Prioritize Yourself All 2024
4-Part Series: Meditate. Align. Enlighten. Discover
Feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break from the stresses of everyday life?
Are you craving connection and support from like-minded individuals?
Struggling to find time for yourself and prioritize your well-being?
Yearning for a deeper sense of self-discovery and personal growth?
Nurture Your Well-Being
Welcome to Self MAED, I’m glad you found us. We’ve been waiting for you.
I’m Shannon Mae, the Founder of Self MAED (Meditate Align Enlighten Discover). At Self MAED, we specialize in curating wellness retreats tailored to nourish and empower Black womxn on their journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery. Having experienced firsthand the daily stressors you navigate in life, work, and relationships, we understand the importance of prioritizing self-care.
This year, it’s all about putting ourselves first. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our 4-part series of bi-monthly Self MAED Spa Day Retreats, each focusing on one of our pillars: Meditate, Align, Enlighten, and Discover.
From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be embraced with warmth and familiarity. Here, every sister is welcomed as family in a safe haven designed for your ultimate comfort and relaxation.
Get ready to unwind, recharge, and discover the magic that lies within you.
Pillars of Wellness: Exploring Each Theme
Explore each tab below to discover more about each theme and its corresponding dates.
Mark your calendars! March, May, July, November.
March 24, 2024 | Ithaca NY
This month, we’re diving deep into the first pillar of our Self MAED series: Meditate. It’s all about embracing a slower pace and nurturing ourselves through the practice of Yin Yoga & Guided Meditation. As we honor the contributions of Black women during Women’s History Month, we’ll take inspiration from their resilience and strength to guide us in our journey of self-care.
Women Only
May 18, 2024 | Ithaca, NY
Let’s get into the second pillar of our Self MAED series: Align. Embrace the journey of alignment—finding harmony within oneself and with the world around us. Through mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment—we’ll deepen self-awareness and learn to create balance in our lives. This retreat will include a Sound Bath healing session.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we celebrate the womxn in our lives and the roles we carry, acknowledging the diverse experiences and titles we embody. All are welcome, regardless of motherhood status. Women Only.
July 13, 2024 | Ithaca NY
In the third pillar of our Self MAED series we focus on: Enlighten. In honor of National Minority Mental Health Month, our healing circle will be led by a mental health professional to explore essential topics, including how anxiety and depression symptoms may present differently for Black women. We’ll also explore the crucial issue of mental health in the workplace, offering insights on how to avoid burnout and combat compassion fatigue.
This is a Co-Ed Retreat, aimed to cultivate conversation between Black Women and Black Men about mental health in our community.
November 9, 2024 | Ithaca, NY
Our last pillar of the 2024 Self MAED series: Discover. Join us for a day filled with laughter and joy! Through mindful meditations and a vibrant healing circle, we’ll explore self-compassion and strategies to intentionally choose JOY during the darker and colder months. We recognize S.A.D., also known as Seasonal Blues, and its impact on our community. ALL moods welcomed here.
We welcome our Sisters and Brothers to join this Spa Day Retreat, where we’ll embrace the comfort of community.
What’s Included:
- Specialty Yin Yoga Class
- Exclusive Sister Circle
- Meditation Session
- Themed: Healing Activity
- Special Welcome Gift
- Reflective Exercises
- Healthy and Nourishing Brunch
- Light Refreshments
- Your Choice of:
- 1-Hour Massage or Facial
The Spa Experience
Imagine 6-restorative hours at the Self MAED Spa Day Retreat.
Rasa Spa is a hidden treasure nestled in plain sight! Picture yourself at Rasa Spa, where tranquility and luxury intertwine to offer the ultimate spa experience. Step into private treatment rooms for your one-hour massage or facial adorned with soothing ambiance. Need some alone time? A tranquil reflection space awaits, offering serene views of the river and the healing embrace of nature. Transition seamlessly from the changing areas to the sauna, allowing your senses to soak in every moment of relaxation.
Within the spa lies a restoration room – a haven for our intimate Self MAED Retreat – and where we will engage in our group yoga sessions and heartfelt discussions.
In this space, we embrace vulnerability and letting go, knowing we’re surrounded by love and support.
Limited spots available for up to 10 participants, don’t delay and miss out on this opportunity to replenish your mind, body, and spirit.
What is Yin Yoga?
Unlike traditional yoga, yin yoga is a slow, meditative practice that targets deep connective tissues in the body.
Poses are held for extended periods—typically three to five minutes or longer—surrendering into each pose, finding stillness, and tapping into inner wisdom are key.
Expect to maintain a seated or reclined position throughout the session. This class nourishes the soul.
Who Is This Retreat For?
- Busy professionals looking to escape the daily grind and recharge.
- Dedicated caregivers in need of a well-deserved break and self-care.
- Women who are ready to prioritize their own well-being and put themselves first for a change.
- Anyone craving a day of relaxation, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
- Those seeking to press pause, reconnect with themselves, and emerge feeling rejuvenated and empowered.
- Anyone ready to treat themselves to a day of blissful indulgence and self-love.
What is a Sister Circle?
At the heart of our retreats are the skillfully facilitated sister circles led by Shannon Mae. These circles serve as sacred spaces where authenticity, vulnerability, and support intertwine. Here, we gather to explore the essence of becoming Self MAED, learning and embodying the principles that define our journey.
Throughout the retreat, sisterhood and community take center stage. More than a mere gathering, it’s a bond forged in shared experiences, mutual growth, and the celebration of each unique journey.
Testimonials
Choose from the following options to reserve your spot:
Single-Day Spa Retreat
Payment Plans Available-
Yin Yoga
-
Welcome Gifts
-
1-Hour Massage or Facial
-
Brunch
-
Sister Circle
-
Guided Meditation
-
Reflective Exercises
-
Wellness Activity i.e. Sound Bath Healing, Professionally led discussions
9am-4pm
Wellness Retreat Series
Payment Plans Available-
Yin Yoga
-
Welcome Gifts
-
1-hour Massage or Facial
-
Brunch
-
Sister Circle
-
Guided Meditation
-
Reflective Exercises
-
Wellness Activity i.e. Sound Bath Healing, Professionally led discussions
9am-4pm
Payment Plans Available:
Scholarship Application and Sponsorship Opportunities below.
Introducing Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm: Simplify Your Payments!
Now you have the freedom to shop now and pay later, with easy installment plans tailored to your needs. Enjoy seamless transactions and take control of your budget, making your wellness journey even more accessible and stress-free. Each payment installment can be paid using Klarna, Afterpay, and Afiirm making each payment process easy and affordable!
During the checkout process, you will:
Choose Your Payment Method:
- Creidt/Debit Card
- PayPal
- Klarna
- Afterpay
- Affirm
Healing Journey Scholarships
At Self MAED, we're all about providing spaces for growth, healing, and self-discovery, specifically curated for Black and Brown women. We understand that sometimes the only thing standing between you and your peace is, well...life itself. When sponsorship spots open up, we dive straight into our pool of applicants, selecting based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Interested in Sponsoring
a Sister?
Looking to make a difference? To extend a hand, a heart, and a bit of hope? Here’s your chance to directly impact a sister’s life in the most beautiful way. 🌟💖
By donating to our scholarship fund, you’re not just giving money; you’re gifting experiences, healing, and empowerment. You’re supporting Black and Brown women facing financial barriers to access a transformative journey at our wellness retreats.
FAQ's
What are the closet airports to Ithaca, NY?
- Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH)
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
I'm here to assist as you plan your overnight accommodations. Let's connect and plan your stay together.
Can I travel by car?
Ithaca, New York, nestled in upstate, awaits your visit. Before finalizing your travel plans, kindly ensure your hotel details are added to Google Maps for seamless navigation.
I'm here to assist as you plan your overnight accommodations. Let's connect and plan your stay together.
Are the Spa Days Women Only?
In July, we're hosting a co-ed retreat to welcome our Brothers into our healing space. While Self MAED focuses on Black and Brown womxn, we recognize the need for inclusive wellness spaces. Starting in 2025, we'll offer both women-only and select co-ed retreats.
Previous Self MAED Retreats
Explore memories from our past international & domestic retreats with Self MAED.
