We Can Be Hellebores: A Winter Healing Workshop for Queer Black Women
Hellebores (heh·luh·borz) are evergreen perennials known for flowering in winter, even pushing up through snow to offer lush and vibrant color when nothing else around is blooming. This winter, let this be us!
Join a cohort of 12 queer Black women for a mountainside weekend workshop retreat, focusing on transformative emotional healing and growth in 2026. Using the reflective and restorative energy of the land and sky during the winter season, we’ll identify, process, and release old stories and ways of being that no longer serve us, so we can:
stop repeating toxic patterns
feel less shame, insecurity, and disconnectedness
connect more vulnerably with our inner selves and with the people in our lives
build secure attachment and healthier relationships
Through coaching and exercises, group discussions, guided rituals, outdoor winter activity and exploration, and deep reflection and rest, we’ll learn how to liberate ourselves from what has kept us stuck, and emerge more healed and whole, blooming lush and vibrant in all the seasons of our lives, even in winter.
To apply for participation in this workshop, you must 1) identify as Black AND as a queer woman, and 2) be ready and eager to embark (or continue) on the journey of emotional healing and growth.
Who is this workshop for?
Where/when does this workshop take place?
We will gather on the mountainside campus of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton NY. We will have rustic, comfortable, farmhouse rooms with double occupancy in each room, and shared bathrooms. Our time together will begin the evening of Friday, March 6th and end late afternoon on Sunday, March 8th. More information about exact times will be given during the application process.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN.
The actual cost to deliver this workshop is $470/person. In order to make the workshop accessible to those unable to pay the actual cost, there is a pay-what-you-can option. Please find more information in the application form.
What is the cost?
Because this workshop requires that participants be ready to show up—openly, authentically and with accountability—for transformative healing work, there is an application process. Due to limited space, not everyone who applies will be accepted into the workshop.
Acceptance into the workshop is on a rolling basis beginning January 19th until all 12 spots are filled. We expect to have more applicants than we can accept, so if you want to be a part of this experience, you are encouraged to apply ASAP!
How do I register?
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Q: Is this therapy?
A: No. This is a workshop, facilitated by non-therapists with community-based experience creating and holding space for emotional healing work. This is not a substitute for therapy.
Q: Who is facilitating?
A: Mia McKenzie. We are hoping to add a co-facilitator. Stay tuned!
Q: What is included in the cost of the workshop retreat?
A: Workshop programming; simple, nourishing vegetarian meals; and lodging for 2 nights. Travel to and from the workshop is not included. Participants are responsible for securing travel and transportation to and from the retreat.
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If you’re a yoga instructor and you’d like to volunteer to lead a class during the retreat, please get in touch! Additionally, we’re in need of volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, serving meals, and errands around the campus. If you’d like to volunteer, send an inquiry: hellebores.retreat at g mail. Please include your location and where you heard about the retreat.