The Fruitful Darkness: Nourish Yourself as We Enter Winter's Womb event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., November 19, 2023, at the Hudson Valley Writers Center, in Sleepy Hollow. Participants will learn how to enjoy the sound of their own voice, feel at home in their body and integrate times of quiet reflection into their life. It is open to all, and no singing or movement experience is necessary.  

The retreat will be facilitated by Francesca Genco—owner and founder of Song of the Body, in Sleepy Hollow, which offers classes, workshops and retreats in embodied voice, sound healing, yoga and creative expression—and Lea Bender, who combines three decades of yoga practice with intensive study of philosophy, anatomy and therapeutic techniques to offer students a fully integrated experience.

“In this time of transition from autumn into winter, we will discover our natural voices and move together, finding creative ways to turn inward during the darkness of the winter months,” shares Genco. “As we learn to deeply listen and respond to ourselves and others, we will unlearn what we’ve been taught that stifles our creativity and enjoyment.”