FLOURISH! Tapping into Global Wisdom for Personal Transformation
A series of day-retreats and classes held at Southwestern University offering an anthropological approach to self-love & self-care drawing from French and other international practices that empower you to reconnect with your feminine energy and offer ways to live your best life! Check out our lineup of FLOURISH retreats & classes below.
FLOURISH! Seasonal CLASSES:
Joan of Arc/ Jeanne d’Arc (City of Rheims in the Champagne)
SPRING (meets once a week for 10 weeks)
START BEING TRULY KIND TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS: MASTERING THE ART OF HEALTHY BOUNDARIES 101 (NOVICE LEVEL)
FALL (meets once a week for 10 weeks)
RECLAIM YOUR DIGNITY & MOVE ON: MASTERING THE ART OF UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS 101 (NOVICE LEVEL)
FLOURISH! DAY RETREATS
LOCATION: Southwestern University (Just north of Austin in Georgetown, Texas)
JANUARY~ BODY, SPIRIT & HEALTH
Year’s Resolutions ~Revive, Thrive, and Come Alive with a French Twist and Japanese Bliss!
Common resolutions related to health, fitness, wellness or mental health tend to fail after a month or two, but what if you knew a different way? During this retreat, you’ll tap into global wisdom and learn to flourish by discovering centuries old cultural keys to greater wellbeing, more happiness and increased serenity. Focus will be on: 1) building a positive relationship with food and movement through French and Japanese practices and philosophies including discovering the value of bringing mindfulness into daily activities; 2) an introduction to techniques that create peace of mind and revitalize your body by getting in touch with a deeper more elusive aspect of yourself through meditation; and 3) a primer on making time so you’ll have room in your life to practice these health, fitness and de-stressing techniques. Yes, you heard us right, Sojo doesn’t believe the French get it right all the time —just most of the time.
CULTURES: JAPANESE & FRENCH!
FEBRUARY~ SELF, HEART & IDENTITY
*EXCLUSIVE: LIMITED SPACE! (RSVP EARLY)
A Signature Scent ~ Fragrance & Feeling: Define Your Identity with Meaning!
The French have long understood that scent, emotion and memory are intertwined and incorporated that into their culture. So, this cultural-wellness retreat invites you to flourish by becoming inducted in the art of fragrance for home & body. Workshops will guide you to 1) find & express your identity, 2) understand how scents interplay with mood and health; and 3) create a signature scent. In France, many women use fragrance as an expression of identity and they come to be known by their scent… one whiff and you think of her! Several generations of women in my family adopted signature scents —Shalimar, Bellodgia… the smell of my grandmother is more moving and evocative than photographs when I miss her. A similar concept applies to French homes where smell lifts (or lowers) mood. The French may spritz linens with lavender to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, or discreetly add a few drops of “Odarome” (a mix of lavender, thyme, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils) to the water after flushing to “cleanse” the air, learn about all this and more!
CULTURE: FRENCH
MARCH~ SELF, HEART, MIND & TRIBE
Find the Camino Within ~ Step by Step: Tapas, Siestas, Relax & Connect!
Join Sojourner Tours Texas for a Women's Wellness Retreat inspired by the timeless lessons of the Camino de Santiago and the relaxed spirit of Spanish culture. This day-long retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect, and reflect on your unique journey. Drawing from the Camino’s focus on human connection, trust, and self-discovery, you'll learn how to embrace each step—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—as part of your path forward. Inspired by the "no pasa nada" attitude, tapas, and the art of siesta, you’ll explore how to let go of stress and distractions, while cultivating presence in your relationships and daily life. In community with other women, you’ll share meaningful conversations and moments of quiet reflection, discovering how to forge your own path—one that honors your values and priorities, rather than following a prescribed route. This retreat offers practical tools for building deeper connections with others and yourself, helping you live with more intention, clarity, and peace.
CULTURE: SPANISH, CATALAN & BASQUE
*EXCLUSIVE: LIMITED SPACE! (RSVP EARLY)
Increase Everyday Joy ~Clear, Create, Elevate: Japanese Calm, French Chic!
Let go of emotionally charged material baggage and learn to create a stylish functional space that reflects your personality and aspirations thus elevating your mood and well-being every day. Architectural space is used differently around the world as a reflection of different cultural values and priorities with American homes tending to prioritize function and comfort. Step into the elegance and beauty you deserve. Learn a Japanese wellness approach for handling clutter, material accumulation and space that will free and inspire you. Work with two interior designers who have mastered the French and Japanese concepts of Simplexité and Wabi-Sabi to turn your home into a fount of wellness, without breaking the bank.
CULTURES: FRENCH & JAPANESE +DASHES OF SWEDISH, SENEGALESE, BRITISH AND MORE!
MAY~ SELF, HEART, MIND & HAPPINESS
In Pursuit of Happiness PART 1 (a four-part series) Flourish Beyond the Surface: Bloom from the Inside Out!
Are you tired of the usual advice on contentment—self-care, self-love, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and healthy relationships—and rolling your eyes because you're too busy to "just sit on a pillow" or "do weird poses in slow-motion" (aka meditation & yoga)? We get it. Sojourner Tours understands the frustration. We’ve been there. It’s easy to dismiss these practices when they feel superficial or unnatural—especially if you haven’t taken the time to dig deeper and understand what’s really going on inside. While creating magical escapes is our business, we know that trips to the French countryside or indulgent meals with friends only offer fleeting joy. True flourishing isn’t found in a destination or quick fix—it’s an inner journey. Start your journey today and discover how to thrive, no matter where life takes you.
CULTURE: GENERAL WELLNESS
Scroll Down for Autumn Texas Day Retreats
SUMMER (May-Septmeber) Check out our week-long retreats in FRANCE!
VOICE (WRITING RETREAT) Unlock Your Story: Spend a Week in Provence with Author Charlotte Gullick ! Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a beginner, or haven’t picked up a pen since graduation—gain clarity on who you are, what shapes you, and discover your unique voice—writing will follow naturally.Ready to explore your true self? Join us in beautiful Provence and start writing the next chapter of your personal journey. Spots are limited—reserve your seat today!
SOUL Feeling lost? Find your way in Provence.
HEART Feeling Heartbroken? Rejected? Abandoned? Eastern France is waiting to welcome you.
As always, PRIVATE CULTURAL TOURS TO DISCOVER FRANCE, for groups of 2-7 people can be scheduled on demand.
SEPTEMBER~ SELF, BODY & SEXUALITY
Être Bien Dans Sa Peau ~ Celebrate Your Body, Unleash Your Sensuality!
French women are often seen as masters of balancing sensuality, confidence, and independence. The French approach to sex and femininity emphasizes the deep connection between a woman and her body, celebrating its natural beauty at every stage of life. Unlike the often critical or unrealistic portrayal of women’s bodies in the United States, where perfection is prized over authenticity, French culture encourages women to embrace their bodies with appreciation and respect. In France, women view their bodies as part of their identity to be nurtured and loved, rather than something to be fixed or altered. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life are approached with acceptance, and aging is seen as a natural process to be welcomed, not feared. In this workshop, we’ll explore how French women come to appreciate and love their bodies, focusing on the unique beauty of each shape, curve, and imperfection. You’ll discover how to reconnect with your body, honor its natural rhythms, and celebrate the sensuality that comes with embracing your true self.
CULTURE: FRENCH
OCTOBER~ SELF, HEART, SPIRIT & RELATIONSHIP W/SELF & OTHERS
From Sugar & Spice to Herbs & Insight ~ Uncover Your Authenticity!
Begin getting back in touch with your emotions, thoughts, and physical needs, and start recognizing when you're straying from your authentic self through culinary herbs and herbal teas. Were you raised to be a “good girl” or told to be a “nice girl”? Your well-intentioned caregivers may have inadvertently taught you to abandon yourself in favor of social acceptance which can leave you feeling: unseen and unheard; possibly resentful and badly treated; or even, lonely in the company of others… Maybe you know how you are feeling inside but are stuffing or ignoring your emotions, desires and needs “for the sake of others.” Or maybe you’ve buried your authentic self and your emotional well-being under so much sugar and spice and everything nice that now you can’t reach it anymore. Herbs are integrated naturally into regular diets in old traditional cultures including that of France. Learn the ancient wisdom of herbs while getting realigned and grounded in your feelings. Take home recipes to keep you mindful of the need to acknowledge suppressed instincts and greater wisdom for what those instincts are signaling in terms of realigning with your true Self. CULTURES: JAPANESE, FRENCH & MORE
NOVEMBER~ BODY, SELF & COMMUNITY
*EXCLUSIVE: LIMITED SPACE! (RSVP EARLY)
From Frazzled to Fabulous ~ French Secrets to Transform Your Holiday!
As the holidays approach, learn how to infuse your American family gatherings with the time-honored French traditions of hospitality and hosting. In France, women are celebrated for their role as gracious hostesses, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for large family meals and gatherings. In America, family gatherings can sometimes become tense, especially when taboo subjects spark debates around the table. While you can't control what others say, you can take inspiration from French culture to create a more pleasant and functional atmosphere. In France, family meals are seen as a time to nourish not only the body but also relationships, and there are several key practices that can help guide the conversation and tone. In this workshop, you’ll discover the art of French table setting, meal presentation, and flower arrangements, along with the cultural significance behind these rituals. By integrating these French practices into your own holiday traditions, you’ll create memorable, meaningful celebrations that nourish both body and soul, and foster deeper connection with those you love. CULTURE: FRENCH