Fierce Compassion: A Retreat Day for Women
September 13 (Saturday)

Fierce Compassion: A Retreat Day for Women


In person in Woodinville

1-day retreat


Now more than ever, we need compassion: for ourselves, for each other, for the world. Compassion can be tender, like offering kindness. But it can also be fierce, like holding healthy boundaries, saying no, and standing up for ourselves and others. Developing this essential quality takes time, intention, and practice — especially given that females are often rewarded for doing the opposite.

This retreat is a one-day version of Karen & Carolyn’s popular weekend retreat on the same theme. Perfect if your schedule does not allow overnight retreat, or if you’re ready for a tune up. No experience necessary.

Dahlias in the garden at Brightwater Center.
Join us in cultivating both fierce and tender compassion with a warm community of women*. Be nourished by stepping away from your busy life, and by quiet, contemplation, and beauty.

This retreat will be mostly held in silence, cultivating space for awareness, introspection, and personal growth. Plan to put your phone away for the day.

This Retreat Day Includes:

Gentle Yoga

Sitting Meditation

Walking Meditation

Warm Community

*All who identify as women are welcome.

The retreat was so nourishing. The instructors have a warm, authentic, and caring energy that was felt deeply.
Dawn W.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 13, 2025
9:00am – 4:00pm

TEACHERS

Karen Schwisow & Carolyn McCarthy

LOCATION

Brightwater Environmental Education Center (Woodinville)

The outside of brightwater center, with exposed wooden beams against a blue sky.

COST

$150 - $230 (or $38 – $58/month)

  • Sliding scale: Choose what’s right for you.
  • Payment plan option: 4-months, no-interest.
  • Limited scholarships available: No need to apply; just choose a scholarship tuition during registration.

TEACHERS

Karen Schwisow

Karen Schwisow

Karen has been a teacher of yoga and meditation since 2005. She continues to deepen her understanding of these ancient wisdom traditions and how they are relevant to our lives today.  Through compassionate listening, authenticity and humor she empowers you to experience your own innate ability to heal and thrive. She is a Certified MBSR teacher through UMass Medical Center, and Co-Founder of Three Trees Yoga & Healing Arts Center in Federal Way.

Carolyn McCarthy

Carolyn McCarthy

Carolyn teaches in the hopes of moving us, individually and collectively, toward healing, wholeness, and love. With a degree in Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies, she uses mindfulness to support the work of social justice, turning toward the difficult within and without. Carolyn is a certified teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Zest, warmth, and wit enliven her teaching. Core practices: sitting meditation, time outside, solo living room dance parties. Visit her online at www.carolynmcc.com.

Register for this program

Choose Your Tuition:
                                       4-month payment plan available.

Bringing mindfulness to my workplace
Referring my clients/patients
Becoming a mindfulness teacher
Tools for living with chronic pain or illness
Support for recovery from trauma
Mindfulness for healthcare providers