Replenish: An Afternoon for Helpers, Leaders, Clinicians, Careworkers
November 21, 2026 12:00–3:00 PM
Studio 1104 1104 W. Cabarrus Street, Raleigh, NC
Ample street parking available
Investment: $111 / $99 / $77
Limited to 10 people
This is my first in-person retreat gathering, and I'm imagining an intimate space to celebrate the extraordinary, heartbreaking, beautiful, complicated experience of being alive.
Wendell Berry wrote, "Be joyful though you have considered all the facts."
I've been sitting with those words, alongside the writing of Andrea Gibson, Toni Morrison, and Audre Lorde. Because we have considered the facts.
We know suffering. We know death, disappointment, violence, estrangement, and loss. We know what it means to love people we cannot keep, to live in bodies that change, to witness harm and violence we cannot prevent, and to carry grief that seems to have no clear ending.
And what if, in the midst of everything we are grieving, we gathered to celebrate the extraordinary experience of being alive?
Why, because we are here. We have bodies that can still experience pleasure, music, movement, tenderness, laughter, and awe. There is something extraordinary about being human for the first time, and the only time, with one another.
Joy is not something we should have to postpone until life becomes less difficult.We can and should allow life to be as good as it can be, even when it is also as hard as it has ever been.
And still, there is music, poetry, memory. There is the pleasure of a good meal, the warmth of another person's hand, the sound of someone laughing so hard they can barely breathe.
There is the wonder.There is so much about being alive that deserves our attention, our gratitude, our curiosity, and our celebration. And I want us to make room for that, too.
This gathering will be a communal experience..
A Few Things to Bring
Bring a favorite poem, a photograph, a piece of music, a passage from a book, a memory, a recipe, or a story about someone who makes you laugh. I'd love for us to share what makes these things meaningful to us, what delights us, and what reminds us of the beauty of being human.
Come in your most comfortable, sensory-pleasing clothing. Whatever allows you to feel good and at ease in your body.Bring a comfortable seat or cushion, a journal, and a pen.
Bring a snack you love, something to enjoy on your own or share with the group. There is no expectation to share, but you're welcome to.
Bring your favorite poetry, music, memories, stories, and whatever else you might want to share about the things you love.
Bring your heart. Bring your soul. Bring it all.
A Few Things to Remember
You don't have to arrive feeling joyful. You don't have to be in a good place. Come as you are.
I'm planning a beautiful afternoon for us, with a few things I'd like to keep as pleasant surprises. Those who register will receive more details on the day of our gathering.
There may be tears. I hope there will be lots of laughter. And maybe some dancing, too.
As Audre Lorde reminds us, sharing joy creates a bridge between us.
I'd love for us to spend an afternoon building those bridges.
Choose Your Investment
$111 — Full Investment
$99 — Community Investment
$77 — Accessible Investment
Choose the amount that works best for your circumstances. No explanation or documentation is required.
Limited to 10 participants.
No refunds once purchased. Registration can be transferred to someone else.