Luminous & Grounded

08/19/2026

Back-to-School = Busy!

Back-to-school time is historically one of the busiest times in my practice, even more than January's resolution-inspired bookings. Paired with the week I'll be away for the retreat in mid-September, and all of the preparations leading up to it, I want to encourage you to book soon!

Rules of thumb:

Kids are back to school: Time to book!
College Football has kicked off: Oh wait, did I book yet?! Let me do that now.
Enjoying your first pumpkin spiced latte of the season: Oh no, first available is in October. :(

I'd love to see you before the first frost, so click the button below and I'll see you soon!

Retreat Feedback Requested!

Your wish list is important to me! I've lost count of how many times you've all said, "Let me know when the next retreat is. I'd love to come!"

Here's your chance to have a voice (https://forms.gle/9r84FxETavYgQf4b6) -- dates, duration, offerings...
I'd like to hear it all!

Please fill out this brief Google Form (https://forms.gle/9r84FxETavYgQf4b6) so the feedback can percolate as we come into the home stretch of Retreat 2026 and evaluate the whole retreat experience.

ICYMI

My office has moved across the street!

916 W Broad St
Suite 127
Falls Church, VA 22046

The elevator vestibule is under the loading dock canopy as you enter the PO level of the parking garage at Founders Row, when you're coming from Rt 7/Broad St.

Parking is free but it's a little tricky to find the first time. You'll want to watch this brief YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnbiwOPY-pw) video before you arrive and then park in any spot designated for SR & Associates.

If you get totally turned around send me a message. At a minimum I can send you a code for half off retail parking at Founders Row.

Please check out the Google Feedback Form for the

Spring 2027 Women's Retreat! (https://forms.gle/9r84FxETavYgQf4b6)

Planning is already underway. I encourage you to have a voice in the development of this special time together!

See you soon! XO Rachel

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!

08/17/2026

Retreat 2026 is full! But you can have a part in shaping the Spring 2027 Retreat. Hop on over to this Google Form to submit your requests: https://forms.gle/9r84FxETavYgQf4b6

08/16/2026

Photos and directions to

help you find your way

Welcome to my new office! It's a modest little space, located directly across the street from my old office. If you've ever noticed the matcha and the ramen places from your parking space, let your eyes wander down to RH Bistro, and right above there on the second floor is where you'll find me.

916 W Broad St.
Suite 127
Falls Church, VA 22046

What about parking?

Parking is relatively easy, and free, but might feel a little clunky the first time. My landlords (S.R. Associates) have shared a video they made (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnbiwOPY-pw) to direct clients to our allocated free parking at Founders Row. Please save this newsletter (or this link) to watch before your next in-person appointment.

Receiving

I have a cute little story to relay about this office. I almost didn't take it because there was no window. Was no window. Sometimes all it takes is a mild expression of concern and a willingness to receive the generosity of a stranger.

"You want a window? We'll give you a window."

Healthy brains need daylight. Some of the plant babies will be moving here too, in favor of this more indirect light. This is your gentle reminder to ask for the things you need -- and not be shy about receiving them! There's nothing unreasonable about advocating for the things that improve our wellbeing!

One Last Announcement

The retreat is full!
(Happy Dance)

Booking is closed for the September 2026 retreat in Lake Anna. The beds are assigned, the menu is set, and it's time to order the headsets for the silent disco.

Interested in future retreats?

Please fill out this Google Doc (https://forms.gle/kj6CkMWY8oMrx7967) and I'll be in touch as soon as the next retreat is ready to launch. Your feedback is incredibly valuable as we make plans for 2027 and beyond. Thank you!

This also saves those who aren't interested in retreats from an onslaught of promotional emails in the future, so we all appreciate you doing your part by filling out the form if you ARE interested. XO

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!

08/10/2026

Your Emotionally Intelligent

Camp Director
Reporting for Duty!

We're down to the last 2 weeks to book your reservation at the retreat!

On the fence? Take a look at
10 Ways this Retreat is like Adult Summer Camp (https://www.instagram.com/p/DblLkPPAoBQ/)
and see if you don’t go from “Hmm, maybe…” to
“Okay, I’m in. This is exactly what I need.” 😎
(I double dog dare you!)

Is there anything that says zest for life more than squeezing every ounce of juice out of the last 4 days of summer? Luxury lakeside accommodations, lazy days bobbing on the dock, swinging in the hammock, and intentional time to feel as free as your 8-year-old self.

Now with the option to arrive:

September 16th
8-10pm
at no extra cost

That's one more night in the house on the house.
Sleep in and stumble up to a breakfast spread fit for a queen.
Because you deserve it!

P.S. I've made some minor changes to the Retreat 2026: Permission to Exhale website (https://luminousandgrounded.thrivecart.com/permissiontoexhale/) . The most significant is that there's now a straightforward pricing option if you would like a suite to yourself:

$500 adder for kings
$400 adder for queens

8 spots left and booking closes in 2 weeks.
The time to act is now!

10 Reasons this is Basically Adult Summer Camp

#1: The Cabin
No alarm clocks or squeaky bunk beds. No two-minute cold showers. Wake up in luxury with panoramic lake views from your king ensuite.

#2: Lakeside Fun
Soak up the last days of summer on your own private beach - float, paddle and splash your way to serenity.

#3: The Talent Show
Instead of awkward skits we're having a dopamine dress silent disco under the stars. Wear what makes you happy, no dance experience necessary.

#4: The Dining Commons
Responsibility melts away with a personal chef planning, cooking and cleaning all the dishes for 10 straight meals. Nourishing in every way. And allergy-friendly, too.

#5: The Camp Fire
The best part of camp was the people you stayed up talking to -- and honestly the s'mores. We're bring that magic back.

#6: A Counselor with Better Tools
Bioresonance, Ionic Foot Baths, Acupuncture, Red Light Therapy, Emotion Code... these are your Excursions. All included.

#7: Arts & Crafts
Creating something beautiful both as a group and individually with the guidance of our in-house Art Director. Equal parts creative outlet and movement meditation.

#8: Quiet Time
Trading mandatory quiet time for a sound bath, naps, reading on the dock, and finding a little nook to call your own.

#9: Not-So-Extreme Sports
Sorry, no high ropes course here. This weekend is all about gentle movement and embodying your body.

#10: You Leave Different
Camp gave you memories. This gives you memories and a calmer nervous system, new friendships and permission to take up space again.

Have questions? Just hit reply.

The New Luminous & Grounded Office

aka My Goldilocks Era

A lot has changed since I started drafting this update less than a week ago.
I'm happy to report that I'm not just sparing my virtual clients from a clear-as-mud email about where to find me depending on the day, but I'm sparing everyone.

Because... drumroll... I have a new office!

It didn't take me long to Goldilocks my way through the City of Falls Church in search of the office space that's just right. This is as much a surprise to me as it is to you, but sometimes you just get lucky (which fortuitously is the name of the realtor I'm signing a lease with later today)!

So while it's a bit premature to change my website and Google and Square and all the things, I think it's safe to say I'll be doing just that sometime tomorrow. Rest assured that my new office is so incredibly close to my old office that your travel time will not increase whatsoever, and instead of all those steep stairs, this space actually has an elevator.

Stay tuned. Update arriving in your inbox later this week!

And yes, this means if you have an appointment as early Thursday, I will have a new address and parking instructions for you. :)

See you soon! ~R

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!

08/09/2026

So far, we have 9 confirmed + 6 maybes/probables! Just a couple more weeks to sign up, so grab the room that’s calling to you. 😊 🫶

Checkout page for Retreat 2026: Permission to Exhale.

08/09/2026

10 Reasons this is Basically Adult Summer Camp

07/13/2026

An Object at Rest Stays at Rest

Just a little Newtonian Physics to start your week. After practicing a solid two weeks of the rest part post-surgery, I've barely stopped moving ever since. In case you hadn't heard...

RIP 103 Rowell Court
You were a good office the last 4 years!

This summer has been like a 2021 déjà vu for me.

First it was surgery, now it's a big office move. We had 4 people on our office lease and I was the only one interested in renewing, so unfortunately that meant bye-bye 103 Rowell Ct.

I don't have an official update on what comes next, but we'll have that soon. It's likely to take the form of a part-time sublease along with a lovely new co-working space, all walkable from Rowell Ct.

For now, if you have an in-person appointment in July, we'll be at my home office near Marshall High School, and you'll be getting an email with the exact address. Milo's loving making a bunch of new friends! And if you're not a huge dog fan, no worries. He's crate trained.

He's also learning that tennis balls do NOT go in the foot bath! 😬🙈

Fill Your Cup Before You Go

All the retreat details are snapping into place. That means the welcome bags are being carefully curated and I've got something special for anyone who books their room this week. (https://luminousandgrounded.thrivecart.com/permissiontoexhale/) For those of you who came to Luminous & Grounded thinking I was a coffee company (honest mistake 😆), get that much closer to feeling luminous and grounded with your morning cuppa.

While I don't like the idea of "rushing to relax," rooms are filling up, so best not to delay. We have two kings, one queen and two singles available. This getaway is happening in 8 weeks - so it's time to ask your mom to watch your kids if you haven't already!

As one attendee said when we went over the agenda, "I didn't know this was going to be so fun!" Yes, I've been touting the restoration part, but there will be so many activities that make you wonder why Adult Summer Camp isn't more of a thing.

Here's a sampling of what I've been up to:

✨Collaborating on themed dinners with Chef Amber
✨Ordering headsets for the silent disco
✨Casually shopping for my dopamine dress disco ensemble -- and being totally indecisive 💃🏼
✨Spotify playlists for all the things
✨Booking the pontoon boats (and taking an online boater safety course!)
✨Purchasing prizes for our Synchronicity Scavenger Hunt aka Wellness BINGO
✨Trying recipes for our daily mocktail hours
✨Hiring a photographer for the highlights (and making sure all of the attendees get all the photos!)

Don't get FOMO. We'll see you there!

One more awesome thing...

While it usually takes about 90 min, sometimes it can take almost 2 hrs to travel from DC to Lake Anna. Therefore I've decided to open up the retreat for arrival on Wednesday night September 16th at no extra cost to attendees.

Arrive between 8-10pm on Wednesday, sleep in, and enjoy the breakfast buffet at 9am. Be there rested and ready to receive when the formal programming starts at 10:30am on the 17th.

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!

05/26/2026

This and other retreat questions!

Happy Unofficial Start to Summer! I was able to escape the rainy DC weather for a few days and lounge in the Carolina sun. Not without a few sprinkles, though. Which turned into an impromptu opportunity to button up some retreat details. (And engage in some fierce female friendship novels -- The Five-Star Weekend and A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery!) 🥳

The Pause Before the Exhale (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82399180288?pwd=TNDgVC4DMe50fFqyIuLCaJwg1WeObc.1)

Online Open House Q&A
for all of your retreat curiosities

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
8pm EST on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82399180288?pwd=TNDgVC4DMe50fFqyIuLCaJwg1WeObc.1)

The excitement is building! You still have questions!

Welcome bags are well on their way (journaling supplies, allergy-friendly unscented bath products -- and earplugs). But even more exciting: The Dopamine Dress Disco is ready for its debut! This means the playlist is set, fiberoptic wands are ordered and yes, feather boas are on their way to my house!

What is a Dopamine Dress Disco, you might ask?

This one will be a sensory-friendly silent disco. Everyone will get a headset while the DJ (me?) encourages very basic instruction. Because you can't hear the people around you that also means you can sing at the top of your lungs and no one will cringe!

Creating a dopamine aesthetic:

My favorite way to explain this... remember when we used to have Clash Day during Homecoming Week? And have you ever been to a Derby Party? It's like those two events got married and had a baby!

Think high vibe! You want to dress in your most colorful, awe-inspiring, flowy, tactile attire. Fabrics: think tulle, sequins, sparkle silky, linen-soft... anything that makes you feel pure joy. And don't forget the accessories. The bigger and bolder, the better!

We spend so much time in this space releasing negative emotions, let's not forget to usher in the more desirable feelings!

Join in the fun of the Dopamine Dress Disco -- the cherry on top of a deeply relaxing, restorative and fun 4-day weekend where we receive, refuel and put ourselves first!

Still have questions? Jump on the Zoom call Wednesday evening. All of our retreat-curious guests are welcome + our current attendees and facilitators!

The Pause Before the Exhale
Online Open House Q&A

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
8pm EST on Zoom

Medical Leave Update

Things appear to be on track for my surgery on June 2nd. And I get to be my surgeon's first patient to try a new non-opioid Rx for post-operative pain. So that's exciting!

You won't see much available on the calendar until June 15th. Requests for photo proxy sessions are available in the meantime, as well as requests to be on the cancellation list. Recovery seems to be somewhere in the range of one to two+ weeks, so I'll be in touch once I have a better grasp!

Thank you for all of the well-wishes! I hope to see many of you tomorrow night for the Retreat Q&A. There are 12 spots left in this deeply encouraging and friendly micro-community. Plus let's not forget... 10 meals in a row that you don't have to cook yourself! XO ~R

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!

05/13/2026

Now is the time to book!

May 30th is sneaking up on us, and that's the last day I'll be seeing clients before I'm on medical leave for a couple of weeks. If you don't see an appointment time that works with your calendar, please contact me about scheduling a photo proxy session. I tend to do those early in the morning or later in the evening, outside of normal business hours and will try my best to accommodate you!

The return to business as usual will be a slow rollout that looks something like this:

Week of June 15th:

✨2-3 appointments available per day
✨Bioresonance at my home office
✨Emotion Code and Body Code via Zoom or photo proxy
✨No foot baths

Week of June 22nd:

✨4-6 appointments available per day
✨Bioresonance at my home office
✨Emotion Code and Body Code in-person + Zoom or photo proxy
✨No foot baths

My calendar availability reflects this, so feel free to book for June, too. :)

After that we have the office move happening June 30th, but more about that when it gets closer!

Considering the Retreat?

Attend The Pause Before the Exhale

Online Open House Q&A
for all your retreat curiosities.

May 27, 2026
8pm EST on Zoom

Ready to Book?

Already know you're in and just craving community? Please join us on the 27th!

Current registrants and I-keep-meaning-to-register-I'll-do-it-now folks are encouraged to join the Q&A, too.
It's never too early to get excited!

(Have I mentioned the Dopamine Dress Disco??)

Join us for the big exhale and the most nurturing 4 days you can recall!

xo Rachel

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!

05/04/2026

The Irony of Rushing to Relax

August 10th will be here before we know it.
That's the last day to sign up.

Retreat 2026: Permission to Exhale (https://luminousandgrounded.thrivecart.com/permissiontoexhale)

Commit and coast.
Fix and forget.
Nurture your nervous system like never before.
September 17th-20th in Lake Anna, VA

Click for all the details:

Have Questions related to the retreat?

Attend The Pause Before the Exhale
Online Open House
Q&A for all your retreat curiosities

Save the Date
May 27, 2026
8pm EST on Zoom

See you soon!

~Rachel~

Click here for an update from Rachel Abbett, NTP!