News/Blog

A Necessary Silence

A Necessary Silence

I have not sent our retreat followers a communication for a long time. While I want to apologize, I also want to express how needed the silence of winter has been for me and my family.  I know I get lost in the silence sometimes. The winter brings...

Light Out of Darkness

Light Out of Darkness

I am writing this retreat newsletter at the start of Diwali on Oct 24th.  This is the Festival of Lights and now is a National Holiday in New York.  Many in Hinduism celebrate this holiday. In this Festival of Lights we know it is a time to celebrate good over evil...

Best Friends in the Forest

Best Friends in the Forest

There is a special relationship in our forest at Kumari of the Woods between the two most prevalent trees:  the beech and the hemlock.  When you walk in our forest you will weave in and out of these two majestic beauties, each with clearly different barks and...

Forested Magic

Forested Magic

There is a power and a strength and a vulnerability to trees. Over many ages and in many cultures trees hold the memory of war, drama, disease, compassion, sensitivity and unconditional love. Trees hold our integrity and they silence our lies....

Retreat Into Yourself

Retreat Into Yourself

It is common to feel exhausted in our lives from work, families, extended families, friends, and many other commitments from people asking for favors, explaining why they need us, begging for help. It is hard to ask for silence, down time, “me”...

Road to the Cottages Complete!

Road to the Cottages Complete!

Wonderful News as we at Kumari of the Woods transition into colder days:  We have the road to the cottages all finished! Now we plan to continue moving forward in HOPES of having the building happen early spring 2022.  We wish you a gorgeous fall from Vermont.

August at Kumari of the Woods

August at Kumari of the Woods

Here we are in August and, as always, the weather is spectacular in Vermont.  Where else would you want to be with clean air, moderate temps during the day, and cool weather sleeping at night?  This is why we know everyone will want to visit and stay at Kumari of the...

Happiest of Holidays

Happiest of Holidays

Maisie and her entire Younce Family wish all visitors to  Kumari of the  Woods the healthiest and happiest of the holiday season!  

Winter at Kumari of the Woods

Winter at Kumari of the Woods

December is a favorite month at Kumari of the Woods.  Generally, it signals the first big storm with snow that stays on the ground until spring. 2020 has been a year to remain at home and connected to the earth.  That includes in winter with...

Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh’s Birthday

Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh’s Birthday

In honor of Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh's birthday on Oct 11, let's all take a meditation walk in the woods, reminding ourselves we are never alone in the forest nor in this world, no matter how we must social distance or wear masks for safety reasons.  We all are here...

Fall 2020 at Kumari of the Woods

Fall 2020 at Kumari of the Woods

The colors of September and October are the most stunning display of Vermont every year. Thousands are drawn to our state to see the spectacle of change that never hesitates to amaze us.  It is nature at its finest. I think my favorite are the maple trees that turn...

Fall is coming to Kumari of the Woods! 

Fall is coming to Kumari of the Woods! 

This is the first tree that starts changes its colors every year.  We look for it to signal the start of the season.  Soon , there will be an orchestra of colors surrounding us here in Strafford, Vermont.  We look forward to creating your retreat within this canopy of...

Kumari of the Woods, Peaceful Retreat

Kumari of the Woods, Peaceful Retreat

When I moved to this land in Strafford, Vermont 8 years ago, I knew there was healing energy that moved through the soil, spilling in and out of the cracks in the trees and dancing through every season. It is with great joy that I announce our startup artist/healing...