Spring Equinox Retreat

March 14th-16th 2025

A Retreat for Women Seeking Renewal and Rejuvenation

Equinox Alchemy: Transform and Renew

March 14th-16th 2025

A Spring Equinox Retreat for Women Seeking Renewal and Rejuvenation

As nature begins its annual rebirth, it's time for yours. Welcome to Equinox Alchemy: Transform and Renew, a weekend retreat designed to help you unwind, reset, and embrace the spring equinox as your true new year. Together, we'll embark on a transformative journey inspired by the balance of the equinox, reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us.

Location: Mariposa Institute, Ukiah, Calfifornia

Nestled within 115 acres of serene oak woodlands, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ukiah, the Mariposa Institute offers a tranquil retreat space ideal for your Spring Equinox gathering. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to collective liberation through connection, stewardship, and education, Mariposa provides charming, rustic architecture that harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings. This peaceful environment fosters deep reflection and renewal, making it an exceptional setting to celebrate the balance and renewal of the Spring Equinox.

*Description courtesy of Mariposa Institute.

What You’ll Gain

A deeper connection to yourself and others.

Quality nourishment prepared by a private chef experienced in global healthy cuisine.

Tools and practices for renewal and balance.

A signed The Healthy Rebel cookbook from Chef Jessica.

A journal to reflect on your experiences and goals for the new bloom of springtime.

A weekend of mindful rest and rejuvenation—body, mind, and soul.

Join us for this transformative experience, and let the spring equinox mark the beginning of your next chapter.

Weekend Offerings

Unwind Your Mind

Set Intentions

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Nourish Your Body

Schedule

Friday

Settle and Connect

  • 3:00–4:00 PM: Arrival
    Begin your journey as you check in, settle into your space, and prepare for the weekend ahead.

  • 6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner
    Enjoy a nourishing, delicious meal as we gather together for the first time.

  • 7:00–8:00 PM: Connection Exercise & Group Discussion
    Meet fellow participants and set intentions in a warm, supportive environment.

  • 8:00–9:00 PM: Full Moon Experience
    Celebrate the transformative power of the full moon through movement and ritual under the open sky.

  • 9:00 PM–10:00 PM: Unwind & Reflect
    Spend time alone or relax in your shared cabin space to prepare for the days ahead.

Saturday

Mindful Transformation

  • 7:00–8:00 AM: Breakfast
    Start your day with a light and energizing meal.

  • 8:30–10:00 AM: Morning Walk & Meditation
    Embrace the beauty of the morning with a walk to center your mind and body.

  • 10:30–11:30 AM: Group Discussion
    Explore themes of renewal, letting go, and moving forward in a safe, collaborative setting.

  • 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
    Savor a wholesome meal and connect with others.

  • 3:00–7:00 PM: Healthy Cooking Class & Dinner
    Learn to prepare a vibrant, healthful meal as a group, then enjoy the fruits of your labor together.

  • 7:00–10:00 PM: Alone Time & Journaling
    Reflect on the day, take a relaxing shower, or write down insights in your journal.

Sunday

Closing & Renewal

  • 7:00–7:30 AM: Light Breakfast
    Gently ease into the final day with a simple and nourishing breakfast.

  • 9:00–10:00 AM: Sound Healing
    Experience deep relaxation and rejuvenation with a meditative sound healing session.

  • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Brunch
    Gather one last time for a celebratory brunch, reflecting on your journey.

  • 1:00–2:00 PM: Departure
    Leave feeling refreshed, rebalanced, and ready to embrace the season of renewal.

Accommodation Details

Accommodations at Mariposa Institute

Welcome to the serene Mariposa Institute, nestled in the heart of Ukiah, California. Our retreat offers peaceful accommodations designed to provide comfort and connection in a natural setting.

  • Bunkhouse Living: Participants will stay in a cozy, female-only bunkhouse with single beds (some bunks). Please bring your own blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows; sheets will be provided.

  • Bathroom Facilities: Two bathrooms are located in a building across from the bunkhouse. Please bring your own towels, shower sandals, and fragrance-free toiletries.

  • Dining and Kitchen: Meals will be provided, with some opportunities to participate in group cooking sessions. Communal kitchen access is available for storing and preparing food if needed.

  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available at the main house, yurt, and barn. Note that there is no cell service, so download directions beforehand. A landline is available for emergencies.

Additional Details

  • Location: Mariposa Institute is located at 3801 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482. The dirt road is accessible by all vehicle types; look for the butterfly mosaic marking the entrance.

  • Parking: Please unload near the bunkhouse upon arrival and park long-term at the barn (back into spaces for safety).

  • Nature and Trails: Enjoy access to the meadow, labyrinth, and trails, including a path to a seasonal waterfall. Be mindful of local wildlife and natural hazards, such as ticks and poison oak.

  • Substance-Free Environment: Mariposa is a mostly substance-free space, and smoking is not permitted on the property.

  • Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends to maintain the tranquil environment.

Packing Tips

Prepare for varied weather with layers for cool mornings and evenings. Bring items for personal comfort, such as journals, hiking boots, and a reusable water bottle.

Meet the Team

Our retreats and workshops, like the spring equinox-inspired "Equinox Alchemy: Transform and Renew," reflect our commitment to helping others heal and grow.

Priscilla Lara

Hi, I’m Priscilla- Teacher, Coach, Business Advisor, and MFT and PCC intern with The JAYC Foundation.

I’m a compassionate and multifaceted professional earning hours toward a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology under clinical supervision by Dr. Rebecca Bailey with the Polyvagal Equine Institute and The JAYC Foundation.

In addition to my therapeutic aspirations, I’m an experienced career and business advisor passionate about empowering women to create fulfilling lives and careers. I envision my coaching programs as a safe and transformative space where clients can explore their purpose, overcome barriers, and achieve their dreams.

Jessica Pfeufer

Hi, Im Jessica Pfeufer – Chef, Author, Speaker, Health and Nutrition Coach

I am a mother, an author, a chef, a leader, and a gatherer. Through my lifelong passion for cooking, I became interested in healthy alternatives and fresh ingredient sources to extend the longevity of my life and the lives of my clients. I am committed to helping individuals or groups seeking self-directed, long-lasting change in their head, their heart, and their health.

Living in places like Hanoi, Vietnam, and Ikaria, Greece (where eating is as essential as breathing) taught me the importance of health through food. Traveling to some of the world’s top culinary meccas has allowed me to incorporate their local fare and flavor into the dishes brought home to you. 


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