If you’re a coach, space-holder, or leader who supports everyone else but yourself, and you’re feeling deeply exhausted, overstimulated, or close to burnout, this retreat offers the space to restore your energy, reconnect with your body, and return to a steady, present way of living.
A 6-Day Experience to Release What You’ve Been Carrying, Restore Your Energy, and Return to a Steady, Present Way of Living at Starved Rock Lodge, September 20–25, 2026 • Early Fall in Illinois
Held at the beginning of fall, this retreat meets you at a natural turning point, when the body is ready to slow, the mind begins to quiet, and letting go becomes more accessible.
Imagine...
The late afternoon sun softens over the canyons of Starved Rock State Park as you settle into a quiet circle beneath the trees. The air is cool against your skin, carrying the faint scent of early fall leaves. In the distance, you hear the steady echo of a waterfall… constant, unhurried.
For a moment, you notice the instinct to stay alert, to listen, to hold, to be ready.
And then, slowly, something begins to shift.
There is nothing here for you to manage.
No one to tend to. No role to play.
Your shoulders drop without effort. Your breath deepens on its own. The ground beneath you feels steady, supportive… holding what you no longer need to carry.
You’re not trying to relax.
You realize - you already are.
A quiet exhale moves through you, deeper than the ones before. The pressure you’ve been holding begins to loosen, not all at once, but enough for your body to recognize something it hasn’t felt in a long time...
..Space.
And in that space… a gentle return.
To your body.
To your breath.
To yourself.
If This Is You…
You move through your days holding everything together.
From the outside, your life works. You’re capable, dependable - the one others rely on.
But underneath…
You feel a level of exhaustion that rest doesn’t seem to touch
Your mind rarely slows down, even when things are quiet
You feel disconnected from your body, like you’re living from the neck up
Tension lingers, no matter how much you try to release it. You’re managing your life… more than actually experiencing it
You’ve done the work. You understand what should help.
And still… something deeper feels just out of reach.
Not broken.
Just not fully here.
What Begins to Shift…
This retreat is designed for that shift.
Not by pushing change,
but by creating the conditions where your body remembers how to return to itself.
Inside the right environment, your system begins to settle, without force.
Your body softens, and tension starts to release naturally
Your mind quiets without effort or overthinking
Rest begins to feel safe… even familiar
Your energy returns in a steady, sustainable way
You feel present again, grounded in your body, not just your thoughts
And from there, something deeper unfolds:
You can rest without guilt
You access a calm that stays with you
Clarity arises, without pushing or searching
Your natural rhythm begins to guide you again
And perhaps most importantly…
You experience what it feels like to be supported,
without needing to hold everything together.
Welcome to Starved Rock Lodge
Starved Rock Lodge, nestled within the stunning landscapes of Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois, offers an inviting retreat experience.
This venue is surrounded by lush forests and characterized by its sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls. The atmosphere here is peaceful, grounded, and gently restorative.
The charming historic lodge invites you to slow down and embrace a quieter rhythm, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
As you step into the communal areas, you will find the Utica Room, a private meeting space perfect for intimate gatherings. The Great Hall, with its massive stone fireplace, serves as a warm, anchoring focal point.
Picture yourself unwinding by the fire, feeling the gentle warmth and comfort it provides. The surrounding park offers access to canyons, waterfalls, and tree-lined trails that shift with the seasons, encouraging both quiet reflection and inspiring conversations.
These spaces foster a balance between structure and openness, allowing you to feel both held and gently unwind.
At Starved Rock Lodge, you will have direct access to hiking trails, canyons, and waterfalls, providing unique nature immersion experiences. Imagine yourself on a guided hike, breathing in the fresh air as you explore the natural beauty of the park. While the lodge itself does not focus on spa amenities, it offers nature-based restoration and quiet spaces for reflection. Nearby services such as massage can be arranged, enhancing your wellness journey.
The accommodations at Starved Rock Lodge are rustic and comfortable, with a historic lodge aesthetic. You will find comfortable bedding and both private and shared room options that support rest and disconnection from daily demands. The surrounding natural environment encourages slower pacing and rest, offering a quiet space to unwind.
Participants will leave Starved Rock Lodge feeling more grounded, settled, and able to access a sense of calm and clarity. The venue combines a historic lodge atmosphere with immediate access to the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park, creating a unique environment where you can feel supported and gently reconnected to nature.
A Retreat Designed for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Cuisine
Welcome to The Space to Exhale Retreat, where dining becomes a peaceful, grounding experience set in our cozy lodge dining room nestled within the forested canyons of Starved Rock State Park. With warm wood tones and large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding trees, you will find mealtime to be a relaxed, unhurried affair, a time to simply sit, eat, and be.
You will savor comforting, seasonal Midwestern cuisine that embraces hearty, familiar meals, perfect for the transition into autumn. Our menu blends traditional Midwestern comfort food with health-conscious options, ensuring you feel nourished without heaviness. Expect dishes rich with seasonal vegetables, simple proteins, and familiar flavors that are both steady and satisfying.
Each morning, you will enjoy a selection of eggs, fresh fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt, accompanied by coffee, herbal teas, and juices.
Lunchtime brings balanced meals featuring fresh salads, soups, and seasonal vegetables, all served in a leisurely manner. Dinner will offer hearty, comforting meals such as roasted vegetables and protein-based dishes, creating a warm and grounding experience as the day naturally winds down.
Rest assured, we will cater to your dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more, with meals tailored to ensure everyone feels welcome and well-cared-for.
We invite you to relax and enjoy meals that are grounding, nourishing, and effortless, leaving you feeling cared for and rejuvenated. Your dining experience will be one of nourishment and relaxation, free from the need to think, plan, or manage anything
Secure Your Spot for the September 2026 Space to Exhale Retreat
The Journey
Day 1 – Arrive and Unwind
Today, you’ll find yourself gently welcomed into a space that honors your own pace. As you settle in, you’ll feel the invitation to rest and acclimate, free from any demands. The morning and afternoon will flow with ease, offering time for quiet reflection and gentle orientation to your surroundings. In the evening, we’ll gather for a soft welcome circle, where the atmosphere of connection will begin to build. A guided awareness and sound session will then ease you into a state of relaxation. You’ll begin to notice a softening within, as your nervous system starts to release its hold, creating a foundation of quiet safety for the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Rooted in Ease
On Day 2, you’ll awaken to the soothing sounds that encourage a deep connection with your inner self. The morning will introduce foundational nervous system concepts through experiential practices, allowing you to feel the subtle shifts rather than analyze them. With spacious rest periods and nature immersion woven into the day, you’ll experience moments of ease and presence. Simple co-regulation exercises will gently remind you that you are not alone on this journey. As the day unfolds, you’ll sense a growing steadiness and safety, fostering an environment where deeper exploration becomes naturally accessible.
Day 3 – Unfurling Emotion
As Day 3 dawns, you’ll be invited into gentle movement and breath practices, nurturing your connection to the body. A guided somatic session will offer space for emotional release, with an emphasis on personal comfort and pacing. Throughout the day, you’ll find ample time for integration, allowing the nervous system to rest and recalibrate. In the afternoon, creative expression through sound and rhythm will open new pathways for processing emotions. You’ll notice subtle shifts as tension eases and spaciousness emerges, allowing you to remain in harmony with your own journey, free from external pressures.
Day 4 – Creative Exploration
The morning of Day 4 will begin with reflective practices, such as silent or guided neuro-drawing, inviting you to observe and reorganize your internal landscape. As clarity begins to surface, you’ll explore values and listen deeply to your body’s messages. A midday land and water excursion will further connect you to the natural environment, interspersed with quiet integration moments. The afternoon will be devoted to creative flow, offering uninterrupted space for exploration or stillness. A gentle sense of curiosity will emerge, as you reconnect with your rhythm and inner guidance, integrating the experiences of previous days.
Day 5 – Embodied Integration
Today, you’ll start with a grounding circle and optional practices reinforcing daily insights. Morning sessions will guide you in translating these insights into sustainable rhythms and practical tools, supporting nervous system integration into everyday life. With opportunities for nature immersion, personal reflection, or bodywork, the midday hours will allow for deep personal exploration. The day will close with a reflective circle and a serene Sunset Dinner Cruise, symbolizing a gentle closure. You’ll feel a sense of clarity and empowerment as you honor the rhythms you’ve discovered, embracing the ongoing transformation that is uniquely yours.
Day 6 – Gentle Departure
On this final day, you’ll begin with a light grounding practice and breakfast, allowing for a serene attunement to body and mind.
Departure will be unhurried, with no formal closing rituals, letting you leave in your own timing. As you say gentle goodbyes, you’ll carry forward the ease, awareness, and integration cultivated throughout the week. You’ll feel a calm, settled presence and a quiet confidence in your own rhythm. This day will support a natural transition, leaving you with a deepened sense of internal stability and gratitude as you integrate these experiences into your daily life.
Meet Your Facilitator: Deni Van, Neuroscience Coach & Hypnotist
A Holistic Approach to Human Design and Manifestation.
Guiding Leaders from Overwhelm to Intentional Living.
Growing up in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, I was constantly surrounded by the hum of cultural diversity and creative energy. This environment shaped my understanding of the intricate dance between our surroundings, mind, and body. Even as a child, I was captivated by the patterns in sound, language, and human behavior, setting the stage for my lifelong journey into the heart of neuroscience-informed retreat facilitation and energy alignment.
My path wasn't always clear. A terminal cancer diagnosis was a profound turning point, challenging me to confront fear and uncertainty head-on. Choosing an alternative route through self-healing and conscious transformation, I discovered the incredible power of our bodies and minds to heal and restore. This revelation reshaped my entire perspective on life and health, affirming the innate capacity within each of us to reach higher states of awareness and reconnect with our essence.
Today, I am honored to serve as the host of the Hypnosis by Design Podcast and the founder of transformative retreats that blend neuroscience, sound transmission, and experiential methods. My mission is to empower individuals to create spaces for self-directed healing, drawing on my expertise in linguistics, neuroscience, and vibrational healing. I believe the nervous system is a profound gateway to transformation, and I am passionate about guiding others in harnessing its power for personal growth.
Step Away, Breathe Deep, and Reset Your Mind
What’s Included
All meals beginning with lunch on Sunday, September 20th and concluding with lunch on Friday, September 25th
5 nights of accommodation at Starved Rock Lodge (single or double occupancy options available)
Private retreat meeting space in the Utica Room for the full 6-day experience
All retreat sessions, workshops, and guided experiences
Sound-based practices, nervous system regulation sessions, and creative expression labs
Structured rest periods and integration time built into each day
Access to nature immersion experiences within Starved Rock State Park
Group excursions, including the Land & Water Cruise and Sunset Dinner Cruise
A carefully held environment designed for rest, regulation, and self-directed transformation
What’s Not Included
Travel to and from Starved Rock Lodge
Personal, medical, or trip insurance
Optional 1:1 sessions or additional services outside the retreat schedule
Personal purchases, souvenirs, or incidental expenses
Any accommodations or meals outside the listed retreat dates
Transportation for early arrival or extended stays
STILL NOT SURE?
✧ The Top 5 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss This Retreat
1. Because rest hasn’t been truly reaching you
If you’ve been taking time off, sleeping more, or trying to slow down—but still feel tired—this may be the kind of restoration your system hasn’t yet experienced. This retreat is designed to support a deeper level of rest that goes beyond surface recovery.
2. Because your nervous system hasn’t had the chance to reset
When your system has been in a constant state of activity or responsibility, it can lose access to calm. This retreat creates the conditions where your body can begin to settle, without needing to force it.
3. Because understanding hasn’t created the shift you’re looking for
You may already know what you need. The missing piece is often not more information—but a different kind of experience. This retreat focuses on felt change, not just insight.
4. Because you’ve been holding everything—and haven’t had space to be held
If you’re used to being the one others rely on, it can be rare to step into a space where you don’t have to manage, perform, or carry anything. This retreat offers that kind of environment.
5. Because stepping away is what allows something to reset
Change doesn’t always come from pushing forward. Sometimes it comes from stepping out of your current environment long enough for your system to recalibrate. This retreat gives you that space.
✧ And Because
This isn’t about missing out on an event.
It’s about recognizing when your body is ready for a different kind of support.
Take a Break You Truly Deserve
STILL NOT SURE?
✧ Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the Space to Exhale Retreat at Starved Rock?
No prior experience is needed. All practices are guided in a way that is accessible and non-intimidating, and you are always invited to move at your own pace.
What if I’m not comfortable sharing in a group?
Sharing is always optional. No one is ever forced to share. You are never required to speak or participate beyond what feels right for you. The space is designed to support both connection and personal privacy.
I’m used to being busy, what if I struggle to slow down?
That’s completely normal. This is a practice, not a performance. The retreat is intentionally structured to support a gradual shift into rest and presence. You won’t be expected to “switch off” - your system sets the pace.
What if I can’t fully relax or “let go”?
There is no expectation to relax or reach a certain state. The environment and practices are designed to support your nervous system gently. Whatever you experience is valid.
Will this be emotionally intense?
The retreat is designed to be spacious and supportive, not overwhelming. You are always in control of your level of participation, and all experiences are offered as invitations, not requirements.
What if I’ve already tried therapy or personal growth work?
This retreat offers a different approach. Rather than focusing on insight alone, it works through direct experience—supporting the body and nervous system where many patterns are held.
What is the daily schedule and free time like at the Space to Exhale retreat?
Yes. Personal time is intentionally built into each day. Rest and integration are considered essential parts of the experience, not something you have to create on your own.
What kind of results can I expect?
While every journey is unique, the focus of this retreat is on biological and energetic restoration. By integrating neuroscience-backed regulation with an understanding of your unique Human Design, we move beyond surface-level relaxation to help your nervous system recalibrate for long-term resilience.
Most participants leave with a profound sense of internal quiet, a body that feels "unlocked" from chronic tension, and a clearer connection to their own intuition. You won't just feel better for a weekend; you are rewiring your capacity for sustainable rest so you can stop managing your life and start truly experiencing it.
What if I feel guilty taking time away for myself?
Investment in others via self-care. You cannot pour from an empty cup. It’s common to feel that way, especially if you’re used to prioritizing others. This retreat is an opportunity to experience what it feels like to receive support and care, which often creates a more sustainable way of showing up in daily life.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, layers for indoor and outdoor settings, and anything that helps you feel at ease. A more detailed packing list will be provided after registration.
Do I need to participate in every activity?
No. This is a permission-based environment. You are encouraged to listen to your body and choose what feels supportive for you.
How is this different from a typical wellness retreat?
This retreat is specifically designed around nervous system regulation and experiential integration. The focus is not on doing more, but on creating the conditions where your system can reset and respond differently.
✧ Don’t see your answer here?
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, you’re welcome to reach out.
Clarity matters, and you deserve to feel fully informed before making your decision.
