Reflections from our Fall Mama Circle (and the birth of Rest Nest)

Something powerful unfolded at our Fall Flex & Flourish mama circle—the moment Rest Nest came alive. Together, we moved with intention and opened a space that reflected the very essence of resilience. For those who joined us and those who couldn’t, I hope these words invite you to feel held in the same current of connection and renewal that carried us that day.

Only a week ago, Rest Nest lived solely in my dreams—a vision of a place where restoration and community could intertwine. With the loving help of my husband, his oldest son, and a dear friend, it came together just in time—exactly as I’d envisioned.

Opening the space in sacred community felt so perfectly aligned. One of my closest friends—and my photographer behind everything here at Cassava Acres—encouraged me to pause and take it all in. I exhaled deeply and noticed: here it is, a living, breathing sanctuary, complete with a cold plunge, infrared sauna, outdoor shower, and a hammock swing handmade from the outer banks, lovingly gifted by my mother-in-law. Simple and raw, yet full of life, it was already humming with the energy of connection.

Before we gathered in circle, the mamas began by moving through this new space—experiencing the warmth and contrast of sauna and plunge, rinsing beneath the open sky, grounding their bodies before stepping into reflection. This initiation practice became a way to fully arrive—to inhabit our bodies and the moment before we opened our hearts.

Weeks ago I had the download that the theme of this circle was resiliency, and the universe made sure we got to live it. It poured off and on the whole time—an offering, a test, a blessing—and rather than resist, we danced in the rain. Because the weather is a mirror for life, we really have so much less control than we like to believe. We laughed, shared stories, and found beauty in the moment. The rain reminded us that even when life soaks us through, we are still capable of joy, of presence, of movement, of grace.

Astrologically, October holds the same energy—kicking off with a full moon in Aries just days after this circle, Saturn retrograde in Pisces, Neptune returning home to Pisces, Uranus stirring change in Gemini—all reminding us that resilience isn’t about holding steady through stillness, but learning to flex, to feel, and to trust transformation.

There’s an invitation in this season to steady our roots, soften constriction, and lean into clarity and change. The rains of life make us question what we believe as reality, carry us into uncharted territory, but they also cleanse, renew, and awaken parts of our soul.

Together we moved our bodies, found stillness, and then journeyed through an inner garden visualization with journal prompts to help us connect to our intentions for the fall season. We tied golden thread around our wrists as a reminder of our shared intentions—and of the strength and connection we hold together.

We closed by sharing a nourishing meal, with offerings prepared by myself and a few other wonderful mamas (thank you!), and delicious fresh milled treats from Mill and Table Co.

What warmed my heart most was seeing each mama present—your willingness to be seen, to offer your stories, to hold space for one another. I always walk away feeling honored by your presence and courageous openness. Thank you for showing up, for leaning in, and for helping us birth Rest Nest with such beauty and tenderness.

When the day was over I arrived at one powerful question to share in our group, that I’ll carry for weeks to come and want to share here, too:

When it rains, what do I choose to embody?

I still can’t believe Rest Nest has been birthed into being, not just as a space, but as a living invitation: to restore, connect, and rise—again and again. If you’d like to check it out for yourself, head here to learn more about our membership offering or send me a private message about a trial pass.