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The Descent
A Nature-Based Journey Into Presence
In a world that demands our constant attention, we can become scattered and separated from ourselves.
We invite you to step away from the digital hum and rejoin the rhythm of the natural world for a weekend of descent, remembering, and integration.
The Invitation
Your journey begins at a deliberate threshold, where we step out of the hyper-fixated analytical hum of the modern world. This isn't an invitation to abandon your critical mind, but rather a rare opportunity to let it rest. By safely storing our devices and stepping away from the constant demand for certainty, we lower the baseline noise of the psyche. Supported by clear, trauma-informed agreements and the grounding safety of the land, you are invited to transition from rigid conceptual thinking into a spacious, embodied presence. Here, we prepare the ground to listen beneath our everyday thoughts.
The Deepening
From the first light of dawn to the rich mystery of the dark, we utilize the natural world not as a dogmatic truth, but as a living mirror for the human psyche. Moving through a cycle of perspectives—perception, boundary, instinct, and creative imagination—we step out of corporate autopilot and explore the full architecture of the self. In this space, your sharp intellect is balanced by the vitalizing resources of your wild unconscious. Through councils practicing deep listening, rituals, and reflective wandering, we learn to hold paradox with ease, allowing space for insights that logic alone can never quite reach.
The Return
A truly transformative retreat doesn’t ask you to escape reality; it equips you to engage it with greater clarity and resilience. Our final focus is dedicated to the art of sustainable integration—bridging the quiet, unconditioned spaces discovered on the land with the practical rhythms of your home life. Through intentional group witnessing and the precise naming of insights, you will build a personal map for daily life. You will depart not just restored, but remembered—weaving together a sharp, mature discernment with a deeply rooted trust in your own nature.
The Space
The environment where we spend our time shapes the quality of attention that becomes possible.
Our retreat takes place in the Lost Pines region of Bastrop County, a unique ecosystem of towering loblolly pines surrounded by oak and prairie landscapes. The setting is quiet, spacious, and intentionally removed from the pace of everyday life—an environment that naturally invites the nervous system to slow down and attention to deepen.
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Our retreat space is intentionally small and personal. With room for only five participants, the group size allows for meaningful conversation, individualized attention, and a relaxed pace throughout the weekend.
Rather than moving through the retreat as a large group, participants have plenty of opportunities for one-on-one conversation with the facilitators, quiet reflection, and spaciousness to follow their own rhythm.
Many people find that the small group setting creates a sense of trust and ease that allows deeper conversations and insights to unfold naturally.
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The property sits in a minimally developed area surrounded by thousands of acres of undeveloped land.
Tall pines and hardwood trees create a quiet forested landscape with walking paths, private sitting spaces among the trees, and a small pocket prairie visible from the house. Wildlife is abundant in this region. It’s common to hear great horned owls at dusk, foxes and coyotes calling at night, and a wide variety of birds throughout the day. Don’t be surprised if you run into a deer or rabbit on one of our walking trails.
Being immersed in this landscape allows participants to experience the rhythms of the natural world directly—changing light, birdsong, wind through the trees, and the quiet presence of the forest.
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Participants can choose between several comfortable sleeping arrangements.:
Private Room
One fully private bedroom with a queen bed and an en suite bathroom.Shared Rooms
Two shared rooms accommodating two participants each, with full sized beds and access to a shared bathroom.
The retreat home was fully remodeled in 2022 and is designed to feel both modern and cozy—a comfortable space that supports rest, reflection, and quiet conversation.
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Meals are prepared by Ryan and Aliceanne and shared together throughout the retreat.
We focus on simple, nourishing food made with organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and we are happy to accommodate most dietary needs.
Some meals will be enjoyed outdoors around the fire pit, while others are shared inside or on the large covered porch, which overlooks the prairie and forest beyond. Morning coffee or tea on the porch often becomes a quiet ritual for early risers.
Participants have access to coffee, tea, and light snacks throughout the day.
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Evenings in the Lost Pines are often one of the most memorable parts of the retreat.
Because this part of Bastrop County is much darker than nearby cities like Austin, the night sky can be remarkably clear. After sunset, participants often gather quietly outdoors—sometimes around the fire pit—to watch the stars emerge and listen to the sounds of the forest as the daytime animals put themselves to bed and the nocturnal ones emerge.
These slower moments are an important part of the retreat rhythm, offering space to integrate the day’s experiences and settle more deeply into the landscape.
Come walk along the many trails throughout the property.
View from the back porch where we sit for morning coffee and gather around the fire pit at night.
Retreat Cost
Remembering You is a non-profit organization, so our retreats are offered on a donation-basis. To help us cover the cost of deeply nourishing meals, retreat materials, and the ongoing care of the land, we request a minimum baseline donation to secure your space.
Shared Room Sanctuary
$600 minimum donation
Main house, two guests per room, shared bathroom
Private Casita Sanctuary
$1,150 minimum donation
Completely private bedroom and bathroom in a separate building.
If you are in a season of abundance and wish to donate above the minimum, your additional contribution directly funds our scholarship program to make future retreats accessible to those facing financial barriers.
A space crafted for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. Can you hear the quiet already?
Soft textures, natural light, and plenty of space to just be. Every angle of your room is designed for ultimate comfort.
Artisan touches and thoughtful details crafted to ground your mind and inspire your stay.
Look a little closer. Every piece of decor has been handpicked to tell a story and honor the natural rhythm of the land around us.
A little bit of the wild, right by your bedside. Living green energy to help you stay rooted during your stay.
There is something in bloom here more than half the year. The towering pines are our eternal backdrop.
A small fish pond with a gently flowing waterfall invites you to stay for a moment.
The forest invites you to get to know her secrets.
Dates for Upcoming Retreats
Each retreat is a full weekend immersion.
Check-in begins on Fridays at 11:00 AM, with the formal retreat beginning promptly at 12:00 PM. We complete our journey and close our container on Sundays at 12:00 PM.
DEC
18—20
JAN
15—17
FEB
19—21
MAR
19—21
APR
16—18
MAY
21—23
NOV
6—8
0CT
23—25
Meet Your Facilitators
Aliceanne and Ryan Schmidt are a husband and wife team, each with their own individual gifts for shepherding the human experience.
Aliceanne is an Organizational Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience helping leaders and teams understand the psychological patterns that shape behavior, relationships, and decision-making. Her work integrates modern psychology with contemplative practice and adult development, helping people see themselves — and their lives — with greater clarity.
Ryan is an Interfaith Chaplin and brings a complementary background in spiritual care and grief support. For more than two decades he has worked with individuals and families navigating illness, loss, and major life transitions in settings such as hospitals, hospices, and faith communities. His work centers on presence, compassion, and helping people find meaning in life’s most difficult moments.
Together, they host the Remembering You podcast, where they explore themes such as consciousness, psychological growth, meditation, and the deeper forms of knowing that emerge when we slow down and pay attention.
Both Aliceanne and Ryan share a deep love of the natural world and spend much of their time outdoors in Central Texas — hiking, camping, and learning from the ecosystems that surround them. They are Certified Texas Master Naturalists and enjoy introducing others to the quiet intelligence of the living landscape.
Your Questions, Answered
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Many people carry some level of discomfort about being outdoors—whether that’s concern about insects or wildlife, uncertainty about the terrain, or simply not feeling familiar with natural environments.
This retreat is designed to meet people where they are.
We move gradually, introducing practices in a way that helps participants build confidence and familiarity over time. You’ll also learn simple habits that make outdoor experiences safer and more comfortable—things like where to step, how to observe wildlife respectfully, and how to move through natural environments with awareness.
There is no expectation that you should already feel “at home” in nature. In many ways, the retreat is about rediscovering that sense of ease and belonging slowly and organically.
Participation is always invitational, and you’re encouraged to engage at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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No one is required to share anything they’re not comfortable sharing.
Some exercises involve reflection or dialogue, but participation is always invitational. You are encouraged to engage at a level that feels psychologically safe and appropriate for you.
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Central Texas is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including snakes and scorpions. However, encounters with potentially dangerous animals are quite rare when basic awareness and precautions are practiced.
Part of the retreat includes learning simple habits that help people move comfortably and safely in natural environments—such as where to step, how to observe wildlife respectfully, and how to avoid disturbing animals.
The goal is not to eliminate the natural world’s wildness, but to help participants feel informed, confident, and at ease outdoors.
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The retreat is designed with balance in mind.
We alternate outdoor activities with indoor teaching, reflective dialogue, and rest. Outdoor experiences are intentionally paced and never physically demanding.
Participants are always welcome to step inside, take breaks, or adjust their level of participation.
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Activities are scheduled with the local climate in mind. Outdoor time typically occurs during cooler parts of the day, and we ensure access to shade, water, and rest.
Participants will receive preparation guidelines before the retreat so they can bring appropriate clothing and gear.
Comfort and safety are a priority.
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No outdoor experience is required.
Many participants come to the retreat with little experience spending time in nature. We introduce practices gradually and offer simple guidance to help everyone feel comfortable and supported.
The small retreat size of only 5 participants allows us to customize our activities and practices so that it meets everyone where they are.
Curiosity is far more important than experience.
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Our walks are generally short and unhurried. The focus is observation and reflection rather than covering distance.
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We establish shared agreements around confidentiality at the start of the retreat.
Participants are asked to respect one another’s privacy and treat what is shared in the space with care and discretion.