Your body of fire: a peri/menopause rite of passage
A transformative retreat for anyone navigating the alchemical fires of perimenopause and menopause. This is the pause your body has been demanding: a chance to shed what no longer serves you, turn inward like a caterpillar in its chrysalis, and discover what emerges on the other side. Through somatic movement, sensual shibari designed specifically for this threshold, supportive nourishment, and shared experiences, you will reclaim this transition as your birthright — a threshold into your deepest creativity, wisdom, and sovereignty. You will leave changed.
This is our flagship program and it is for anyone who has ever cycled, at any age or stage of the menopause process — from approaching perimenopause to postmenopausal. We extend a special welcome to those entering menopause "early," and those who are far past it but never had the chance to honor their process. No prior experience necessary. Beyond-binary / gender inclusive.
Location
We will retreat to Holden House, a private, fluid home for a wide range of artists, healers, thought leaders, scientists, writers, activists, and planet lovers. A place to reconnect — with ourselves, others, and nature. A space for inspired ritual; for invigorating and playful gatherings; for deep, radical rest; and for birthing new ways of being together.
Located 30 minutes outside Montpelier VT, and set on 36 picturesque acres of rolling hills, lush forest, and burbling streams, the gorgeously remodeled main house has been lovingly restored with the intention of creating a deep sense of calm and serenity.
What to Expect
Thursday night: Arrive by 5pm. Dinner. Opening circle.
Friday: Movement + meditation; reflection; connection; optional add-on workshops in music, self-exploration & photography; Q&A with menopausal health expert; Shibari performance: Finding Pleasure and Art at the Edges of Transformation.
Saturday: Movement accompanied by live musical performance; rest + relaxation; shibari workshop; time to be in nature; optional add-on workshops in music, self-exploration, and photography; fire ceremony.
Sunday morning: Closing circle. Depart before or after lunch.
Beautiful, nourishing meals and soulful connection throughout.
Intimate gathering for deep connection (limited to 18 women max).
Who This is For
Anyone who’s ever had a moon cycle who wants to be in conscious relationship with menopause as a rite of passage.
Anyone beginning perimenopause who wants to meet it with awareness and support.
Anyone in the full intensity of the transition - seeking grounding, connection, and clarity.
Postmenopausal people who want to integrate its wisdom more fully, and support others to do the same.
We honor all gender identities & orientations who are crossing this threshold.
Exchange
This is an offering of the heart. We endeavor to create as rich and nourishing an experience as possible while keeping it accessible. Toward that end we are offering two pricing tiers:
Early Bird (Double Room): $1480 (ends June 30 2026)
Early Bird (Single Room): $1680 (ends June 30 2026)
Regular (Double Room): $1750
Regular (Single Room): $1950
All tiers include the following:
3 nights of beautiful, cozy accommodations
3 days of deeply nourishing meals
Special programming from innovative experts
1 90-min group integration Zoom following the retreat
Thoughtfully curated welcome gifts
Does not include travel to/from Holden House
Your Guides
Melissa Brough, PhD
Independent Licensed Ishtara® Teacher,
Founder of the Energetic Literacy Project
Maria “Masha” Freytsis
Somatic Coach, Midwife, Kink Educator
Eleanor Kinsey
IFS Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, Founder of Dive Intuit
Special Guest Teachers to be announced soon!
More Details
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At Body of Fire we offer somatic practices for feeling better in your body and transmuting discomfort into greater ease and pleasure. We work with moving meditation inspired by the Ishtara® Method, and with rope as a way to explore sensation, inspired by the Japanese form Shibari. These innovative, transformative offerings help so many people arrive more fully in their bodies, on their own terms, and in their own pleasure. We can't wait to share them with you—whether you are new to movement altogether or already have an established practice of your own.
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CAR: Holden House is located approximately 30 minutes from Montpelier, VT. There is ample parking available on site.
AIR: Holden House is 1 hour from the Burlington airport. Rental cars are available on site; taxi or car service is also available and runs approximately $150-200.
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Our program will begin at 5pm on Thursday, September 17th, with dinner to follow. If arriving earlier than 5pm, please note that rooms may not be available for check-in, but the grounds at Threefold are lovely, with many places to rest and relax before the start of the retreat.
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Holden House has a mix of single and double rooms, all simply and beautifully furnished. There are 3 en suite rooms and 5 rooms with shared bathrooms. There are lovely common areas and meals are shared in the dining room off the chef’s kitchen.
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Our nourishing daily meals will always include a vegetarian option, and will source local, organic ingredients, many of which will come from the biodynamic farm next door. If you have any dietary restrictions, just let us know.
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Yes! Just let us know during registration if you’d like to room together and we will make it happen.
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The retreat is non-refundable, with the exception of a documented case of severe illness, or unavoidable travel delays on the day of your arrival due to inclement weather or air travel disruptions. In such unavoidable instances 50% of payment will be refunded at the organizers' discretion.