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Finding Stillness & Connection in the Digital Age: A Screen-Free Retreat at the Whidbey Institute


  • The Whidbey Institute 6449 Old Pietila Road Clinton, WA, 98236 United States (map)
 

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED

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“This retreat was amazing. My second time attending. I enjoyed how a space was created in which I could be my true self and express my vulnerabilities. I felt deeply cared for.” - Brigid, Seattle

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When was the last time you…

  • Were quiet enough to hear your own voice?

  • Connected authentically with yourself and others in real-time without networking or performing?

  • Felt deeply rested and inspired?

  • Got even one waking-hour long break from digital media or electronic communication?

What about a whole weekend?

“This is for everyone! Christina is super welcoming, knowledgeable, and creates such a sacred space. In just a little over 48 hours, you get the opportunity to foster deep authentic bonds with those who were just strangers days before. I highly recommend her work. It is timeless and imperative work in a society increasing in technology and noise. Thank you!” - Daren, Los Angeles

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Treat yourself to a weekend of digital fasting and deep self-care to:

  • Learn how awareness is the opposite of distraction - and the key to a healthier relationship with technology

  • Connect with nature in the breathtaking beauty of the Whidbey woods and Salish Sea

  • Enjoy being held in community with opportunities to connect authentically with others

  • Get Quiet Time for yourself for reflection and meditation

  • Prioritize and center what brings you true joy and satisfaction

  • Break Free from the social media hamster wheel and reclaim that time for what really matters to you

  • Set Intentions and goals to stay electronically connected on your own terms and free yourself from digital compulsion and over-use

Why?

Because the prospect of 48 hours away from technology scares you, and it’s wonderful to get support when doing scary things!

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About the venue:

Deep in the woods of Whidbey Island Washington at the Whidbey Institute. From their website: "Our 108-acre woodland campus, integrated gardens and forest ecosystem, four mile public-access trail network, and comfortable facilities invite nature connection and serve an engaged community.”

“The Whidbey Institute is an amazing place and staff were incredible. This really added to my experience. Everything from the space to the food to the facilitation felt nurturing and restorative” - Maia, Seattle

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What to Expect

No FOMO! We will gather from 10am on Friday until 1pm Sunday. Because this is an experience we’ll have in community, it’s important that you arrive on Friday morning.

You will be asked to turn over your digital devices on Friday morning and will give them back on Sunday before lunch. I promise that this will not be as scary as it might sound!

For your peace-of-mind, I will be the emergency contact for your loved ones to use if they need to get in touch with you during this time.

If you need to call and check-in with family or kids during the retreat, no problem! I will l lend you my phone or computer to get in touch.

This retreat will be trauma informed and social justice-oriented, with a commitment to creating as comfortable a space as possible for people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, sizes and spiritual traditions. The Whidbey Institute was intentionally chosen for its commitment to social justice.

For the sake on community care, safety and accessibility, The Whidbey Institute’s COVID Health Guidelines go above and beyond. This currently includes masking and/or social distancing in common-areas, proof of vaccination and boosters to-date, required PCR-testing 72 hours before the retreat, and rapid-testing upon arrival. For added safety, each participant will receive single-occupancy lodging in an adorable private cabin (this retreat is not ideal for couples, since all beds are singles). As we know, things can change rapidly with this virus. Stay up-to-date on safety protocols here.

“Please, please give yourself the gift of this retreat. The experience absolutely shattered me in the best of ways. I felt comfortable, cared for and respected as soon as I entered the space. It was a fun, warm environment. Christina is knowledgeable, compassionate, funny, and so welcoming!”— Amie, Seattle

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How do I sign up & how much will it cost?

(TL:DR it’s $625 for the whole shebang if you sign up by March 11)

Did you know that 40% of people who sign up for a retreat wait until one week before the event? Imagine paying a venue and preparing for an event without knowing until the last minute whether anyone’s going to come to your party! It’s a leap of faith, and almost always works out. But I’m not gonna lie: it’s a stressful rollercoaster ride.

This time, I would love to avoid the grind and sleepless nights (not to mention the hell of social media promotion. Yikes!). In the past, I have had to spend about $100 on promotion for each participant. And I would so much rather spend that money on you.

For this reason I’m offering a $100 discount for everyone who signs up by March 11, which is the day before my next payment to The Whidbey Institute is due.

Cost:

By March 11, 2022: $625 (save $100)

After March 11, 2022: $725

Your registration fee includes your COVID rapid test, charming single-occupancy sleeping accommodations for 2 nights, 7 locally sourced and plant-forward gourmet meals (Friday lunch through Sunday lunch), as well as tender, attuned and thoughtful group facilitation. Space is limited to 12 participants.

Cancellation Policy: Influenced by the unforeseen events of the past 2 years, I want to be flexible and generous with my cancellation policy while also protecting my financial investment in reserving the retreat property. If I must cancel for any reason, including for safety considerations related to COVID, you will get a 100% refund.

Due to my financial commitment to The Whidbey Institute, I cannot issue you a refund for cancellation from March 13, 2022 onward unless I have a waitlist, or you can find someone to take your spot.

You will receive a COVID rapid test upon arrival at The Whidbey Institute. If it is positive, you will need to leave immediately and no refund will be available. For this reason, we are also requiring that you get a PCR test 72-hours before the retreat.

Questions? Email me!

About Your Facilitator

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Christina Malecka is a community organizer turned Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 30 years of experience in changemaking, group facilitation, training and workshop development. She loves creating nurturing experiences and holding space for people, and was inspired to create her Screen Time Lifeline after her own profound experience with digital fasting and reset.

“Christina is excellent at meeting people where they are and instills instant comfort in participants. She is a phenomenal facilitator.” - Nancy, Seattle

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February 14

Dating in Captivity: Online Romance & Emotional Wellbeing in the Time of COVID

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April 1

Untether Together: Spring 2023 - Time and Date TBD