ROOTED IN COMPASSION
A SELF-COMPASSION RETREAT
SEPTEMBER 24-27, 2026
Four days of reflection, renewal, and self-compassion in a setting designed for deep reflection
A RETREAT FOR THE WAY YOU RELATE TO YOURSELF
There are moments in life when the most meaningful thing we can do is slow down.
Not because everything is finished. Not because life has suddenly become less demanding. But because somewhere beneath the responsibilities, expectations, and noise, a quieter voice is asking for our attention.
Many of us move through life offering compassion to everyone except ourselves. We care for others, meet obligations, solve problems, and keep moving forward—often while carrying an inner dialogue marked by criticism, pressure, and the feeling that we should somehow be doing more.
Rooted in Compassion was created as an opportunity to step away from that cycle.
Set high above the valley at Pursuit Mountaintop Retreat, this four-day immersive experience invites you to leave behind the pace of everyday life and reconnect with yourself through the practice of self-compassion.
Through guided reflection, mindfulness, Reiki, gentle movement, nature immersion, sound healing, and meaningful conversation, you'll explore practical tools for cultivating greater self-kindness, resilience, and inner steadiness.
Thoughtfully balanced between guided experiences and personal time, the retreat offers space to rest, reflect, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what matters most.
This retreat is not about becoming someone different.
It is about returning to yourself with greater compassion, clarity, and care.
Step away. Root down. Return to yourself.
THE SETTING
A PLACE DESIGNED FOR RENEWAL
Perched high above the valley, Pursuit Mountaintop Retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and settle into a landscape designed for reflection and renewal.
Expansive mountain views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and thoughtfully designed spaces create a seamless connection between the retreat and the natural world beyond it. Throughout your stay, the mountain becomes more than a backdrop—it becomes part of the experience itself.
Mornings begin with sunlight stretching across the valley. Quiet corners invite reflection between sessions. Forest trails, open skies, and panoramic vistas offer space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what matters most.
Every element of the retreat environment has been chosen to support restoration, comfort, and presence. Whether you're enjoying a cup of tea overlooking the mountains, journaling in a sunlit room, gathering for conversation after dinner, or simply sitting in stillness, the setting encourages a different rhythm—one that makes space for clarity, perspective, and renewal.
Here, self-compassion is supported not only by the practices you'll experience, but by the space itself.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
SELF-COMPASSION PRACTICES
At the heart of the retreat is the practice of self-compassion—the ability to meet yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and care you naturally offer others. Through guided workshops, reflection exercises, and meaningful discussion, you'll explore practical tools for quieting self-criticism, building resilience, and creating a healthier relationship with yourself.
SOUND HEALING & MEDITATION
Sound healing experiences and guided meditation invite the mind and body into a state of deeper rest. Through carefully curated practices, you'll have opportunities to slow down, quiet mental noise, and reconnect with a sense of calm and inner steadiness.
REIKI & ENERGY WORK
Reiki sessions offer opportunities for deep relaxation, energetic restoration, and nervous system support. Whether you're new to Reiki or have previous experience, these sessions are designed to help release tension, encourage balance, and create space for healing and renewal.
NATURE IMMERSION
The mountain itself is an essential part of the retreat experience. Forest walks, time outdoors, panoramic views, and moments of quiet observation create opportunities to reconnect with the natural world and the restorative perspective it offers.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT
Gentle yoga and mindful movement practices provide an opportunity to reconnect with your body in a supportive and accessible way. These sessions focus on awareness, breath, and presence rather than performance, creating space to release stress and cultivate a greater sense of ease.
REFLECTION & INTEGRATION
Transformation happens not only during guided sessions but in the quiet moments between them. Journaling, personal reflection, intentional conversations, and spacious downtime are woven throughout the retreat, allowing insights to settle and meaningful change to take root.
A DAY AT THE RETREAT
What a Day Might Feel Like
Life on the mountain unfolds with intention. From quiet mornings to star-filled evenings, each moment invites you to slow down, reconnect, and experience what truly matters.
MORNING
Begin the day as sunlight stretches across the valley below. Gentle movement, mindfulness practice, and guided self-compassion work create space to quiet the mind and set a positive tone.
EVENING
As the sun sets across the valley, shared meals and meaningful conversations invite connection, while evening practices offer opportunities for integration and deep rest.
AFTERNOON
Afternoons unfold at an unhurried pace. Join a workshop, receive Reiki, explore the surrounding forest, or simply find a quiet place to reflect and take in the expansive views.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Carolyn Gartner
PA-C · NBC-HWC · E-RYT 200
For more than four decades, Carolyn Gartner has dedicated her life to helping others heal, grow, and navigate life's challenges with greater well-being and resilience.
Her journey began in healthcare, serving as a Physician Assistant for over 40 years, including extensive work with Veterans and underserved communities. Throughout her career, she developed a deep appreciation for the connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and the importance of caring for the whole person.
More than twenty-five years ago, during one of the most challenging periods of her own life, Carolyn was introduced to Reiki by her mother, an acupuncturist and Reiki Master. What began as a personal practice of healing and restoration became a profound turning point—ultimately inspiring decades of study in Reiki, yoga, mindfulness, sound healing, and wellness coaching.
Today, Carolyn brings together the unique perspective of a seasoned healthcare professional, Reiki Master, yoga teacher, certified sound practitioner, and National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and deeply rooted in helping individuals cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and self-compassion.
Throughout Rooted in Compassion, Carolyn will guide participants through self-compassion practices, Reiki experiences, mindfulness exercises, sound healing, reflection, and meaningful group conversations. Her intention is to create a supportive environment where guests feel safe, encouraged, and empowered to reconnect with themselves in a deeper and more compassionate way.
“Healing begins when we learn to meet ourselves with the same compassion we so freely offer others”
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
✧ Physician Assistant (PA-C), 40+ years
✧ Extensive work with Veterans and underserved populations
✧ Founder, Palms of Light LLC
✧ National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)
WELLNESS TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
✧ Usui Reiki Practitioner (2004)
✧ Usui Reiki Master (2008)
✧ Karuna Reiki® Master (2014)
✧ Holy Fire® Reiki Master (2016)
✧ Holy Fire® II Karuna Reiki® Master Training (2017)
✧ Holy Fire® III Karuna Reiki® Master (2019)
✧ Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200)
✧ Advanced 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (in progress)
✧ Certified Sound Practitioner (2022)
✧ Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
Rest Comes Naturally Here
Each accommodation at Pursuit Mountaintop Retreat is designed to support the same quiet restoration as the retreat itself—thoughtful comfort, natural light, and space to settle in fully.
Whether you choose a private suite or attend alongside a partner, friend, or family member, your stay is part of the all-inclusive retreat experience. Between guided sessions, nourishing meals, and quiet moments overlooking the valley, your room becomes a place to rest, reflect, and reconnect.
ACCOMMODATIONS
SUMMIT KING SUITE
King Bed · Private Bath · Panoramic Views
The Summit King Suite offers the most private accommodation experience at the retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame expansive mountain and valley views, creating a peaceful setting for reflection and restoration. Ideal for solo guests seeking additional privacy, or couples, partners, close friends, or family members comfortable sharing a king bed.
PRIVATE OCCUPANCY
$3,400
for one guest
SHARED OCCUPANCY
$2,700
per guest
Two guests | Shared bed
FOREST QUEEN ROOM
Queen Bed · Shared Bath
The Forest Queen Room provides a quiet and comfortable retreat space surrounded by the calming presence of the mountain. With warm natural light and a peaceful atmosphere, it offers a welcoming place to rest between retreat experiences. Perfect for two guests attending together or an individual seeking a private room.
PRIVATE OCCUPANCY
$2,800
for one guest
SHARED OCCUPANCY
$2,350
per guest
Two guests | Shared bed
MOUNTAIN FULL ROOM
Full Bed · Shared Bath
The Mountain Full Room offers a cozy and comfortable setting designed for simplicity, rest, and renewal. Thoughtfully appointed and intentionally uncluttered, it provides a quiet sanctuary to return to throughout the retreat. An excellent option for couples or close companions attending together.
PRIVATE OCCUPANCY
$2,700
for one guest
SHARED OCCUPANCY
$2,250
per guest
Two guests | Shared bed
SHARED TWIN ACCOMODATION
Two Twin Beds · Shared Bath · Dedicated Workspace
The Shared Twin Accommodation includes two separate twin beds and a built-in desk ideal for journaling, reflection, reading, or quiet personal work. A comfortable option for friends or retreat companions attending together.
PRIVATE OCCUPANCY
$2,200
for one guest
SHARED OCCUPANCY
$2,050
per guest
Two guests | Shared bed
Day One - ThursdayArrival & Welcome
Your retreat begins with a gentle transition from the pace of everyday life into the quiet rhythm of the mountain. After settling into your accommodations, you'll gather with fellow guests for a warm welcome, an intention-setting circle, and a thoughtfully prepared dinner. The evening concludes with a calming sound meditation, inviting you to exhale, become present, and begin your weekend feeling grounded and at ease.
6:15 pmOpening intention circle
7:00 pmNourishing welcome dinner
Arrival, check-in & time to settle3:00 – 5:00 pm5:30 pmWelcome reception
Grounding sound meditation
8:30 pmQuiet evening on the mountain
9:15 pm
Day Two - FridayTurn Inward
With the mountain as your backdrop, the day unfolds through mindful movement, nourishing meals, guided self-compassion practices, and restorative wellness experiences. Throughout the afternoon, you'll have time to rest, reflect, or receive a private Reiki session before coming together once again for a shared dinner and meaningful fireside conversation. The day is designed to help quiet the mind, reconnect with yourself, and create space for healing.
Coffee, tea & light morning bites
7:30 amGentle yoga & mindful movements
8:30 am9:45 amSeasonal breakfast
11:00 amSelf-compassion workshop
12:30 pmLunch
Reiki sessions & quiet wellness experiences
3:30 pm6:30 pmChef-prepared dinner
Personal time for rest, journaling, or meditation
2:00 pmFireside reflection & herbal tea
8:00 pm
As you settle more fully into the experience, Saturday offers an opportunity to deepen your practice through yoga, nature immersion, guided reflection, and unhurried moments of rest. Wander forest paths, journal with a view, soak in the hot tub, or simply embrace the stillness of the mountain. The day concludes with a nourishing dinner and an immersive sound healing session that encourages profound relaxation and renewal.
Deepen & Restore
Day Three - SaturdayCoffee, tea & sunrise stillness
7:30 am8:30 amYoga with a view
9:45 am Wholesome breakfast
Guided self-compassion practices
11:00 am12:30 pm Lunch
Nature immersion & forest walk
2:00 pm Free time for rest, reflection, or private reiki
4:00 pm 6:30 pm Seasonal dinner
Evening sound healing
8:00 pm 
Day Four - SundayIntegrate & Return
Your final morning is devoted to gently carrying the experience forward. Following mindful movement and a leisurely farewell brunch, we'll gather for a closing circle to reflect on the weekend and explore simple practices that can continue to support your well-being long after you return home. You'll leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and more deeply connected to yourself, carrying the quiet rhythm of the mountain with you.
7:30 amCoffee & tea
8:30 amMorning mindfulness & gentle movement
9:45 amFarewell brunch
11:00 amClosing circle & integration
12:00 pmTake-home practices & departure
Reserve Your Place
We look forward to welcoming a small group of guests for this retreat on the mountain. Please complete the registration below to request your place. Once we receive your information, we'll personally review your registration and be in touch with the next steps.