An evening retreat into belonging, meaning, inspiration, and deep nourishment.

A collaboration between Inner Woven (Ashlyn Miller) and House of Fig (Madison Traviss) to deepen in relationship with ourselves, our rhythmic nature, each other, earth, and something bigger.

This 4-hour evening retreat is a beautiful opportunity to tune in and connect with the Autumn Equinox, yourself, and community through gentle movement and meditation, seasonally thematic writing + storytelling, time in nature (weather permitting), and a savory, locally prepared dinner (chickpea curry).

For those new here and returning participants, this event was birthed after a year of community story weaving workshops that felt like an initiation and invitation into something wider and more spacious.

To read more about the evolution of story weaving and how this came to be, visit our co-written piece “Weaving a Year”.

Why it matters?

The turning of the seasons mirror a shift within us as microcosms of the macrocosm. This understanding is not new, it is ancient, it is ancestral, it is intuitive. And to come into relationship with it by way of acknowledgement, feeling, inquiry, reverence, and gathering, is to remember our place in the greater web of things and to move forth from a place of rootedness, self-trust, and connection.

Why Goldenrod and Aster for a title?

Goldenrod and aster belong to the Asteraceae or daisy family and are a powerful pair providing nourishment, beauty, and support into late Autumn. They serve as a source of shelter and sustenance to native insects including, bumble bees, moths, butterflies, beetles, and more after many other plant species have flowered, providing the possibility for the continuation of life.

Madison and I hope for this evening retreat to serve as a source of support and sustenance as we cross the threshold of the Equinox, providing you with the opportunity to uncover and cultivate whatever it is you need for the continuation of your souls journey.

What to expect:

• A gentle movement and meditation practice rooted in the teachings of yoga and somatic experiencing to arrive and settle

• Story weaving as a communal journaling practice where participants will be given time to reflect and write on a shared word or phrase to cultivate connection and belonging

• Nature walk as a palette cleanser and time to integrate (weather permitting)

• Collage making (feel free to bring your own materials if you have stuff you’d like to use, otherwise we’ll have plenty of materials)

• Catered vegetarian dinner by local chef, Chloe, of Hilltop Pantry

• Closing ceremony

What is Story Weaving?

Story Weaving, as described by founder of Center for Story Weaving Ben Page, “is a simple yet powerful community-building practice where participants create a collective story—each adding their own perceptions, images, and memories. Unlike traditional one-way storytelling, this approach invites many voices into a single narrative, helping people see themselves in each other’s experiences…Wherever people come together to reflect, heal, or celebrate, Story Weaving creates belonging.”

Furthermore, stories have been a cultural touchstone since the dawn of humanity. Etched in prehistoric cave art, carried in the mythology and folk lore of times long past, and passed on in our DNA from those who came before us.

We are storied beings- carrying within us stories of resilience, wisdom, grief, pain, joy, love, and possibility.

What to bring?

• Something to write with and on (we’ll have some supplies in case you forget)

• Comfortable clothing and shoes to move and walk in

• Water

• Yoga mat (we will have a few extras)

Who is this for?

For folks who are desiring time, space, permission, and support to explore, connect, and deepen.

• Explore practices, rituals, and ways of being that integrate the cycles of nature and intelligence of the earth as orienting points on the souls journey

• Connect with yourself, others, and something bigger

• Deepen in a sense of belonging and meaning

Your Hosts:

Madison Traviss is a forest bathing guide and facilitator who stewards resilient spaces of curiosity to increase collective confidence, connection, and collaboration.

Ashlyn Miller is a facilitator, practitioner, and somatic therapist working at the confluence of mental health, holistic living, and spirituality to encourage experiences of belonging, becoming, and being so that we may find ourselves rooted in the river of life; a coming home.

Location: Cowee School (51 Cowee School Dr, Franklin NC 28734)

Classes are in room 101; The Alarka Room.

Pricing options:

• The generate tier ($90) is above market value, supporting equity and redistribution of wealth. This option is applicable if you have ample disposable income, generational wealth, or have enough resources to provide support for the rest of the ecosystem.

• The sustain tier ($75) pricing is the actual, full cost of the class and helps sustain Inner Woven services and connecting tributaries. Please choose this option if you have a steady income and can comfortably afford your basic needs.

• The access tier ($60) is to remove financial barriers to participation; a flexible, smaller financial commitment to ensure you stay connected. Please select this option if you are experiencing financial hardship, meaning you’re struggling with basic living costs, limited disposable cash, etc.

Limited to 10 spots to ensure a sense of togetherness.

What previous participants are saying:

Amanda Drozd // Poet, Student, Manager

“As a writer coming back to her craft and craving her community, Story Weaving has been amazing for me. Getting to join familiar and new faces every time I’ve been able to go has been a nervous system reset I didn’t know was needed until stepping in the room. Ashlyn and Madison create a comforting, cozy environment to share within, or choose to keep to yourself and enjoy internally. The soft lighting, choice of offerings to the event, seasonality, and key theme each gathering really show the intention and attention these two plan together. Each woman brings an openness and wisdom to the table for others to pick up as needed.

I can be scatter-brained and not really know what to write some days, and feel as though the format for this experience is perfect to get the juices flowing. I find myself thinking of all the different ways each theme is interpreted within the group, for days afterward. While everyone’s story is unique, Story Weaving helps show us how important it is to remember, share, and come together. In our specificity, we find shared meaning, and in our wanderings we find the words.”

Sharlene O’Donnell // Environmental Archaeologist

“I joined my first Story weave with Ashlyn and Madison not knowing exactly what to expect. What I found was a welcoming community, a safe and engaging space to practice and strengthen my writing skills, and a group of genuinely kind people who encourage one another. Every session helps me grow in confidence and creativity as a writer. I always leave feeling inspired, challenged in the best way, and thankful for the time spent with community.”