Awakening the Senses
Embodied Storytelling, Myth in Motion, Sensory Explorations, Somatic Movement
A Retreat
to Sicily
November 2nd-9th 2024
Join Selena in her ancestral homeland of Sicily to chase the sun and savor the sensual just a little bit longer as we transition into fall.
November in southern Sicily is a sun-drenched harvest time. The sea is still warm enough to swim and the tourists are mostly gone providing for a more authentic experience. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Sicily. A full sensory tour to nourish and excite the whole of you.
Our home for the week is a 19th century farmhouse, La Masseria, in the south of Sicily's rugged, ancient and arid landscape.
You will be treated with a very special practice experience twice a day (most days) including Katonah Yoga® somatic dance, and oral storytelling with my very unique blend of embodied storytelling and contemplative work that embraces the fullness of your humanity.
Outside of practice together we'll visit neighboring beaches and historical villages to deepen our sensory explorations.
This is a retreat into the simple pleasures of life, an invitation to reconnect with the ground beneath our feet, and the bounty of the earth that holds us.
You'll benefit from Selena's extensive knowledge of Italy and Sicily, a place she's worked as an archaeologist and researcher in her previous career.
Separate from your day to day, enter the liminal space of creativity, and re-emerge more deeply connected to yourself and the larger sphere that holds you.
During our week together Selena will weave expert oral storytelling with movement practice to nourish the whole of you. Explorations in embodied myth and folk tales will light the fire of your imagination.
In the first part of the day, we will practice vigorously to stoke our personal fires and to explore your sensations and personal terrain both formally and informally.
Embodied moving myth will add complexity and nourishment to your practices.
We'll practice in a gorgeous pitch-roofed barn, fully outfitted with props and enjoy swimming in the quintessential fresh water pool all week.
Pre-practice you'll be served fresh fruit and coffee and after a sweaty practice we will savor a big brunch. Every evening a dinner highlighting the best of seasonal and local cuisine.
In your evening sessions we'll gather for breath work, storytelling and personal contemplations.
If you are teacher your retreat week includes 20 hours bankable towards your Katonah Yoga® certification.
Guests should travel into Catania Sicily. Taxis and buses to our venue are easy to arrange. We will be assisting groups of guests in sharing car rentals for island explorations.
Danena Sicily
Danena Sicily is a community retreat destination
offering a revitalizing fusion of activities centered around yoga, nature, meditation, music, various body treatments, purification, and healthy food.
Our main location is a 19th century farmhouse - La Masseria - situated in the luscious natural landscape of southeastern Sicily surrounded by 80 acres of farm and the breathtaking Mediterranean sea.
A stay at Danena unfolds as a journey in which all the senses are immersed in an experience of lightness and great beauty.
Danena Sicily from Massimo Amici on Vimeo.
What To Expect...
Nourishment
Savor three, farm-fresh meals filled with local fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and fresh fish. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated.
Each morning you'll be served fresh fruit, coffee, and tea before practice. After our vigorous session appropriate for all levels you'll enjoy a big brunch.
In the evening expect delightful curated dinners showcasing the best that Sicily has to offer.
Exploration
Twice-daily yoga practices incorporating somatic movement, breathwork, meditation, storytelling, and more. All levels are welcome. These practices will spark your curiosity and invite you into deeper relationship with you.
We'll explore folklore and mythology and weave the story into our embodiment work for a full spectrum experience of archetypes beyond our everyday.
Play
Swim, relax, visit a winery, walk the property, escape to medieval churches, wander the property and ancient nearby olive groves, savor the spa. .
Taste the dolce vita with this once in a lifetime experience.
Optional add on excursions like wine tastings, boat trips,and excursions to ancient villages will be made available a few months ahead of our retreat and on site. Renting a car with others is a great way to visit exclusive beaches and places within our area.
Retreat With Me
Awakening the Senses in Sicily
Private Room
Starting at $3,000
EARLYBIRD
• Early bird pricing until May 1st
• Curated Practice Week
• 7 nights accommodations
• Delicious Meals
BOOK NOWShared Room
Starting at $2300
EARLYBIRD
• Early bird pricing until May 1st
• Curated Practice Week
• 7 nights accommodations
• Delicious Meals
BOOK NOW
Sarah M.
Let me begin by saying, if I could give Selena and this trip fifty stars, I would in a heartbeat. I understand how cliche it is to say, “This trip changed my life!” But it truly did. Selena provided a safe space to reconnect with my body, mind, and spirit as emotions I couldn’t fully understand at the time bubbled to the surface. She left us with a simple statement, “Love your life,” that had profound impacts I haven’t fully grasped. While Greece was outstanding, the people incredible, the food fantastic, and the resort impeccable, the internal movement this created within me is something I will be forever indebted to. I will be returning in the future. Selena changed my life. If you’re considering going, even a tiny bit, hold tight to it and don’t let go. It’ll make you love your life again. I promise.
