What We Carry Retreat
March 13–15, 2026 | Bolinas, California
A fully funded retreat in Northern California
An Invitation
The What We Carry Retreat is an intimate, fully funded gathering for people living in the U.S. whose lives have been shaped by war or by U.S. military presence in their home country.
This retreat brings together civilians and U.S. veterans—often from different sides of the same conflicts—to spend time in shared space, in nature, and in thoughtful conversation. It is not a debate, and it is not about comparison or equivalency. It is about human connection.
We come together to listen, to reflect, and to explore what we carry—personally, collectively, and across difference.
Why We're Gathering
Decisions about war are often made far from its consequences, by people whose daily lives are largely untouched by those choices. Veterans and civilians living in war-affected places carry the impact in lasting ways—different, but enduring.
This retreat offers space to slow down, be heard, and be in conversation with others who understand—sometimes from very different paths—what it means to live with the impacts of war. It is a place to speak what feels true for you, to be met and held in shared presence.
The gathering holds space for reconciliation and healing- not to undo what has been done, but to support moving forward through acknowledgment, accountability, and shared witnessing.
This retreat will also help inform What We Carry, a documentary theater project honoring lives touched by war. At its heart, it is a prayer for peace, made by showing the true cost of war. Any sharing connected to the project happens with care, consent, and ongoing communication. There is no obligation to participate beyond what feels right for you.
Who This Retreat Is For
You may be a good fit if:
You live in the U.S. and your life was changed by war or by U.S. military presence in your home country
You are a U.S. veteran whose service has shaped your life
You are open to being in community with others across difference
You value reflection, listening, and shared humanity
You do not need any performance experience.
The Setting
The retreat takes place at the Commonweal Retreat Center in Bolinas, California, a beautiful coastal environment surrounded by land and sea. Much of our time will be spent outdoors, weather permitting, with space for rest, walking, and quiet reflection.
All travel, lodging, and meals are covered.
What to Expect
A small, carefully held group
Shared meals and time in nature
Group conversations and creative practices
Space for rest, reflection, and connection
Applying
If this invitation resonates, we welcome you to apply. FILL OUT THE APPLICATION HERE
Questions
If you have any questions, please email: Polina@crescentmoontheaterproductions.com
