Sacred Boundaries: The Art of Healthy Connection

April 19, 2026 Full Day Workshop and Retreat

A One-Day Workshop & Retreat to Reclaim and Reconnect to Your Needs, Boundaries, and Body Wisdom

A boundary is the behavioral expression of a regulated nervous system honoring a need.

Break the spell of self-abandonment

Why Boundaries Matter

Most of us were never taught how to stay connected to ourselves and others at the same time.

We learned to be agreeable. To keep the peace. To anticipate needs. To soften our truth so we wouldn’t be “too much.”

 Over time, that quiet self-abandonment becomes exhaustion, resentment, anxiety, or confusion in our relationships.

Boundaries are not walls. They are the structure that allows love to feel safe.

When we don’t have clear boundaries, we either over-give, over-explain, or shut down. When we do have them, connection becomes cleaner, calmer, and more reciprocal.

Boundaries are the foundation of self-trust - and self-trust is the foundation of healthy love.

Together we will…

Find Your Why

  • Clarify where boundaries matter most in your real life

Redefine Boundaries

  • Understand what boundaries are and what they are not

Uncover Cultural Conditioning

  • Explore the messages you received about being “good” and self-sacrifice

Identify Your “Trip Wires”

  • Learn how emotions signal unmet needs

Practice Clear Communication

  • Apply a simple, repeatable boundary framework

Embodied Boundary Work

  • Experience boundaries in the body through somatic practice

Integration and Next Steps

  • Leave with a clearer understanding of how to implement boundaries in your life

You’ll leave with practical tools, embodied practice, and a clearer sense of where you begin and end.

This day is for everyone…

General Outline for the Day:

(Breaks provided between each section. A workbook pages will be provided, or feel free to bring your own journal.)

9:15–9:55 AM

  • Arrival & Welcome

    • Enjoy snacks, coffee, and tea as you arrive and settle into the space, and get to know the other participants

      (I encourage you to arrive early).

      10:00–10:30 AM

  • Opening Circle

    • We’ll open with intention setting and light energy work to ground ourselves and connect as a group.

       

      10:30 AM–12:00 PM

  • Understanding Boundaries

    • Explore what boundaries are and what they are not

    • Examine the cultural and family messages that may have shaped your relationship to self-sacrifice, needs, and being “good.”

    12:00-12:30pm

  • Lunch

    • A nourishing, hearty lunch is included and enjoyed onsite.

       

      12:30–1:30 PM

  • Free Time to Explore

    • You’re invited to wander the trails, sit by the pond, meditate on the labyrinth, find a nook and write, rest, chat with new or old friends, or simply be. Follow what calls you. The weather should be lovely this time of year!

       

      1:30–3:30 PM

  • Emotions, Needs & Clear Communication

    • Learn how emotions signal unmet needs

    • Practice a simple, repeatable boundary communication framework

    3:30-5 PM

  • Boundaries and The Body

    •  Our body is our most trusted guide. But most of us have been taught to disconnect from its wisdom. We will practice listening deep within, and even confront the discomfort of saying, “no.”

    5:00-5:30

  • Closing Circle & Farewell

    • We’ll come back together to reflect, share, and close the circle with intention and care.

REGULAR PRICING      $157

Financial Flexibility for financial need… Some budgets are tight - I get it! Although I am intentional about pricing my events to be a great value for the content, while holding an exchange for my time and effort, I do want to honor that many people are feeling a financial pinch. If this day calls to you but pennies are pinched, please consider this option of $127 or email me at reh@sacredcirclesnc.com to discuss alternative exchange opportunities.

Who Is This For…

The Over-Giver

You are thoughtful. Generous. Attuned. You anticipate needs before they’re spoken. You soften your truth to keep connection.

You tell yourself it’s “kindness” but underneath, you’re tired.

You may feel:

  • Resentment you don’t want to admit

  • Anxiety when someone is upset

  • Responsible for everyone’s emotional state

You don’t need to become harder. You need to become clearer.

The One Who’s Tired of Explaining

You’ve done the therapy. You’ve read the books. You know your patterns. And yet — when it’s time to say the thing — you over-explain, over-justify, or soften it so much it disappears.

You may think:

  • “If I say it perfectly, they won’t be hurt.”

  • “If I give enough context, they’ll understand.”

  • “If I hold it gently enough, it won’t cause conflict.”

This retreat will help you communicate limits without managing the other person’s reaction.

The One Who Feels So Deeply

Your body knows before your mind does. You feel the bracing. The tight throat. The stomach drop. The sudden exhaustion after certain conversations.

But you’ve learned to override it.

You want to:

  • Trust your internal cues

  • Stop abandoning your nervous system

  • Stay present instead of disappearing

This retreat is as much somatic as it is relational.

The Soul in Transition

You are no longer who you used to be. You can’t go back to self-sacrificing love. You can’t tolerate emotional immaturity the way you once did. You are building something more sovereign — even if it feels lonely at times.

You don’t want rigid walls. You want clean connection.

You are ready for relationships that can withstand your honesty.

If You’re Still Wondering If This Is For You…

“Should I spend the money?”

We often spend large sums of money without thinking—on a Target run, dinner out, a concert, a cute pair of shoes, or other things that fade quickly. This day? It will turn you back towards yourself. You’ll walk away with deep insight, practical tools, connection, and a sense of clarity that lingers long after. This is an investment that will keep coming back every time your turn back to it.

*** If you really feel called to this day and you have a financial concern, please reach out to me info@sacredcirclesnc.com ***

“Will this actually help me?”

Yes—if you’re ready to listen to your heart and explore what’s really true for you. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just bring your curiosity and your courage. I’ll guide you the whole way.

“Can I really take a whole day just for myself?”

You can, and you should. This isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. It’s time to stop putting yourself last on your own list. One day of clarity, connection, and peace can ripple through your whole life.

“What if I don’t know anyone?”

Then this circle is exactly for you. At Sacred Circles NC, our circles always strive for warmth, honesty, and safety. Come exactly as you are—quiet or bold, lost or lit up—and you’ll be met with kindness, resonance, and respect. You’re not alone here.

“Am I ready to face myself that deeply?”

Readiness isn’t about having it all together. It’s about being willing to show up ready to receive. This work will meet you gently and powerfully, wherever you are on your journey.

Why Starrette Farm & Retreat Center

Our Sacred Setting

This retreat will be held at a truly magical location I’ve had the privilege of spending time at this year. Though I no longer identify as Christian, I’ve always felt deeply respected and spiritually nourished by this space and the community that stewards it. I’m honored that they’ve opened their retreat center to host Sacred Circles NC for this special day.

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find:

  • The Retreat House – A beautiful, spacious building full of natural light, cozy nooks, and windows that invite the outdoors in. With decks on every side, it’s a sanctuary in itself.

  • Hiking Trails – Gentle trails wind through the woods, offering swings, benches, and encouraging quotes along the way.

  • The Labyrinth – A peaceful space to walk in meditation, reflection, or prayer.

  • The Pond – Perfect for journaling, quiet conversations, or simply connecting with nature and Source.

  • Stations of the Cross – For those called to it, this traditional walk is available as a meditative spiritual practice.

  • And more hidden treasures – You’ll have time to explore and let the sacred grounds speak to you.

I can’t wait to share this place with you. It’s the kind of space that meets you exactly where you are.

A boundary is not what I demand from you. A boundary is what I will do to take care of myself.

Rachael E. Harris