphic designer, and lifelong lover of the outdoors who feels most at home in the mountains, preferably barefoot. Her teaching invites people to move creatively and intentionally with their breath, deepening connection between body and mind. From energetic vinyasa to restorative movement and guided meditation, Gaby creates space to notice what our bodies are telling us, reconnect with our own inner strength, and experience the simple gift of breathing on purpose.
Food is part of how we gather at Idyllwood. Our shared meals create their own kind of spaciousness, inviting us to slow down, linger, and connect around the table.
Come as early as 9 AM for coffee, tea, and a light breakfast before our retreat begins at 10. Throughout the day, we’ll gather for brunch, fika, and dinner, with drinks and snacks available along the way.
Fika is a Swedish ritual of pausing for a hot drink and something sweet, enjoyed in the company of others.
We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free.
Choose the Contribution that Fits Your Season
At Idyllwood, whether we gather around a fire, in a circle, or at a shared table, each presence strengthens the whole. Our sliding scale is rooted in trust and reciprocity, an invitation to choose the contribution that feels right for your season.
$397 | Sustaining Contribution
Covers your place and helps set another seat at the table, keeping the circle wide and welcoming.
$197 | Shared Contribution
Reflects the true cost of creating this experience and sharing in the food, space, and care that nourish our gathering.
$97 | Supported Contribution
Makes participation more accessible when a lower contribution is helpful.
No matter which contribution you choose, the welcome is the same. Your presence completes our gathering.
A Few Things You Might Be Wondering
Can I stay overnight?
Yes! You're welcome to camp at Idyllwood on Friday and/or Saturday night at no additional cost. Campers have access to the half-bathrooms at Idyllwood Barn, and we'll provide plenty of firewood. Meals outside of Saturday's retreat are on your own. Prefer a bed? We can also point you toward nearby places to stay.
Can my family come for the weekend?
The retreat itself is for women ages 18+, but Idyllwood is surrounded by wonderful places for families to explore. Some participants choose to stay nearby with their families, enjoying Friday evening and Sunday together while reserving Saturday for the retreat.
What if it rains?
We'll spend as much of our day in the wild air as the weather allows. If rain arrives, Idyllwood Barn gives us a cozy place to gather, and we'll adapt our plans to whatever the day brings.
How active is the retreat?
We'll walk in the woods, practice mindful movement, and spend time outdoors, but this isn't a fitness retreat. Activities are invitational, and we'll make space for different bodies, abilities, and energy levels. No yoga experience is necessary.
Still wondering about something?
Visit our Retreat FAQs
Ready to Breathe the Wild Air?
We'd love to make space for you in the circle.
