Presence, Play and Possibility: A gentle invitation to come home to your authentic self
With Donna Martin and Shelley Winton
September 10 - 15, 2026
With the demands of living in a dynamically changing world, we sometimes lose track of what has heart and meaning for us. We can be swept along by the speed of change or expectations. What if we could slow down with the intention to re-discover our authentic nature?
How can we recognize healing as an inside job – the unfolding of our intrinsic and natural wholeness? How can we learn to be the kind of presence that is itself a powerful healing gift? What do we really mean by Presence? What if we can learn to accompany someone on their healing journey without any suggestion of something wrong, something to fix?
In this experiential program, we will use embodied and relational mindfulness practices to:
- cultivate the foundational practice of Presence,
- explore old somatic patterns and habits with Play and curiosity; and,
- open the door for new more nourishing Possibilities of how to be and how to relate to others.
Participants will learn about the spirit of Psoma, Donna Martin’s unique version of Hakomi, and other modalities that inform Donna and Shelley’s work. This integrated mind/body/spirit approach is designed to cultivate wakefulness and present-centered awareness and to bring freedom of choice and new possibilities to the healing journey. This is an opportunity for personal self discovery in a safe and healing space.
The principle of non-violence (ahimsa in yoga) deeply informs the Psoma approach. In this retreat, participants are invited to experience their own healing as a journey of remembering wholeness, rediscovering authenticity, and participating in each other’s healing as a profound gift of Presence.
Testimonials
“Donna Martin is an exceptionally skilled leader. She walks her talk of fostering wellness and remembering wholeness.” – past participant
“I left feeling a profound sense of homecoming and clarity. Donna & Shelley brought a powerful presence to the group that allowed for vulnerability and depth.” – past participant
What You’ll Gain
Who This Program is For
Why This Program Matters
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
About the Presenters
Donna Martin
Donna Martin, MA, has been a regular presenter at Hollyhock for almost 40 years. She has practised and taught yoga, meditation, stress management and psychotherapy for more than 50 years. Psoma is an original healing approach inspired by Hakomi, somatics, Buddhism, yoga and mindfulness. Donna is the author of several books, including: When Your Body […]
Learn more about Donna Martin
Shelley Winton
Shelley Winton, RN, BScN, MPS, has been a Registered Nurse for over 35 years. Her deep curiosity about the wisdom of the human body led her to become a yoga teacher, a certified Hakomi therapist and teacher, and a collaborator in the development of Psoma. Her practice is also inspired by shamanic healing, Zen, and […]
Learn more about Shelley WintonCategories : Cortes Island, Health & Healing, Mind & Body, Movement, September, Yoga & Ayurveda