Name: The Examined Life: A Women's Retreat
Start: 2026-01-02T07:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-01-02T13:00:00-08:00
Location: Gratitude House

Description: Even in rooms full of people and with busy and full lives, many of us carry a quiet ache, feeling strangely separate from ourselves, other human beings, and God. Searching for something deeper, we do more, achieve more, and feel less. Beneath the noise of success and survival, the soul longs for human connection and inner stillness. The Examined Life retreat for women offers a sacred pause—to quiet the mind, understand yourself in relation to others, and experience transcendence through recovery, meditation, and the ancient spiritual wisdom of the Enneagram.
Facilitators
Arrah Karigan, Best-Selling Author, Meditation Consultant, and CEO of Higher State Meditations, teaches meditation as a practical, science-informed practice that helps calm the mind, reduce burnout, and expand awareness. Her very presence will calm your nervous system.
Dr. Maggie Sullivan, is the Executive Director of Gratitude House. She holds a doctorate in learning psychology, specializing in how cognition and neural pathways shape behavior. Her work bridges science and spirituality, bringing academic insight and experiential tools to the work of recovery, reflection, and growth.
Why You Should Attend
Taking time for self-reflection often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Yet, as Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Across traditions, Catholics practice the Examen, Jews engage in Cheshbon HaNefesh (soul-accounting), and Twelve-Step programs emphasize personal inventory—each recognizing that reflection is essential for growth, accountability, and transformation. Research shows that self-awareness is critical for both our personal and professional relationships as well. Psychologist Daniel Goleman asserts that emotional intelligence—rooted in self-reflection—is a key predictor of professional success, while Brené Brown reminds us that true leadership comes from the courage to examine ourselves, embrace vulnerability, and grow with intention. Each perspective recognizes that reflection and connection are not indulgent, they are transformative.
$100 per person | Half of the proceeds support Gratitude House
Location Notice (Confidential)
Please note: We strive to keep the location of Gratitude House as confidential as possible to preserve the safety and serenity of our residents and guests. The exact address will be emailed to registered participants five days prior to the retreat.
What to Expect
The Spirituality of the Enneagram
Rooted in ancient spiritual wisdom, the Enneagram reveals the unconscious traits and defenses that keep us stuck in cycles of fear, pride, or control—in other words, what blocks us from the sunlight of the spirit in our professional and personal relationships. Mirroring the practices of the 6th, 7th, and 8th Steps with even greater levels of compassion, this deep dive will reveal the ego at play and how to cultivate more harmony in your interactions and communications.
Meditation & the Eleventh Step
Higher State Meditations will guide participants through meditation practices rooted in the Eleventh Step: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God.” Learn to quiet the mind, deepen intuition, and experience serenity as a spiritual discipline.
Oh, the People You Will Meet
Every person we meet has something to teach us. Connect with other women who have faced fear, ego, separation, perfectionism, or addiction—and found grace, gratitude, and God. All of our stories remind us that recovery is not about perfection but presence, progress, and faith.
The Setting
Set in a beautifully restored three-story Victorian home with a wraparound porch and space heaters for comfort, this retreat takes place on a peaceful one-acre lot in a quiet suburb. Inside, the atmosphere feels like being at your home in the country—couches replace conference chairs, and the dining room becomes a place for connection, with a prayer and meditation room for deep reflection.
Wear what feels authentic and comfortable—even your favorite sweats.
Gourmet Organic Lunch
Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared, farm-to-table lunch served with real plates and silverware—because self-care deserves more than a to-go box.
What to Bring: a yoga mat is optional if you prefer meditation on the floor
REGISTER: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/gratitudehouse/event/theexaminedlifeawomensretreat/