Fierce Compassion: Womenʹs 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.
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 is held primarily in silence, and device-free. This environment offers a rare and precious opportunity to turn inward and meet what we find there in fresh ways.
Location & Accessibility
The Sacred Waters Center (formerly Harmony Hill) is dedicated to healing. Nestled on 12 acres on the south side of Hood Canal with breathtaking Olympic mountain views, this tranquil retreat is the perfect setting to discover the richness of the present moment.
Room & Board
Your registration includes nutritious meals, lodging, and teachings. And note that there are no retreat chores required for this one – we’ll practice the art of receiving care from the Sacred Waters staff.
Rooms are shared (two single beds per room) or single occupancy (for a fee) with a mix of shared and private baths. A limited number of ADA-accessible rooms are available. Some of the lodging requires using stairs.
Camping availability is primarily tent camping with limited room for small camping trailers (no RV hookups available).
Refreshing. Not only were Carolyn and Karen wonderful guides throughout the weekend, but the community built by all the women at the retreat was extremely special. As my first multi-day retreat, this was the perfect mix of silent practice, engaging dialogue, thoughtful instruction, and relaxing movement. I cannot wait to make this an annual refresh for myself!
This retreat features:
Gentle Yoga
Sitting Meditation
Walking Meditation
Stunning Scenery
Delicious, Organic Meals
Private or Shared Quarters
*All who identify as women are welcome.
SCHEDULE
May 29 - 31, 2026
Friday, 1:00 pm - Sunday, 12:30 pm PT
TEACHERS
LOCATION
Cost
- Single Occupancy: $895 – $1,145 (or $224 – $286/mo x 4 months)
- Double Occupancy: $725 – $885 (or $181 – $221/mo x 4 months)
- Camping: $375 – $495 (or $94 – $124/mo x 4 months)
- Scholarship (Double Occupancy): $450 (or $113/mo x 4 months). No need to apply – just select this tuition level when you register. If “sold out”, please email office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com and request to be added to a scholarship wait list.
- Sliding scale: Choose what’s right for you.
- Payment plan option: 4-months, no-interest.
- Includes nutritious meals, lodging, and teachings.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday May 21st, 2026 at 11:55pm
TEACHERS
Karen Schwisow
(she/her) Executive Director & Director of Teacher Training
karen@mindfulnessnorthwest.com | 360-830-6439 x4
Karen Schwisow became our Executive Director in 2025. She is a certified MBSR teacher through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and has completed Therapeutic Yoga Training through Subtle Yoga Asheville, NC. She co-created and serves as Director for the MBSR Teacher Training Program. She's been teaching yoga and meditation in hospitals, medical clinics, community and government organizations since 2005. Through compassionate listening, authenticity, and humor she creates a welcoming container that empowers participants to experience their own innate ability to thrive. For over a decade she has delighted in mentoring teachers as they develop their ability to support others in this profound work.
Carolyn McCarthy
(she/her) Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Teacher
carolyn@mindfulnessnorthwest.com | 360-830-6439 x6
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.
More Details About this Retreat
WHO COMES TO RETREATS
All are welcome! We are honored to support each participant in their meditation practice regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, age, physical ability, political affiliation, or religion. Our retreats are suitable for beginning through experienced practitioners.
We are committed to offering support for any accessibility needs you have as we are able. Please contact us with any questions or requests related to accessibility prior to registering for a course.
YOUR FIRST LONGER RETREAT?
IS RETREAT RIGHT FOR YOU? Meditation retreats are not right for everyone. If you have a history of trauma or acute psychological issues consider checking with a mental health professional to decide if intensive retreat practice would be supportive. If you have questions or concerns about whether a retreat is right for you, please contact us at office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com.
STRUCTURE AND PARTICIPATION
PRACTICING IN SILENCE
- There will be times of silence built into the schedule.
- Participants are expected to follow guidelines around silence and participation:
- not speaking to other participants including close friends or partners you are attending with
- not using technology of any form
- Necessary communication with the retreat teachers can be done via a notes station or by taking them aside.
The intention of silence on retreat is to settle deeply into your own experience and to not interact with others, allowing everyone space to have the retreat they need to have — including you!
PERSONAL AND INTERPERSONAL SAFETY
Participants are expected to be sensitive and responsive to these guidelines and the needs of fellow participants as fully as possible.
- Please do not take photos or make recordings of other participants or the teachers.
- Do not use alcohol or mind altering drugs of any kind.
- Emergency contact information to share with loved ones will be included in the confirmation email upon registration. Venue staff and Mindfulness Northwest instructors will make sure you receive incoming messages promptly while your phone is off. If you are expecting an urgent message please let your instructor know.
- Instructors are available at all times to offer support, including conversation if needed.
WHAT TO BRING
- What to wear: Plan to be in stretchy, comfortable sweats or work out clothes for the entire weekend, including our opening session.
- Seasonally appropriate layers (sweater, jacket, raingear etc.)
- Shoes that are (1) fine walking in damp grass and (2) slip-on if possible. We take shoes on and off frequently. Slippers for the practice room can be nice to have.
- Toiletries and overnight things. Bed and bath linens will be provided.
- A flashlight can be helpful though the grounds are generally reasonably well lit. Sometimes there is walking between buildings in the early morning and evening.
- A yoga mat if you have a favorite. We have a limited number of mats to share.
- Meditation cushions – if you have a meditation cushion(s), a bench or other sitting gear, feel free to bring it. We are able to bring a limited supply of cushions. Note that there are plenty of chairs available.
- A blanket for the meditation hall – nice for body scans and resting.
- (optional) We recommend bringing face masks and COVID tests, in case you develop symptoms during the retreat.
Cancellation Policy
For retreats at Sacred Waters:
- Cancel up to 15 days before the event begins: Refund all but a $60 non-refundable registration processing fee.
- Cancel between 14 days and the event start time: Receive a refund of 35% of the total tuition paid.*
*Note: If the tuition is paid on a payment plan, payments will continue to withdraw until the amount equaling 65% of the total tuition is paid.
Mindfulness Northwest Health & Safety Policy
To help create a safe and supportive environment for all participants, we ask that you observe the following guidelines:
Before arrival:
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Please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness (fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, gastrointestinal symptoms, etc.).
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We encourage participants to take a COVID-19 test the day before arrival, as symptoms may not always be present.
During retreat:
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If you begin to experience symptoms of illness while on retreat, we ask that you help protect others by either heading home (if feasible) or isolating as much as possible.
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Please notify the retreat teacher or staff so we can provide support and guidance.
General practices:
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Masks are optional but welcome for anyone who chooses to wear them.
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Hand sanitizer and masks will be available onsite.
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We encourage all participants to practice good hand hygiene and be mindful of others’ comfort levels around physical proximity.
We deeply appreciate your care in helping us hold a safe and nourishing space for everyone.
Our 2026 Overnight Retreats
- Roots of Compassion, 5 day, January 19-24, Rainbow Lodge (North Bend, WA) with Tim Burnett & Nikki Dvorak Larson.
- Spring Weekend Retreat, March 27-29, Samish Island Retreat Center (Bow, WA) with Tim Burnett & Sonia Sahay.
- Fierce Compassion Women's Retreat, May 29-31, Sacred Waters Retreat Center (Union, WA) with Karen Schwisow & Carolyn McCarthy.
- Summer Weekend Retreat, June 26-28, Samish Island Retreat Center (Bow, WA) with Carolyn McCarthy & RJ Rongcal.
- Roots of Mindfulness, 5 day, August 21-26, Samish Island Retreat Center (Bow, WA) with Carolyn McCarthy & RJ Rongcal.
- Fall 3-Day Retreat, October 8-11, Samish Island Retreat Center (Bow, WA) with Tim Burnett.
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