Unburdening Shame Retreat in Poland with Mary Kruger

A 4-day IFS retreat set by a lake in a Polish forest, 25 – 28 September 2025. Guided by an IFS Lead Trainer, Mary Kruger, this program explores healing of shame using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Breathwork and other somatic practices. Open to both mental health professionals and non-professionals.

8 Reasons to join this journey

4-day immersion by the Polish lake

Located in Poland’s Lake District, this retreat takes place in a quiet landscape shaped by glaciers – surrounded by forests and lakes. The natural setting offers space for rest and connection, whether through time by the water, walks through the hills, or relaxed activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.

A 2-hour drive from the Berlin airport (BER), and a 1-hour drive from the Poznan airport (POZ). Airport transfers are provided within the retreat price.

Inner journey

This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation, with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model serving as its guiding framework. The program combines daily teaching and guided experiential work with somatic practices such as movement, dance, and sound healing, as well as local excursions (kayaking, forest bathing). Space is also included for rest and unscheduled integration.

An essential part of this retreat will be a Conscious Connected Breathwork group session, guided by a certified facilitator to support emotional healing by accessing inner body intelligence.

Retreat venue

Set beside the clear waters of Lake Głębokie, the venue offers a peaceful environment for slowing down. Dom Łowyń features a private shoreline, forest hammocks, and open areas for rest and reflection. A large studio provides space for movement and group sessions, while comfortable rooms with lake views keep you close to the surrounding nature.

Small group

The retreat is intentionally limited in size to allow for meaningful connection and individualized attention. This format supports both depth of personal exploration and a sense of shared learning among peers.

This retreat is open to both mental health professionals and non-professionals.

Mary Kruger

You will be guided by Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT is a Marriage & Family Therapist, AAMFT Supervisor, and an IFS Senior Lead Trainer who has been engaged in the field of addictions, eating disorders, trauma, and personal growth; with individuals, couples, families, and groups for over thirty years.

Nourishing Polish Cuisine

You’ll be served three vegetarian meals each day, rooted in Polish culinary traditions and prepared with organic, seasonal ingredients. Local produce—such as wild mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and artisanal dairy—brings depth to every meal. Vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious options are available, with thoughtful attention to individual dietary needs.

Pre- and Post-Retreat Support

Pre-retreat support: Once you sign up, you’ll receive instant access to Mary Kruger’s on-demand course, IFS in Group Settings, as well as a 12-day program, Introduction to IFS, designed by Michał Pasterski. You will also be invited to an Online Preparation Circle one month before the retreat. Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two Online Integration Circles – held within two months after the retreat – to help you deepen and integrate your experience.

A balanced program

This retreat balances structured inner work with time for rest and self-care. You will have the chance to rest in a hammock by the lake, go for a swim, take a walk in a beautiful forest or enjoy some relaxing water sports. The schedule allows for both inward focus and deep relaxation.

The retreat begins on Thursday at 3:00 PM and concludes on Sunday at 3:00 PM, requiring you to take only two days off work.

This was my first retreat and, in every way, it exceeded my expectations. From inquiry and registration to group sessions and excursions, I felt incredibly heard, cared for, and nurtured. The location was beautiful and the staffing so attentive.

Treisha Peterson, Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Bali, April 2023

Watch what Mary has to say about this retreat

Uncovering Hidden Burdens

Have you ever had to hold something close to your heart—an experience, a belief, or a truth that felt too painful or shameful to share? Have you felt the weight of shame, the way it silences and isolates? What have you had to sacrifice to carry that burden? How have you adapted? What do parts of you still hold? How often do your clients carry similar burdens of shame?

Shame can arise from many sources—painful experiences, unmet expectations, internalized messages, and sometimes, from secrets carried within our families across generations. These burdens are often rooted in fear and the need to protect ourselves and others from judgment, harm, or loss. To manage this, we develop rules—spoken and unspoken—that help us survive but also leave our parts carrying shame and a sense of unworthiness.

During this retreat, you will be invited to explore the sources and impact of shame in a safe and trusting environment. Whether that shame is linked to family secrets or other personal experiences, we will embark on a journey designed to help you unburden and release what no longer serves you.

Together, we’ll also explore how to recognize and help heal shame in your clients, including shame linked to secrecy, loyalty dynamics, or inherited family burdens.

Together, we will:

Discover the roots of the shame you carry, including the impact of secrecy or silence,
Explore your family’s roles and rules that may have contributed to your internalized shame,
Understand how shame and silence may have served your system or your family’s survival,
Witness the ways your parts adapted to protect you from the pain of exposure,
Heal the vulnerable parts that have carried shame and feelings of worthlessness,
Embrace who you were truly meant to be—free from shame’s grip,
Identify similar shame-based patterns in clients’ systems,
Learn tools to help clients work with protective and exiled parts that have internalized shame, secrecy, or family loyalty dynamics,
Support clients in releasing shame and strengthening self-leadership.

This retreat offers a structured and compassionate space for engaging with these dynamics, using experiential practices rooted in IFS and supported by a safe group environment.

During this retreat…

After organizing and facilitating over 30 retreats, we’ve developed a format that balances depth, structure, and space for integration. During this retreat, you will:

Be guided by an IFS Lead Trainer Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT.
Join a group of professionals and practitioners from around the world with a shared interest in IFS and inner work.
Engage in multiple ways of exploring your internal system – IFS therapy, small group exercises, dance/movement, and more.
Participate in a Conscious Connected Breathwork group session leb by a certified facilitator to connect with inner body wisdom and support emotional integration.
Learn practical therapeutic tools and deepen your connection to Self-energy, supporting both personal and professional growth.
Enjoy a variety of excursions and local experiences as a part of the retreat package: a forest trek, 5rhythms workshop, and sound healing with tibetan gongs.
Additional optional excursions will be available, such as a kayaking trip and TRE workshop.
Spend time in a natural setting that supports rest, reflection, and informal connection with peers.
Step away from daily routines, with time for relaxation, movement, shared meals, and spaciousness.

All of this, and much more will be a part of our 4-day Unburdening Shame Retreat in Poland with Mary Kruger. We will co-create a safe space for exploring our parts with a support of an experienced guide.

Book your spot

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for professionals familiar with Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) who wish to deepen their personal and professional practice, as well as for non-professionals.

If you finished at least a 2-day introduction to IFS (or another online workshop or course), you are welcome to sign up. If you didn’t do any IFS workshops yet, we will share a 12-day online course “Introduction to Internal Family Systems” with you, for free (created by Michael Pasterski). Going through this course will provide you with a base of knowledge to join this retreat.

This retreat is mainly for:

IFS-informed practitioners, seekers, therapists,
Medical and mental health practitioners who want to grow their skills in working with shame, family secrets and intergenerational trauma,
Healing practitioners who want to pause and tend to their own systems,
Curious practitioners who want to explore the body’s potential to heal when attended to with Presence, space and time.
Non-professionals who want to deepen their IFS journey.

A 4-month Journey

1 Online Preparation Circle

1 month before the retreat

“Unburdening Shame” Retreat in Italy

25 – 28 September 2025

2 Online Integration Circles

Within 2 months after the retreat

Each participant will take part in one Online Preparation Circle in the month before the retreat, followed by two Online Integration Circles in the two months afterward. All circles will be guided by an IFS-trained facilitator from our team, who will also be present during the retreat. Altogether, the retreat journey spans four months, offering a supportive arc of preparation, immersion, and integration.

The Preparation Circle will help create a safe and grounded group container, foster early connection, and clarify personal intentions ahead of the retreat. The Integration Circles offer a chance to reconnect with the group, reflect on your experience, and begin anchoring insights into daily life, supporting ongoing integration and emotional continuity.

“The Integration Calls were great — not only for reconnecting with friends from around the world, but also for reminding myself of the lessons learned and the self-commitments made during that deep and meaningful retreat. The calls really help bridge the emotional gap between being at the retreat and transitioning back to everyday life.” – Mark, Somatic Parts Work Retreat, April 2025

Meet the Teacher

Mary Kruger

Mary Kruger, MS, LMFT, is a Marriage & Family Therapist, AAMFT Supervisor, and an IFS Lead Trainer. She founded Rimmon Pond Counseling, LLC, an IFS-based group practice located in the New Haven, Ct. area. She offers private therapy, consultations and workshops nationally and internationally through her newly established New Paths Counseling & Consulting. LLC.

Mary envisioned & created the IFS L2 Training for Addictions and Eating Disorders several years ago. She is also a clinician for the CT Military Support Program.

She has been working in the field of addictions, eating disorders, trauma and personal growth with individuals, couples, families and groups for over thirty years.

Mary enjoys engaging with people; and sharing her experiences in fun and creative ways. She is particularly inspired and receives much joy from time spent with her family and friends, as well as three cats.

Experiences

As part of the retreat package, we have put together a variety of experiences for you to enjoy. These experiences are designed to support the inner work by engaging the body, senses, and spirit beyond the workshop space.

Here are some of the scheduled experiences:

Sound Healing

Sound Healing is a sound-based meditation where the vibrations of the gongs create an immersive and calming atmosphere. The session offers space to settle, release tension, and listen inwardly.

The 5Rhythms® Journey

This 5Rhythms® session offers an immersive experience in movement as meditation. Guided by Beata Eckert—an experienced facilitator trained by 5Rhythms® founder Gabrielle Roth—you’ll be invited into a two-hour journey through the five rhythms: Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. Each rhythm offers a distinct way to explore your internal landscape through body and breath. With no set choreography and no expectations, this is an opportunity to move freely, express what arises, and reconnect with yourself in a supportive, non-judgmental space.

An Evening by the Fire

As the sun sets, we’ll gather around a warm, crackling fire for a relaxed evening together. Whether sharing stories, enjoying the quiet presence of the group, or simply watching the flames dance, this time offers a chance to unwind and connect in a cozy, natural setting.

Silent Walks in the Forest

Guided, morning walks through the forest invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. We will be walking slowly, in silence. Breathing in the fresh, earthy air, feeling the softness of the moss underfoot, and listening to the rustling leaves, this experience provides a quiet space for restoration and connection with the natural world.

Water Activities

During a scheduled free time, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the lake water at your own pace. You can paddle on a SUP board, drift in a canoe, swim, or explore the lake on a pedal boat—whether seeking movement or stillness, the lake offers a refreshing space to relax and play.

Life changing. Absolutely wonderful all the way around from start to finish! I was so impressed with the overall experience I will definitely consider doing another retreat with Life Architect again!

Holle McRae, IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024

Techniques & Modalities

Our retreats are designed to integrate various approaches and modalities. This program was carefully crafted as a joint effort of the IFS Lead Trainer Mary Kruger and Michał Pasterski, the founder of Life Architect and program director for all retreats we offer.

What you will learn:

Through mapping and parts work, you will explore the origins of shame from an IFS perspective, including shame linked to family systems and secrecy,
You will be able to identify the beliefs your protective parts hold about carrying or hiding shame,
You will uncover the internalized rules your system has organized around and what it has cost your parts to follow them,
You will work with protective parts, uncover their fears, and gain permission to access and heal the exiled parts burdened by shame,
By listening to the narratives of your exiles, you’ll understand the deep impact of shame and begin the process of unburdening,
As you release shame and limiting beliefs, you will cultivate greater inner harmony, balance, and self-leadership,
Through exercises designed to soothe and connect with protective parts, you’ll deepen compassion for yourself and your family,
Case examples will help you better assist clients dealing with shame, secrecy, and family loyalty conflicts,
Live demonstrations by Mary Kruger will show you practical IFS techniques for supporting clients in unburdening hidden shame,
You’ll strengthen your ability to recognize and address shame in your clients’ internal systems.

Experiential Learning Approach

This retreat will immerse you in dynamic learning experiences, including:

Guided meditations to cultivate self-awareness and connect with inner experiences.
Interactive mapping exercises to explore internal systems and personal narratives.
Creative expression through art, music, and movement to access non-verbal insight.
Experiential demonstrations to model techniques and deepen understanding.
Hands-on sculpting activities to externalize and engage with inner parts.

Inspirations & Influences

Here’s a list of inspirations that Mary Kruger drew from in creating this retreat:

Evan Imber Black – Family Secrets
John Bradshaw – Healing the Shame that Binds you.
Monica McGoldrick – Ethnicity
Fogarty & Guerin – Intergenerational work
The Woman’s Project
Family Constellations – Bert Hellinger
Daniel Foor – Ancestral Medicine
Resmaa Menakem – My Grandmother’s Hands

Conscious Connected Breathwork

Conscious Connected Breathwork will be an essential part of this retreat. It’s a powerful and safe way to get in touch with our inner body intelligence. It activates and facilitates the healing process by calming the thinking / rational mind (our protector parts) and allowing for our emotions to surface.

With guided support, allowing emotions and other experiences of mind and body can be highly transformative. The practice of connected breathing causes shifts in our physiology and will enable us to explore altered states of consciousness.

We will practice Conscious Connected Breathwork in a group setting, lying on comfortable mattresses. Your process will last for around 60-90 minutes and will be fully guided by a certified breathwork facilitator.

The essence of this practice may be different to each group member. For some it will be the integration of previous experiences and closure, for others it may be deepening of the work done during the retreat, or experiencing embodied connection to heart and Self.

Example day schedule

Each day of the retreat includes a balance of workshops, somatic practices, rest, and optional excursions. The schedule is designed to be spacious and responsive, and may be adjusted to meet the needs of the group. Below is a sample outline.

8:00 – 8:30

Silent Walk in the Forest

8:30 – 9:30

Breakfast

9:30 – 13:30

Workshops with Mary Kruger

13:30 – 14:30

Lunch

14:30 – 16:00

Free time / Water Activities

16:00 – 18:00

Breathwork

18:00 – 19:00

Dinner

19:00 – 21:30

Sound Healing & Sharing Circle

The Venue

Dom Łowyń

Dom Łowyń is a quiet retreat space located directly on the shores of a clear, spring-fed lake, surrounded by dense forest. Designed for rest and reconnection, it offers a simple, intimate environment away from the pace of everyday life. Whether spending time in solitude or with the group, guests are invited to slow down and tune in to the natural rhythms of the lake and woods. The venue is easily accessible—just 2 hours by car from Berlin Airport (BER) and 1 hour from Poznań Airport (POZ). Airport transfers are included in the retreat package.

Surroundings

Set in the Międzychód-Sieraków Lake District, Dom Łowyń is surrounded by forested hills and freshwater lakes. Known as the “land of a hundred lakes,” this region features countless quiet ponds and wild swimming spots—including our own Lake Głębokie. Walking trails wind through nearby meadows and woods, offering moments of stillness and space for reflection. Within walking distance are a horse stable and sauna complex, and just 2 km away, the village of Łowyń offers access to local amenities.

Read reviews about our retreats

Transformative, fun and connecting.

Felt very supported and held by the team. I would definitely return again to do another retreat like this. The space to explore my inner landscape and the permission to be as I am was deeply valuable. I felt the group process opened space for collective healing, with a strong sense of being seen and resonated with.

Chris C.,
Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

The retreat was exceedingly helpful in providing a greater understanding of IFS and aspects of somatic parts work as they applied to me.

The workshops increased my understanding of not only my own system but how my mind and body work in conjunction with my system to either occlude my access to Self, or how they serve me in a symbiotic relationship with Self. I walk away with a greater understanding of more effective ways to work with my existing system as well as being introduced to important parts that I had no idea existed. There is more work to do but I leave feeling a greater awareness of Self and an intensely deeper sense of compassion and understanding for all of my parts, both new and old.

Robbi D’Allessandro,
Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Bali, April 2023

It was transformational and deeply connected me back with myself and great love.

The drum circle and dance allowed me to let go and celebrate joy. The atmosphere created by the team helped me smile from the inside out – it opened my body to movement and connection. I was able to find hidden pain and my route out. I felt connected with the Earth and the elements through the practices.

Piper Clyborne,
Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by both the facilitators and fellow participants. The combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and breathwork created a powerful environment for self-discovery and healing.

I was amazed by how deeply I could connect with my inner self and release emotions that I didn’t even realize I was holding onto.

Overall, the retreat was a profound journey of self-discovery, connection, and healing. I am immensely grateful for the support and inspiration I received from everyone involved.

Thank you for facilitating such a remarkable experience.

Erika Ostrander,
IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024

Incredible – better than I could have imagined.

I’m feeling peaceful and happy. I enjoyed the variety of ways we connected and explored. I felt supported in such a nurturing, natural way. The environment made me feel safe and welcome. The breathwork was beautiful and impactful – I felt supported and held throughout.

Patty,
Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

It was amazing and well organized. This team was excellent and it was my favorite retreat ever experienced!

The group experience felt very authentic and I left feeling very connected to people I knew for little time and that I will stay connected with.

Arlene Ticoulet,
IFS & Breathwork Retreat in Bali, November 2024

Wonderfully nourishing, connecting and fun.

The whole experience of a summer camp feeling, and being held and supported in such a profound way, was life-changing. The workshops, movement, food, and natural setting were all deeply nourishing. The breathwork session was a highlight – I was surprised how deeply I went.

Liz Brenner,
Somatic Parts Work Retreat in Portugal, April 2025

Sign up for the Unburdening Shame Retreat in Poland

Date:

25 – 28 September 2025

4 days

Trainer

$2170

This price includes: Accommodation (a Twin Room with bathroom), 3 meals a day, IFS workshops, Trips & experiences and Airport transfers.

Book your spot

To book your spot on this retreat, please contact our travel manager Daria Szychta.

d.szychta@lifearchitect.com

+48 500 700 857

Please note that your place will be officially reserved only after making a deposit of 700 USD. This deposit is non-refundable.

Retreat details

Accommodation at Dom Łowyń (3 nights/4 days)
Full board (3 meals a day)
Coffee, tea, lemonade, water and snacks throughout the whole retreat, including sweets and desserts
Transfer from the Berlin airport (BER) or the Poznan airport (POZ) to Dom Łowyń (on the day of check-in)
Transfer from Dom Łowyń to the Berlin airport (BER) or the Poznan airport (POZ) on the day of check-out
Activities described in the “Trips and experiences” section (transportation, guides, entry tickets)
Pre-retreat support: Once you sign up, you’ll receive instant access to Mary Kruger’s on-demand course, IFS in Group Settings, as well as a 12-day program, Introduction to IFS, designed by Michał Pasterski.
Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Zoom integration circles—held one month and two months after the retreat—to help you deepen and integrate your experience.

Airfares
Individual/personal insurance
One meal during a visit in a local restaurant

Why does the price of the retreat not include airfares? Because it is difficult to predict the cost of all flights, since participants come from all over the world. In addition, the airline ticket prices vary depending on the time of purchase, which will differ for each participant.

You don’t need to take any extra money with you, as you will be provided with everything (food, water, tourist attractions entrance tickets). However, you may take under consideration the possibility of buying souvenirs.

To secure your spot, you can pay the full price or start with a deposit of 700 USD.

Please note: The deposit is non-refundable.

There are three payment options:

Credit or debit card,
Transferring money to our Wise account,
A traditional bank transfer.

Please note that if you choose to pay the deposit, you must pay the remaining amount within 60 days.

The final payment deadline is the 10th of August 2025.

Installments

It’s possible to pay for the retreat in 3 installments (we do not charge any interest): the first installment being the deposit, in the amount of 700 USD. It’s payable on signing up for the retreat. The next two installments should be paid monthly within three months; however, the last installment is due 30 days before the retreat. If there are any delays with the payments, we reserve the right to cancel your participation without a refund (although we will send a reminder first).

According to our General Terms and Conditions, a non-refundable deposit of 700 USD is required to secure your spot on the retreat. In the case of resignation, the deposit will not be refunded. Also, the following refund terms apply to the remaining balance after the deposit:

- 50% of the retreat price will be refunded for cancellations made between 45 and 69 days before the event start date.
- 10% of the retreat price will be refunded for cancellations made 44 days or less before the event start date.

The amount will be returned the same way the payment was made.

If you have to resign, but you will indicate another person to fill in the vacated spot, this person will be able to participate without incurring any additional costs.

We don’t take responsibility for the necessity to move the dates of the retreat due to the sickness of the trainers or other unexpected events that we are accountable for. If you won’t be able to attend on chosen dates, then we will refund you 100% of the amount you paid.

In the unlikely events of a natural disaster, war or other unexpected events that we are not accountable for, we may not be able to refund your money. To avoid losing money, please buy personal insurance including such events.

We are not accountable for cancelling or moving the flight dates. Please buy flight insurance in order not to lose the money for your flight.

All rooms are double (twin) rooms with a bathroom. There are no single rooms.

The retreat begins on Thursday at 3:00 PM and concludes on Wednesday at 3:00 PM. You can sign up only for the 4-day journey with Mary Kruger, which ends on Sunday at 3:00 PM, requiring you to take only two days off work.

Day 1 (25th of September)

The day of participants’ arrival and lodging at Dom Łowyń (accommodation possible from 3:00 pm).

Those who come to Poland earlier must arrange accommodation and board on their own. You can check with us if Dom Łowyń is available for check-in a day or two before the retreat starts.

Those arriving in Berlin or Poznan on the first day of the retreat will be provided with a free transfer from the airport to Dom Łowyń.

Day 2-3

Workshops (4 hours each day), excursions, group experiences.

Day 4 (28th of September)

Last day of the retreat. 4 hours of workshops. The retreat finishes at 3:00 pm.

Days 5-7

For those who want to stay longer, we offer a 3-day program focused on somatic experiences and nature immersion led by various facilitators. You will find more info about this program on the bottom of that page. This additional program is taking place at the same retreat center and it finishes on Wednesday (1st of October) at 3:00 pm. Only participants from our retreat group are allowed to join this program.

Each day of the retreat will be varied and unique to incorporate the workshops, somatic practices, free time, excursions and more. Here is a sample schedule:

8:00 – 8:30 / Silent Walk in the Forest
8:30 – 9:30 / Breakfast
9:30 – 13:30 / Workshop
13:30 – 14:30 / Lunch
14:30 – 16:00 / Free time / Water Activities
16:00 – 18:00 / Breathwork
18:00 – 19:00 / Dinner
19:00 – 21:30 / Sound Healing & Sharing Circle

Please note that the schedule might be fluid at times, and it may change following the group’s needs.

During our retreats, we prioritize the well-being of all participants while maintaining a relaxed and supportive environment. We trust in everyone’s personal responsibility to contribute to a safe and mindful space. Below, we outline our approach to health and wellness during our retreats.

Before the Retreat

If you are feeling unwell before the retreat (e.g., fever, persistent cough, body aches, or any other symptoms of a contagious illness), we kindly ask you to stay at home for the well-being of the group.
If you cannot attend because of illness, we will do our best to accommodate a transfer of your payment to another retreat only if we can find a replacement to fill your spot. Otherwise, the fee is non-transferable. However, you may use all of your payment towards Life Architect’s live and on-demand online workshops. Our library has more than 30 on-demand workshops (hundreds of hours) for mental health professionals.
We do not require proof of vaccination or negative test results. However, if you have been recently exposed to someone with a contagious illness or are experiencing mild symptoms, we encourage you to act responsibly before travelling.

During the Retreat

If you begin to feel unwell during the retreat, we encourage you to listen to your body—rest, hydrate, and inform our team if you need support.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or other concerning signs, we expect you to inform the team immediately and wear a mask in communal spaces and group activities to minimize the spread of illness.
We will have masks available for those who need them.

Respect for Each Other

Our retreat is built on mindfulness and collective well-being. Please be considerate of others, especially those who may be more cautious about health concerns.
We encourage open communication—if you have any concerns about your well-being or that of others, please feel free to speak with our team.

This policy is based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive retreat experience. Thank you for helping us create a mindful and healthy space for everyone!

After signing up for the Unburdening Shame Retreat in Poland with Mary Kruger you will be provided with a guide in PDF format, full of practical information on how to pack wisely for the retreat, what to do prior to the travel to avoid the so-called “jet lag” (time-zone change fatigue) and where to buy a ticket at a good price, and last but not least, what is worth seeing in Italy if you plan to arrive earlier or stay longer after the retreat is completed.

The retreat will be run entirely in English. Speaking in any other language is not required at any stage of the retreat.

For the retreat to proceed, we must have a minimum of half the participants signed up and paid (at least 10 participants). If this minimum requirement is unmet, we will notify all participants no later than 30 days before the retreat.

3-day Nature & Somatic Immersion

Stay for 3 more days and continue enjoying the beautiful space of Dom Łowyń. We have prepared an additional 3-day program of nature immersion and somatic practices led by various facilitators. It’s a wonderful way to integrate and deepen the work you will do with Mary Kruger, as well as relax and recharge.

Here are the scheduled experiences:

A TRE workshop

Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) have been developed by Dr. David Berceli in the early 2000s. By engaging in gentle trembling and shaking exercises, TRE activates the body’s natural stress and trauma release mechanisms, allowing for emotional and physical release. This workshop will last for 2 hours and will be followed by a sharing circle.

A Kayaking Trip

During this exciting trip, we will glide through the serene waters of a river on a kayaks, blending gentle movement with stunning natural scenery. Paddling at a relaxed pace, you’ll have time to take in the surrounding forests, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river.

Drum Circle

The drum circle provides a shared experience of rhythm and sound in a welcoming, collaborative setting. Participants are invited to engage at their own pace, exploring how movement and music create a sense of community and expression.

Haka: Polynesian Warrior Dance

In this powerful Haka workshop with Mana Akitanga, we’ll awaken the fierce spirit of the Māori through the sacred dance of the Ngāpuhi tribe. Rooted in story, song, and movement, Haka invites us to embody strength, unity, and deep ancestral connection. Guided by Mana’s lineage and wisdom, we’ll explore the meaning behind each gesture and word—summoning inner fire, invoking nature’s deities, and expressing raw emotion without judgment. This is an invitation to feel fully alive, to move with purpose, and to honor the warrior within.

Guided Forest Hike

We’ll go for a guided forest hike through one of Poland’s beautiful wild landscapes. Over the course of three hours, we’ll move at a steady, grounded pace, exploring scenic trails, breathing in the fresh woodland air, and soaking in the richness of the natural world. It’s an energizing journey for the body and a calming reset for the mind.

Sign up for the full 7-day retreat experience

The details and price below is for the full 7-day retreat experience – the 4-day Unburdening Shame Retreat in Poland with Mary Kruger and the 3-day Nature & Somatic Immersion led by various facilitators.