Breathe

by the Bay

your permission slip to pause

A yoga and meditation retreat - all inclusive - where women who care for everyone else finally get cared for with nourishing meals, soulful connection, and space to reclaim their energy without decisions or demands.

July 25-27, 2025 • Albany, CA

(Yep, that close! No flights, no long drives, just... relief)

Are you pushing through life on one wheel?

You know the feeling when you're pushing a broken-ass shopping cart through Target, with one wheel stuck facing the wrong direction, so you're basically leaning full-tilt into this thing, sweat dripping down your back, muttering expletives to yourself while trying to look like you have your sh*t together and you meant to grab this broken cart for the extra cardio…

That's your life right now, right? It feels like a struggle bus 24/7.

You're not doing the things you wanna do, and the things you do wanna do, you're too tired for.

You feel like your brain has 37 open web browser tabs running at once (okay, maybe 47 on a Tuesday), and every single one of them is someone else's need, someone else's crisis, someone else's "quick favor."

Meanwhile, that voice in your head keeps whispering: "It’d be sooooo selfish to focus on yourself right now, there are dishes to do and the laundry is not going to start itself."

You’ve probably heard from some self-help guru that taking care of yourself first isn't selfish—but your brain rejected the thought on impact because there’s no way that’s true for you. 

I used to think that too, but then a wise person in my life helped me see a new perspective, that the only way to keep showing up for everyone else without completely losing myself (and my mind) was to take care of me FIRST!

That was a revelation.

The hidden cost of always saying yes…

Here's what no one talks about when they tell you to "just set boundaries"
(as if it's that simple, right?)...

Every time you say yes when you mean no, you're not just giving away your time—you're giving away pieces of yourself.

Maybe it started small. A few extra tasks here and there. Staying late to help someone else meet their deadline. Saying "sure, no problem!" when someone adds another item to your already impossible weekend to-do list.

But now? Now you're carrying this invisible weight everywhere you go.

Even your downtime feels like just... time between things that need to get done.

Does this sound like you?

"A sense of happiness and self was starting to feel a little bit more distant. I was in my head 95% of the time rather than in the present moment. Even the downtime seems like it's just downtime between things that need to get done."

You've become an expert at pushing through. At sucking it up. At being "fine" when you're definitely not fine.

And the worst part? You're starting to forget what it feels like to just... be.

Without demands. Without decisions. Without that mental hamster wheel of "I should've, I would've, I could've..."

What if you could hit pause on all of it?

Not forever. Not in some fantasy "run away to Bali" kind of way. But for one weekend. One glorious, completely doable weekend where:

  • Someone else makes every single meal decision

  • Nobody asks you to do "just one quick thing"

  • Your biggest choice is whether to join the morning yoga or sleep in

  • You remember what your own thoughts sound like without everyone else's noise

  • You get to be completely, authentically yourself—no masking, no people-pleasing, no pretending to be "less excited" or "less sensitive" than you actually are

This isn't about adding another "should" to your endless to-do list.

This is about giving yourself permission to pause.

To breathe deeply.

To remember that taking care of yourself isn't a luxury you have to earn—it's a necessity that makes everything else possible.

Here's what makes this retreat different:

It's actually all-inclusive. Every meal, every snack, your cozy place to sleep, every yoga class, every meditation, even your journal to take home—it's all handled. The only thing you need to bring is yourself (and maybe some comfy clothes).

It's small and intimate. Just 8 women plus 2 facilitators. No overwhelming crowds, no fighting for attention, no feeling lost in a sea of strangers. Everyone gets seen, everyone gets heard.

It's designed for humans with real lives. You know how some retreats make you feel like you need to already have your life together to attend? Yeah, we're the opposite of that. Come as you are—tired, overwhelmed, running on fumes. That's exactly who this is for.

It’s a women-centered space that’s open to trans, non-binary, and gender expansive folks.

First off, it's only 20 minutes from your house.

No flights to book.

No long drives to psyche yourself up for.

No complicated logistics to figure out.

Because let's be honest—if getting there requires waking up at 4am to make a flight and navigating Uber at a random airport, you're already exhausted before you leave.

Breathe by the Bay

isn't your typical retreat

Everything you need (and nothing you don't)

Because decision fatigue is real, and you've made enough choices for one lifetime.

Here’s how we’re taking care of you for the weekend:

Nourishment (the kind that actually nourishes)

  • Meals that you don’t have to plan, shop, or cook for

  • Delicious & healthy meals that appear like magic

  • Snacks throughout the weekend (the good kind)

Movement & stillness

  • Yoga classes designed for real bodies, not Instagram poses

  • Meditation that doesn't require you to empty your mind (spoiler alert: that's impossible)

  • Access to hiking trails if moving your body sounds good

  • Permission to rest if that's what your body needs (if you just want to lay around all weekend, totally cool)

Connection & reflection

  • Your own copy of an exclusive journal

  • Guided journaling that works with your natural thought patterns

  • Real conversations with women who get it

  • Zero awkward small talk (pinky promise)

A place to just... be

  • A cozy space to sleep and recharge

  • No agenda beyond your own wellbeing

  • Freedom to participate as much or as little as feels right

Meet the Facilitators

Kerstin & Mar are here to lead you with love, kindness, and acceptance for who you are in this moment. Come as you are - excited, messy, tired - it’s all good, we got you!


  • The Boundaries Coach, Yoga Instructor, & Founder of Love & Live Wellness

    Kerstin’s mission is to help women, queer folks, and recovering people-pleasers carve out me-time, set boundaries, and reclaim their authentic selves.

    Her superpowers include creating inclusive spaces (that actually feel safe to share in), organizing her spice rack (so it’s aesthetically pleasing), and bringing the right people together (at the right time).

    With over 10 years experience as a yoga instructor and discovering that she’s been a coach all her life (when she went through Yoga & Life Coaching training), Kerstin brings a thoughtfulness and attention to detail in each space she facilitates.


  • Marissa ("Mar") Munn (they/she) is a queer, gender-fluid meditation teacher, mindfulness coach, and Reiki practitioner.

    Rooted in compassion and social justice, they guide others toward self-love, clarity, and transformation.

    With over 20 years experience in community building, Mar creates spaces for healing, presence, and collective liberation. Learn more about Mar at meditatewithmarissa.com

Breathe by the Bay

July 25-27, 2025 • Albany, CA • Just 8 spots available

$950

Everything included. Nothing to figure out. Just show up.

Only 8 women. When it's full, it's full.

This intimate group size —it's intentional. Everyone gets the attention and space they deserve.

Questions? Email Kerstin. I'm here to help you figure out if this is right for you.

Payment plans available because self-care shouldn't stress your budget.

But what about...

(let's talk about the things you're actually thinking)

"I don't have time for this"

I hear you. You barely have time to shower without a kid pounding on the bathroom door because they’re hungry. But here's the thing—you don't have time NOT to do this. Because right now, you're running on fumes, making everything take longer than it should.

This weekend isn't taking time away from your life. It's giving you the energy to show up better for your life. Think of it as preventative maintenance for your soul.

"Isn't this kind of selfish?"

Ohhhhh (me placing my hand in the center of my chest), no, it’s not.

You know what IS selfish?

Burning yourself out so completely that you become resentful, exhausted, and unable to genuinely care for the people you love.

The humans who love you? They want you to be happy. They want you to have energy. They want the real you, not the depleted version who's running on obligation and guilt.

"I keep spending money on other things

instead of myself"

Soooooo true, right?? But think about it this way—you probably spend more than $950 per month on everyone else's needs without even thinking about it! The family grocery runs, the emergency Target runs, your kids’ music lessons, the "small" favors (like teacher appreciation gifts) that add up. 

This is an investment in the person who makes all of that possible: YOU. 

"What if it's weird or uncomfortable?"

I get it. Vulnerability feels scary when you're used to having all the answers and taking care of everyone else. That’s why we’ve crafted a space that welcomes your inner-weirdo with a ginormous hug.

Here's what you can expect in

Breathe by the Bay:

Adrienne R.

"Kerstin’s programs provided me with a safe space to practice being vulnerable. Learning how to open up has been hard, but I feel like this was created for people like me. People who need a gentle nudge in the right direction."

You don't have to bare your soul or share anything you're not ready to share.

You just have to show up as you are.

What happens when you finally give yourself permission to pause?

Cat S.

“I learned it's possible to say no. I had the thought pattern, if you ask, I have to say yes. Just because somebody asked or wants something or might need something from you, it's not an automatic yes.”

One of Mar’s clients

“Mar is an amazing meditation teacher and resource. I highly recommend working with them, no matter your level of practice. She is welcoming, kind, insightful, and real.”

Elena C

“I finally feel like I am able to believe in my own abilities. This taught me to have a little more compassion for myself. It's more about growth and less about fixing.”

Carolyn V.

“I appreciate having time for myself that's dedicated to introspection. I really like the journaling prompts! I'm a person that benefits from someone that's there to catch me and give me a soft place to land, to say 'hey you got this' and 'it's alright' and that supportive community.”

One of Mar’s clients

“Mar is an experienced educator who is especially adept at making each student feel welcome and included, regardless of skill level. Mar is genuinely caring and warm and is very open to sharing their own experience through their teaching.”

These aren't superhuman transformations. These are real humans who were exactly where you are now—tired, overwhelmed, and running on empty. They just decided to try something different.

One more thing

I know you're probably thinking, "One day, when things settle down, when I have more time, when I get caught up..."

But what if one day is today? What if instead of waiting for permission from everyone else, you gave it to yourself?

What if three months from now, instead of feeling more burned out, more resentful, more lost in everyone else's needs, you felt... different? Clearer. More like yourself. With actual energy for the things that matter.

You deserve more than just surviving. You deserve to thrive. And sometimes, thriving starts with a single weekend where you remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential.

I'll be here when you're ready.

With love and the deepest respect for how hard you're pushing through,
Kerstin

FAQs

  • Friday July 25 at 5:30pm to Sunday July 27, 2025 at 12pm in Albany, California (right next to Berkeley)

  • This is a women centered space designed for busy humans with real lives. This space is open to women, trans, non-binary, and gender expansive folks that feel at home in women-centered spaces.

  • If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, than it is the right time for you to sign up for Breathe by the Bay: 

    • Do you worry that if you set a boundary with someone that you’ll hurt their feelings?

    • Do you prioritize everyone else first out of a sense of guilt or fear of disappointing others?

    • Do you feel stuck in the should-storm and wish there was an easy way to stop shoulding on yourself? 

    • Do you sometimes feel resentment or frustration towards your family, immediately followed by guilt for having those thoughts?  

    • Do you do everything you can to spare your partner and/or kids from burnout while pushing yourself to burnout instead? 

    • Do you say yes every time someone asks for your help simply because they asked? 

    • Do you feel a sense of purpose when you help someone, but you rarely ask for help for yourself

    • Do you believe that you need to work hard in order to deserve rest (and that you haven’t worked hard enough yet)?

    • Do you feel that there’s never enough time to get the things done that need to get done?

    If you answered yes to 1 or more of these questions, than it’s the right time for you to enroll in Breathe by the Bay.

  • Yes! This is an all levels retreat. So if you’re brand-new to yoga & meditation, or have been practicing for decades this retreat is accessible for you.

  • Yes!! You deserve rest, time to slow down, and have full permission to stop.

    Our society and the patriarchy have drilled into us that we have to be busy all the time.

    We think that we’re lazy if we slow down even a little - but that’s just not true!!

    The more you push yourself to keep going, the more you drain yourself, the less you have to give, and at some point (if it hasn’t already) if you don’t slow down, you’ll experience detrimental health effect (burnout, panic attacks, and at worst hospitalization).

    Let’s instead give you the rest you need and the simple tools to prevent burnout moving forward.

    Imagine how much better you life will feel when you don’t feel guilty for taking an actual break.

  • We designed this retreat for busy humans, so if …

    • your to-do list is a mile long - this retreat is for you

    • you believe that you need to work hard in order to deserve rest - this retreat is for you

    • you have a partner, kids, and/or co-workers that depend on you - this retreat is for you.

    • it feels like there is never enough time to get the things done that need to get done - this retreat is for you

    • your me-time consists of mind-numbing activities like watching TV, napping, sitting outside and doing nothing to reset your brain - this retreat is for you

    You deserve rest.

    You don’t need to earn rest.

    If you’re reading this - I am giving you permission to take the time you need for YOU to have a full reset - actual rest - so that you can return to your family, your job, your friends -with the energy you’ve been dreaming about!

  • We’re staying a gorgeous 5-bedroom /2-bath house with breathtaking views of the bay.

    Each bedroom is double occupancy with one queen bed. We’ll mindfully pair you with a roommate, or invite a friend to join you!

  • Yep! Because self-care shouldn’t be stressful.

    Pick your payment plan here.

    • Comfy clothes for movement and lounging

    • Layers! It might be hot or the fog might roll in. 

    • Water bottle

    • Sneakers or hiking boots - there’s a short trail near the property. 

    • Your favorite toiletries - so that you feel comfortable and at home. 

    • Optional: yoga mat (we’ll have several available if you don’t have your own)

    • Optional: yoga & meditation props (blocks, straps, meditation cushion)

  • I’m so glad you asked! Kerstin will teach gentle yoga - meant to release tension in your body, and help you process (aka release) any emotions stuck there. 

    Mar will lead meditations to help you foster self-compassion and to to connect more deeply with yourself.

    Kerstin will lead journaling and group discussions - which is the secret sauce to everyone gelling together, building compassion for yourself, and working through the icky emotions and shoulds. 

  • You will, but not in the same way. Right now you’re in what I call the, “you don’t know pattern” meaning you’re living your life with the knowledge that you have (the the best of your ability), but you don’t know what you don’t know. 

    During the retreat you’re going to have ahas, epiphanyies, those “ooooooooooh” moments that mean your life is going to be different after that point because you have a deeper awareness and understanding that you didn’t have before. 

    That means when you go home, you’ll be tempted to fall back into your old patterns and routines, but you’ll see them differently, and when you can see them from a different perspective it’s easier to make lasting changes. 

    This also may not fully dispel your fear, I get it. You haven’t experienced the retreat before, so you don’t know exactly how it’s going to change you, I don’t even know that. We’ll only know that after you’ve gone through it. You’ll likely have questions and want support after the retreat and that’s why I’ve created this bonus: 

    As a bonus, if you sign up for the retreat before July 15th, you’ll get a bonus one-on-one call with me AFTER the retreat, that means that when you return to real life and something feels difficult, challenging, or surprising. We can work through it together, so you can maintain your boundaries and feel good about it.

  • That’s a valid question, we create a safe inclusive space with ground rules. There’s zero popcorn style sharing - we’ll always go around in a circle or a predictable way so you know when it’s your turn. 

    Kerstin & Mar will also share deeply with all of you and hold the safe space for you to explore. 

    We will never force you to say anything, and you always have permission to pass if you’re not ready to share. 

  • Thank you for asking this question. Being vulnerable can feel super-scary, and this retreat is unique in that from the moment you arrive you will feel seen and understood. 

    We’ll set group expectations from the get go: that we honor each other’s lived experiences and that we promise to stay be to our feelings and that our emotions may surprise us and that we are there for each other to experience this retreat together. 

  • That’s a real fear, but here’s the thing that I’ve discovered- if you feel called to join this retreat then you will connect with the other participants. Even when we come from different backgrounds, we have waaaaaaay more in common than not. You like will connect deeper with some of the participants over others and you’ll feel a bond with all of them. 

  • Yessssssss, this might happen. Part of the way I teach and lead, is that I give you permission to skip or pass. We don’t force you to feel or do anything you don’t want to. (I’ll be teaching you my go-to journaling method during the retreat, and it literally has a skip phrase built in for skipping over anything you don’t want to write about or dwell on)

    • Unlike therapy - You're not alone figuring it out week by week. You're with 7 other humans who GET IT, dealing with the same people-pleasing, boundary-setting, "I feel selfish taking time for myself" stuff. When someone else says exactly what you've been thinking, the shame melts away instantly.

    • Unlike other retreats - There are no surprise icebreakers or forced sharing that makes you want to hide. We go around the circle predictably so you can think before you speak. You get to be the beautifully weird human that you are.

    • The real difference? I've been where you are - terrified to set a boundary or to speak up because I didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, grumbling into the dishes in my sink about feeling unappreciated, masking throughout the day so I didn’t make others uncomfortable (and depleting my energy in the process).

    • I'm not just teaching boundaries - I'm teaching you to trust the parts of yourself you were told to hide. The inquisitive parts. The creative parts. The parts that ask "weird" questions and might not make sense.

    • You'll leave with practices you can actually DO (not just understand), scripts for your family so you can step away without guilt, and 7 new humans who see your brilliance and help you to see it in yourself too.

  • Here’s the truth, your family, your partner, you parents, your kids - they’re all more resilient and capable than they realize.

    It’s just as important for them to discover this as it is for you.

    Give them the gift of knowing how capable they are, while you take some real downtime to recharge your batteries, so you're ready to step back into your life (and not dreading it).

  • Yes and yes! We designed this retreat to make it easy for anyone in the bay area to join us, and if you want to travel in, the house is about a 30-60 minute drive from the Oakland airport (depending on traffic). 

    • If you cancel within 60 days before the start of the retreat you will receive a full refund, less a $100 non-refundable deposit fee. 

    • If you cancel within 30 days before the start of the retreat you will receive a 75% refund, less a $100 non-refundable deposit fee. 

    • If you cancel within 14 days before the start of the retreat you will receive a 50% refund, less a $100 non-refundable deposit fee.