Winter Solstice Sabbatical: An Intentional Pause for Restoration & Renewal

Overview: Why We’re Taking a Winter Pause

As the seasons shift, so too does the rhythm of our work. In alignment with the natural cycle of rest and reflection, we have made the intentional and thoughtful decision to pause retreat operations this winter from November 24 through March 31, entering a Winter Solstice Sabbatical.

This “fallow period” is not taken lightly. Just as fields are left to rest to restore fertility, we are embracing this pause as a time of regeneration, recalibration, and strategic planning so we can continue to serve our mission with strength and sustainability for years to come.

 

Why Now? A Season of Challenge and Change

Like many organizations, we are navigating a complex landscape marked by rising operational costs and shifting patterns in participation and bookings. Several factors have led us to this important decision:

• Financial analysis revealed unsustainable cash flow patterns, in part due to retreat cancellations, late deposits, and a fee structure that no longer reflects the real costs of hosting.

• Rising utility expenses and underfunded maintenance budgets reflect a need for more proactive operational planning.

• Staffing and overtime needs have grown disproportionately, and we’ve been actively testing models to improve efficiency and reduce burnout.

 

What We’ve Tried and Continue to Adapt

This decision follows many months of effort to adjust our operations and financial model. Among the many interventions we’ve taken:

• Conducted a full cost and labor analysis of our retreat programming.

• Offered coaching and training for kitchen staff and management to streamline operations and reduce overtime.

• Piloted new models, including continental breakfast options, streamlined menus, and even explored catering and temporary "Chef in Residence" solutions.

• Reviewed and updated retreat booking contracts, adjusting rates and adding clarity around services.

• Proposed long-term solutions like updated job descriptions and staff scheduling tools.

• Updated financial processes and policies, including financial forecasting.  

Despite these efforts, our analysis points to the need for a deeper pause not just to survive the winter, but to strategically prepare for a more sustainable future. 

 

What This Sabbatical Looks Like

• Retreats will pause from mid-November through the end of March

• During this time, we’ll focus on:

  • Strategic planning and program refinement

  • Facility maintenance and upgrades

  • Strengthening our team support structures

  • Further updating financial processes

• No public programming will occur during the sabbatical. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we care for the long-term health of our organization.

What This Means for You

We know this decision may impact some of your plans, and we are committed to clear, compassionate communication throughout this process.

• If you are a retreat facilitator or participant scheduled during this period, you will be contacted directly about rescheduling or refunds.

• We invite our community to stay connected with us during this quiet season. Updates, reflections, and opportunities to support our journey will be shared.

Looking Ahead

We believe deeply in the importance of our work and the people who make it possible. This sabbatical is a necessary step to honor our limits, steward our resources, and return with renewed clarity and strength.

We are grateful for your ongoing support and presence in our community. If you have questions, ideas, or simply want to share your thoughts - we welcome your voice.

Together, let’s honor the wisdom of the seasons and prepare the soil for new growth in the spring.