ON THE EDGE OF JOY
2027 Winter Shoreline Retreat
December 3–5, 2027 | Connecticut Shoreline
with Bill Mannle, LMFT
What might become possible if we were no longer bound to the conflicts, anxieties, old stories, and generational entanglements that keep us looking toward the past?
What would remain?
Perhaps, joy.
Family Constellations offers us a way to encounter what we carry from our families and histories—the loyalties, guilt, shame, grief, and entanglements that can quietly shape how fully we allow ourselves to live.
And sometimes what stands between us and joy is not the absence of possibility, but our difficulty stepping toward it.
“To allow ourselves to be joyful is to have walked through the doorway of fear and claim our place in the living conversation.”
— David Whyte
Standing at the Edge
Constellations invite us to stop, surrender, and see what matters—to listen for something beneath our explanations and familiar stories, perhaps even the soul’s deepest longing.
Throughout our weekend together, we’ll explore what keeps us from moving forward. What are we still carrying? Where are we looking backward? What might we have to release, honor, or leave where it belongs?
And what happens when we find ourselves standing at the edge of something new—and allow ourselves to step toward it?
Through Family Constellations, ritual, experiential exercises, reflection, and small-group work, we’ll explore the movements that can bring us closer to joy, connection, and a fuller participation in our own lives.
A Weekend Away
The annual Winter Shoreline Retreat offers something different from a one-day workshop: time.
Time to enter the work more slowly. Time for constellation experiences to settle and unfold. Time for conversation, shared meals, rest, nature, laughter, and connection with the group.
Our weekend is intentionally intimate, creating space for both individual constellation work and the shared experience of witnessing and representing for others.
Retreat Includes
Your retreat fee includes:
Family Constellations workshop and retreat programming
Lodging
Shared meals throughout the weekend
Coffee, tea, and water
Rituals, exercises, and facilitated group experiences
Meals will include vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with gluten-free selections available. Because meals are shared and prepared for the group, strict or highly specialized dietary requirements may not be able to be accommodated.
Please note: Retreat accommodations and bathrooms are shared, and meals are served family-style.
A Reflection from a Past Retreat
“I felt quickly at ease in the energy of that beautiful house and its surroundings, my fellow retreaters’ openness, warmth and humor, and Bill’s strong and gentle presence… We were all touched deeply by the Field and the magical dynamics of Constellating, whether as subject, representative, or witness.”
“When I tuned in for my morning practice, I noticed a distinct relaxation… a place previously occupied by my ‘less-than’ felt open and spacious for the first time I can remember. I feel I have come home.”
— KC, Retreat Participant
The Role of Family Constellations
Family Constellations is an approach that helps uncover and bring these hidden influences to light. By setting up a "constellation," you can visually and experientially explore the dynamics within your family system. This process can reveal how past traumas, unresolved issues, and unspoken agreements affect your life choices.
Shoreline Retreat 2025
Shoreline Retreat 2024
Testimonial:
"Just wanted to say thank you for an amazing weekend. Your healing energy is a blessing for anyone that is able to come to your retreats and spend time with you. Really appreciate the work that you do. And I’ll certainly keep in touch.” - AB
2024 Shoreline Retreat Participant
$50 Deposit Secures Your Spot
Retreat Fee $745: The fee includes workshop, lodging, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Friday and Saturday, Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday. A lite fare will be offered on Thursday evening. The food will include vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections. However, I will not be able to accommodate strict diets. You are welcome to bring your wine, beer, etc. Water, coffee and tea are available throughout the weekend.
Day-Hopper Rate $545: Perfect for those who live nearby and want to immerse themselves in the retreat while returning home each evening. This includes: full day retreat participation, lunch + dinner meals, access to all group sessions, guided processes, and shared spaces.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, December 3rd
Arrive after 10:00 AM, relax, and settle in.
Lunch is on your own.
First Gathering 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 4th
8:00 - 9:30 AM Breakfast
10:00 - 1:00 PM Workshop
1:00 - 2:30 PM Lunch and Rest
2:30 - 5:30 PM Workshop
5:30 - 6:30 PM Relax
6:30 PM Dinner
Sunday, December 5th
7:45 - 8:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 - 12:30 PM Workshop
12:30 - 2:00 PM Lunch
2:00 - 4:00 PM Workshop & Closing the Circle
Farewells
Coffee, Tea, and water are available all weekend.
You are free to bring your own food and drink.
There will be vegetarian and gluten free options, however I am unable to meet other dietary restrictions.
LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS. REGISTRATION TBA.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:
You will be entitled to a Full Refund of fees, minus the deposit if you cancel at least 30 calendar days before the event's start date.
If I cancel the event for whatever reason (at least 30 calendar days before the event's start date), you will be entitled to a Full Refund, including the deposit.