I have some news that I can’t wait to share with you: I've been invited back to lead a workshop at Circle of Friends, IslandWood's beloved women's retreat on Bainbridge Island, happening October 2–4, 2026.
If you were with me last year, you know how much this weekend means to me. If you're new here, let me set the scene: Circle of Friends is a restorative retreat founded more than twenty years ago by IslandWood's founder Debbi Brainerd, and my dear friend Jeannie Nordstrom. It's a weekend built around the power of women, friendship, self-discovery, and our connection to the natural world — set against the quiet beauty of IslandWood's forested campus.
This year, I'll be leading a 2-hour distilled version of my Strength, Sleep & Sensuality retreat — the same work I usually spend three full days on, condensed into a single, immersive session. We'll dig into the pillars I believe every woman deserves to reclaim: building real physical strength, restoring deep and restful sleep, and reconnecting with sensuality as a source of vitality. It's a workshop about coming home to your body, and I can't wait to bring it into a space as grounding as IslandWood.
Joining this year's retreat as keynote speaker is Bonnie Garmus, author of the bestselling novel Lessons in Chemistry — a fitting voice for a weekend all about women finding their strength and their story.
Being asked back means more to me than I can fully put into words. Last year's retreat reminded me why I do this work — helping women reconnect with their bodies, their food, and their sense of self, in community with other women who are doing the same. Getting to return and share Strength, Sleep & Sensuality in this setting feels like such a full-circle moment.
If this speaks to you, I'd love for you to consider joining us. I've attached the event details and registration info below — spots are limited, and it truly is a special weekend. No pressure at all, but if it's calling to you, I hope you'll come.
https://islandwood.org/circle-of-friends/
Proceeds from the weekend support children's educational scholarships at IslandWood, so even the celebration has heart behind it.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this community with me. I hope to see some of you in the woods this October.
Lisa Marlene Thompson is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, somatic facilitator, and health and lifestyle guide for anyone ready to feel more alive in their body. With advanced certifications in menopause science with Dr. Stacy Sims, somatic movement with Michaela Boehm, and sleep and brain health informed by the research of Lisa Mosconi and Matt Walker, her work sits at the intersection of cutting-edge science and deep body wisdom.
Her signature program — Strength, Sleep & Sensuality — is an invitation to come home to your body: to build real strength, reclaim restorative sleep, and rediscover a nervous system that is grounded and provides aliveness in the body that belongs to this chapter of life. She is based in Los Angeles and works with clients worldwide.
Your most vibrant chapter is still ahead.
I'd love to explore what's possible together → Reach out: lisa@lisamarlenethompson.com