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Discover Your Essence!

Join us on 100 acres of beautiful nature at the Cedarbrake Retreat Center to foster space, rest, and growth. We will explore together and take time to nurture our authentic selves in God. Come learn how to increase your awareness and ability to allow, acknowledge and move through limiting patterns and blind spots utilizing the Enneagram map, research by Dr. Brené Brown, and more. Sessions will provide ample space for self-reflection, discussion, and journaling to process new insights. Freedom is given to seek the space you need to cultivate rest and renewal of your body, soul & spirit—in deep conversation, on nature walks, gathered around the table or fireplace, or listening to live, contemplative music.

 

We all need space to breathe and connect—time to get away and engage in vital personal work in a beautiful, restful environment. The Essence Retreat invites you to enjoy a weekend of contemplation, listening, and learning while enjoying delicious & healthy meals around a community table of love and grace.

  • Teaching sessions and experiential exercises exploring how the Enneagram map can be a key to accessing greater freedom in your life

  • Discussion on the historical roots and influences of the Enneagram and how it and other growth work aligns with scripture and ancient Christian tradition and practice 

  • Identify limiting patterns and blind spots that hinder a life of vitality and freedom

  • Learn how to recognize "autopilot" in your life and embrace a life of greater presence

  • Experience deeper connection and insight with yourself, God, and others

  • Learn how to honor all of who you are, including your emotions, and live a more integrated and whole life

  • Discover how to cultivate compassion for yourself and others throughout the process

  • Move your body with complimentary yoga to enhance your experience while utilizing essential oils to support your process

  • Relax, rest, and enjoy nature in a beautiful setting

Sessions will be led by Sonja and Matt Bomhoff and contemplative music provided by Mary Luker. $799 covers your weekend, including three nights lodging in a double-occupancy cabin (a few single-occupancy cabins are also available for $899). To reserve your spot, please submit payment of $799 per person, double occupancy, or $899 per person, single occupancy. Payments can me made via Venmo (@sonja-bomhoff) or Zelle (coaching@sonjabomhoff.com). 

If you have a room mate, choose two single beds. All your delicious, healthy meals, beverages, and conference materials are included. Click here to register.  For more information, see our FAQ section below, or email us with questions. Come join us!

Registration

To register, click here to complete the registration form. To reserve your space, please submit full payment via Venmo or Zelle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the retreat located?
Cedarbrake Retreat Center, 5602 Hwy 317, Temple, TX 76502.

What is the schedule?

Check-in is Thursday afternoon, March 3, 2022 between 3:00 & 4:00 pm with dinner and an evening welcome session beginning at 5:30 pm. We encourage you to arrive as close to 3 pm as possible to have some time to unwind and get acquainted with the property prior to dinner and the evening welcome session. The retreat ends on Sunday, March 6 with checkout at 11:00 am after brunch.

What is included?

Three nights lodging in a double-occupancy cabin with linens and towels provided. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks & dinner are provided each day. Feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages as each guest has access to their house refrigerator and microwave. Conference materials are provided as well.

What are the accommodations like?
Cabins are surrounded by nature and purposefully simple to foster an atmosphere free of usual distractions. Each room includes two twin beds, desk, A/C, and private bathroom. We are not able to hold rooms. Single occupancy rooms are limited and are first come, first served. We encourage you to bring your partner or friend and are happy to pair you up with a roommate if needed. Each guest has access to a community house refrigerator and microwave. 

 

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We are able to accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian diets if necessary. You are welcome to bring your own food to accommodate specific dietary needs. Delicious, healthy meals will be organic, hormone and antibiotic free as available. We care about what we put in our bodies!

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Is there Internet (wi-fi)?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in every cabin and conference center. However, giving yourself a vacation from television, radio, computers and cell phones is recommended if possible. In emergency situations, your family may reach you by calling Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 during regular hours, or after hours and weekends at (254) 780-2365.

Are there walking paths?

Yes, there are several meditative nature paths available through 100 beautiful acres of nature, as well as an asphalt road that encircles the retreat center. If you like to hike, run or explore, bring your exercise gear or walking shoes.

 

What are my transportation options for getting to and from the event?

Killeen–Fort Hood Regional Airport (28.9 miles), Waco Regional Airport (36.1 miles), Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (65.5 miles). You will need to share an UBER or rent a car to get to the retreat from the airport.

 

What to bring to the retreat?
Journal, flashlight, toiletries including soap & shampoo, etc; comfortable clothing for sitting and walking: walking shoes, jacket/sweater, rain gear, etc.; a water bottle (the lodge has filtered water available in the drinking fountain); meditation/seat cushion (if you use one), or other pillows or wraps you may need to be as comfortable as needed; alarm clock; cash (for any forgotten incidentals), favorite snacks if you have dietary restrictions. Bedding and towels are provided. 

 

What's the refund policy?

We are unable to provide refunds.

 

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Yes.

 

What is the COVID-19 policy?

If Cedarbrake cancels the retreat due to the pandemic, full refunds will be given. We will keep you up-to-date regarding Essence retreat policies if they change concerning COVID-19.

Are there minimum age requirements to attend the event?

Yes. This event is for adults only.

 

Is this a faith-based retreat?

Essence is Christian based. However, ALL are welcome regardless of faith tradition.

 

How can I contact the administrator with any questions?

Email essenceenneagramretreat@gmail.com with questions.

What if I am new to the Enneagram?

Great! We will have an introductory session to assist the entire group as we kick off the weekend. We encourage you to take the enneagram test at https://www.narrativeenneagram.org/-test/.

 

Suggested readings to assist your learning process: 

“The Wisdom of the Enneagram” by Don Riso & Russ Hudson

“The Essential Enneagram”  by Dr. David Daniels

“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come.” ― Rumi

Gradient

“I’ve come to believe that we all want to show up and be seen in our lives. This means we will all struggle and fall; we will know what it means to be both brave and brokenhearted ... As Rumi says, “We’re all just walking each other home.”

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Brené Brown

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