A Day Retreat: Community Gathering of Ceremony, Culture, Food & Belonging

This one-day gathering in Portland, Maine invites us to slow down and reconnect through culture, food, mindful practices, and community care Across cultures and generations, people have gathered around food, tea, music, storytelling, movement, and shared rituals as ways to care for one another and strengthen community. These practices remind us that connection is an essential part of our well-being—that we are nourished not only by what we consume, but by the relationships and spaces we create together. This one-day gathering in Portland, Maine invites us to slow down and reconnect through culture, food, mindful practices, and community care. Together, we will share a nourishing farm-to-table meal featuring seasonal ingredients from local Maine farms and traditional Moroccan recipes, experience sauna and hammam-inspired rituals, gather through tea ceremony, gentle movement, song, and storytelling, and create space for reflection, gratitude, and meaningful connection. This is a gathering of presence, listening, nourishment, and belonging. You are invited to arrive exactly as you are. Welcome Circle We begin the day by gathering over tea, meeting one another, and settling into the space. Together, we will set intentions, share introductions, and create a welcoming circle rooted in respect, curiosity, and care. Movement, Breath & Presence Through gentle movement and breathwork, we create space to reconnect with the body, release tension, and arrive fully in the present moment. This practice invites grounding, awareness, and connection before moving into the rest of the gathering. Sauna & Hammam-Inspired Rituals Experience traditions of warmth, rest, and renewal through sauna and hammam-inspired rituals. Across many cultures, practices of cleansing, warmth, and care have been used to create moments of transition, restoration, and reconnection. This time offers space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. Share a Community Meal Gather around the table to enjoy a nourishing meal featuring seasonal ingredients from local Maine farms and traditional Moroccan recipes. As we share the meal, we'll experience the rich flavors, stories, and hospitality of Moroccan culture while connecting through conversation, gratitude, and community. Rest & Reflection A quiet moment to rest, reflect, journal, enjoy tea, or continue conversations with others. An invitation to slow down and simply be present—with yourself, with others, and with the moment. Tea Ceremony, Song & Story We close the gathering with a tea ceremony rooted in traditions of hospitality, herbal wisdom, storytelling, and connection. Through tea, song, storytelling, and reflection, we create space to honor lived experiences, cultural traditions, memories, and the wisdom carried through generations. This closing circle is an invitation to release what no longer serves us, reconnect with gratitude and love, and carry forward a sense of renewal and togetherness. Sponsor a Community Ticket: $200 each Your sponsorship helps welcome a member of our immigrant community at no cost. You may choose to recognize your sponsorship through: your name, the name of a loved one (in honor or memory), your organization or business name. With your permission, recognition may take place during the closing gathering ceremony and through optional community appreciation posts. Recognition is optional. The heart of this initiative is creating access, care, and belonging. For more sponsorship opportunities: [email protected]