Courageous Hearts:
A Soul Sister Journey & Fire Walk
~ A RETREAT FOR WOMEN READY TO RISE ~
Thursday Evening through Sunday Afternoon
March, 20 -23, 2025
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Whidbey Island, WA, USA
Dear Soul Sister
There is a fire within you.
A force so vast, so ancient, that it could remake not only your life but the world itself.
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But for too long, this force has been suppressed. Masked as busyness, as anxiety, as overthinking. Misnamed as "too much" or "not enough." We’ve learned to quiet it, to hold it back, to dull its roar until it whispers instead.
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And yet... it remains.
The quiet hunger.
The yearning for more—not more doing, more striving, but more aliveness. A deeper connection to the untapped current of life itself.
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To name it is an act of courage.
To feel it is a reclamation of your truth.
To unleash it is to rise.
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This retreat is your invitation to rise.
To step into a circle of women who are ready to remember their wild, creative, and sacred power. To walk the fire—literally and metaphorically—and let it burn through everything false, leaving only what is true.
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The world is waiting for you.
To come alive. To feed it with the fullness of your being.
Because when you do, the world will never be the same.
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***This retreat has been on my heart for so long, and as I sit with its energy, its true purpose is becoming even more clear. So, I’ve recently updated the description to better reflect the magic we’re creating together. ~Debbie Carlson-Gould
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"The healer you have been looking for
is your own courage to know and love yourself completely"
What to Expect
Welcome Circle
Begin your journey with a nourishing communal meal, followed by an opening circle where we set our intentions and open our hearts to each other.
Sacred Circles
Every day, we’ll gather in circle, sharing our stories, fears, and dreams. This is where you’ll feel the power of sisterhood, knowing you’re not walking this path alone.
Shamanic Journey/
Guided Visualization
Dive deep into your own inner wisdom as we explore the Warrior Goddess within each of us. This guided meditation will help you tap into the power of your body and soul to release old beliefs and fears.
Ritual Art Project
Get creative and make something that symbolizes your transformation. Through this art, you’ll carry a physical reminder of your strength and the journey you’ve been on.
Fire Walk Ceremony
This is the heart of our retreat. The firewalk is more than a physical act—it’s a powerful spiritual tool to shatter your self-limiting beliefs. I know you might feel that whisper of fear, the voice that says, “I can’t do this,” but that’s exactly why it’s so transformative. By walking through the fire, you’ll see that you are capable of so much more than you think.
Sacred Sauna/
Sweat Ceremony
Sweat out the old and make space for the new in a ceremonial sweat that honors the cleansing and renewing energies of the Spring Equinox.
Ecstatic Dance
Free yourself through movement. We’ll dance to express the joy and freedom that come from shedding what’s been holding us back. No rules, no judgment—just pure celebration.
Sound Bath
Sound baths are a gentle, replenishing experience that help bring your mind & body into a deep state of relaxation through sound & vibration.
The Fire Walk
​This is the heart of our retreat. The firewalk is more than a physical act—it’s a powerful spiritual tool to shatter your self-limiting beliefs. I know you might feel that whisper of fear, the voice that says, “I can’t do this,” but that’s exactly why it’s so transformative. By walking through the fire, you’ll see that you are capable of so much more than you think.
Step into a season of new beginnings
As the Spring Equinox marks a time of balance and renewal, this retreat will help you find that balance within yourself—between your strength and softness, your power and vulnerability. Together, we’ll honor the arrival of spring as a metaphor for the new beginnings you’re ready to embrace in your life.
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I know you might be feeling some doubts about whether you’re ready for this, but I want you to know that everything you need is already inside you. The retreat will give you the tools, the support, and the space to rediscover that. You'll leave with not only memories but also real practices and newfound confidence to carry into your daily life.
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If you’re ready to release the weight of fear, step into your courage, and surround yourself with a sisterhood that will uplift you every step of the way, this retreat is for you. Let’s walk through the fire together and come out the other side stronger, braver, and more aligned with our true selves.
Our Gathering Place
Aldermarsh Retreat Center on Whidbey Island, WA is a sacred and welcoming space nestled in nature's embrace on 5 acres of private wooded grounds, with comfortable and welcoming accommodations.
Meet Your Guides
Debbie Carlson-Gould
Debbie Carlson-Gould is a spiritual mentor, healer, and one of the visionaries behind Zen Heart Center in Bothell, WA. Through her work, she guides women on transformative journeys of healing and empowerment. Debbie’s path to this work was shaped by her own life challenges, including ovarian cancer and a devastating marital crisis. These profound experiences led her to pursue deep emotional and spiritual healing, inspiring her to help others do the same.
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With six years of experience in sacred healing circles, meditation, and shamanic energy work, Debbie is dedicated to creating nurturing spaces where women can release past wounds, reclaim their personal power, and reconnect with their true selves. Rooted in nature-based spirituality and the divine feminine, her offerings emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings. Through sacred sisterhood, shamanic journeys, and ritual art, Debbie empowers women to confront and transcend their fears and limiting beliefs, drawing from her own personal transformation.
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Known for her authentic and warm approach, she combines spiritual healing, community support, and nature-based practices, offering women deep empathy and wisdom gained through her own healing journey.
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Her certifications reflect a deep commitment to transformative healing experiences. Debbie is a certified Reiki II practitioner in the Usui/Holy Fire III tradition, and holds certifications as a Spiritual Coach, Energy Coach, and Life Coach. Additionally, as a Warrior Goddess Training Facilitator, she helps guide women in reclaiming their inner power and embracing their authentic selves. Each of these practices informs her holistic approach to healing, creating a nurturing space where women can connect, heal, and rise together.
Meet Your Guides
Lara Rosenberg
Lara Rosenberg is an international speaker and transformational guide who blends Eastern and Western healing practices. With over 25 years of experience in yoga and meditation, she specializes in empowerment techniques, including her signature firewalking experiences.
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As a certified Sundoor Firewalk Instructor and member of the Global Firewalk Association, Lara leads powerful firewalking seminars that challenge participants to overcome perceived limitations. These transformative events have become a cornerstone of her work, helping individuals break through barriers and unlock their potential.
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Lara's expertise has taken her across the globe as an international speaker and retreat leader. She has presented in the Czech Republic, Greece, Mexico, Sweden, and Sri Lanka, sharing her unique blend of yoga therapy, trauma-informed practices, and empowerment techniques. Her retreats in Arizona, Mexico, Costa Rica, India, and Guatemala have further expanded her global reach.
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Drawing from her background in behavioral health and various healing modalities, Lara offers a holistic approach to personal growth. Her work incorporates yoga therapy, meditation, sound healing, and indigenous wisdom, creating a unique platform for transformation that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide.
Join Us!
If you’re ready to release the weight of limiting fears, step into your courage, and surround yourself with a sisterhood that will uplift you every step of the way, this retreat is for you. Let’s walk through the fire together and come out the other side stronger, braver, and more aligned with our true selves.
​Dates: Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon, March 20 - 23, 2025
Location: Aldermarsh Retreat Center, Whidbey Island, WA, USA
​https://www.aldermarsh.net/
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 3 nights/4 days lodging at Aldermarsh
• Immersion in nature
• 8 healthy meals
• Daily sacred sister circle
• Shamanic Journey/Guided Visualization
• Fire Walk Ceremony
• Take-home Ritual Art project
• Ecstatic Dance session
• Bonfire gathering
• Sacred Sweat/Sauna/Rebirthing ceremony
• Free time to enjoy the Japanese soaking tub, and 5-acre wooded grounds, nap, and reflect.
• Seasoned Facilitators Debbie Carlson-Gould and Lara Rosenberg
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WHAT'S NOT included
• Your round-trip airfare to and from home
• Your round-trip ferry to and from Whidbey Island, WA
• Transportation to and from Aldermarsh Retreat Center
• Toiletries, personal care items
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (we do recommend you have this just in case)
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***If you are traveling from outside Western Washington, please contact us for help with travel tips.
Pricing Options
Register
REGISTRATION/INVESTMENT:
• A deposit is required to hold your space, or you may pay in full. See above for pricing options.
• Email us which accommodation you choose. (See options above.)
• Make all payments via Venmo. Use @Debbie-Carlson-Gould.
• Complete and submit a registration form.
• The balance of your payment is due no later than 2/20/25 (Feb 20).
CANCELLATION POLICY:
• Cancellation after Feb 20 will result in a total loss of your deposit.
• Cancellation after Mar 5 will result in loss of your total investment.
MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT OR FULL PAYMENT:
• Make all payments via Venmo @Debbie-Carlson-Gould.
• When we receive your deposit or full payment, we will email a registration form to you.
We can't wait to welcome you to our circle of COURAGEOUS women on Whidbey Island!
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QUESTIONS? If you have questions, please contact Debbie at Dcarlsongould@gmail.com