Our fat bodies are navigating a world that often isn’t designed to honor or respect them, and acknowledging that reality is an important step in being gentle with ourselves.
Everywhere we turn, the world sends fatphobic messages about dieting, indulgence, or exercise, and the holidays can intensify the pressure to shrink and control our fat bodies.
Gatherings often carry unspoken—or all-too-loud—expectations about what to eat, what to wear, or how to navigate spaces that aren’t always welcoming. For those navigating queerness, transness, racism, family differences, or disabilities, these pressures often feel magnified. Even well-meaning jokes, comments, or assumptions about food, bodies, or identity can weigh heavily.
All of this unfolds during a season already overflowing with sights and sounds, swirling family dynamics, the weight of social injustice and political tension, bias, and the constant pull of financial and logistical pressures.
A Soft Place to Land offers an intentional pause before the holiday chaos begins
A space for you to breathe, move, create, and connect to yourself and others. Where there is no expectation to hustle, perform, prove, or conform. You only need to show up and allow yourself to be.
Together, we’ll make room for the big feelings — grief, worry, overwhelm, or anything else the season brings — and fill our cups through art, reflection, and gentle practices.
You’ll leave feeling grounded, supported, and empowered, carrying a sense of calm, creativity, and joy to help meet the demands of the winter months.
IMAGINE
You enter a spacious room with large windows, flooded with natural light. Wooden tables are adorned with fresh-cut flowers and lush plants, while soft music plays in the background. Tarot and oracle cards rest on the tables alongside blank pages and vibrant art supplies.
Surrounded by other fat people in comfy clothes, you’re warmly welcomed to settle into armless chairs that allow your hips and belly to soften. You’re free to take up all the space you need, moving at a pace that feels restorative and unrushed.
Gradually, the chaos of the world outside begins to give way to calm.
What you’ll experience…
Begin with a gentle group guided meditation — an invitation to slow down, connect to yourself, and invite self-compassion and belonging in the company of others.
Join in low-pressure, guided conversation designed to move beyond small talk and build genuine, supportive connections.
Explore a playful, process-based art activity (no experience needed) that encourages self-reflection, sparks your creativity, and leaves you with a visual reminder of your experience.
Engage in gentle movement and breathwork designed to reconnect you with your body and release tension.
We’ll end the afternoon with a simple closing ritual to celebrate and set intentions for carrying the wisdom of the day out into your life.
What You’ll Take Away…
A Fat-Positive, Inclusive Space: Feel welcomed, valued, and supported in your body and identities.
Pre-Holiday Calm & Ease: Tools and practices to navigate holiday stress with gentleness and presence.
Reconnect with Joy & Creativity: Playful, judgment-free activities that reignite curiosity and self-expression.
Practical Self-Care Skills: Strategies for nurturing self-compassion, self-love, and the freedom to take up space.
Genuine Connection: Build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging within a supportive community.
Tangible Reminders: Create your own art or keepsake to honor your commitment to joy and care.
Ongoing Inspiration: Printables, affirmations, and prompts to continue cultivating fat joy and resilience at home.
Empowerment & Confidence: Leave with a renewed sense of ease, possibility, and agency in your body and life.
Meet your facilitator…
Chelsea (they/them) is a registered art therapist and educator devoted to cultivating healing spaces grounded in pleasure, community, and creativity.
In every workshop, they invite participants to move, make, and feel, reclaiming joy dimmed by oppression, stress, or external expectations. They believe creativity and joy are not optional; they are acts of survival, radical care, and powerful pathways to healing, self-expression, and collective liberation.
Chelsea supports people one-on-one and in groups to reclaim fuller, more authentic lives beyond the limits society places on them. They also serve on the board of Authentically Fat as Vice Chair!
Accessibility Information: Your comfort matters
Food & COVID Safety
Masks will be provided and are highly encouraged when not actively eating or drinking.
All guests are asked to test for COVID within 24 hours of the retreat. If you are experiencing symptoms or feel unwell, please stay home to protect yourself and the community.
Snacks and tea will be provided, and dietary restrictions will be accommodated — please indicate specific needs at registration.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks; a refrigerator and microwave are available on site.
Accessibility & Comfort
The space is fully ADA accessible, with a ramp.
Gender-inclusive single-stall restrooms.
The agenda is designed with different learning styles in mind and intentionally crafted to provide choices that support neurodivergence (A quiet area is available for breaks or downtime, fidgets will be available, and participation is flexible).
There is ample room to sit on the floor, stand, move around, and limited couch seating if preferred. You’re welcome to bring a yoga mat, cushion, or anything else that would make you feel more supported.
If you need a sign language interpreter, please let me know in advance. I will do my best to help connect you with one so you can fully participate in the retreat.
A Soft Place to Land
Day: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 1:00PM - 5:00PM
The schedule includes frequent breaks and a balance of facilitated and unstructured time.
Location: 2642 University Ave W, St Paul, MN
*Located near Light Rail & Bus Stops
Cost: $95 | early bird 15% off before Nov. 1
Space is limited to maintain an intimate, supportive environment! Act fast to reserve your spot.
A small number of community spots are available for anyone who may benefit from this experience but cannot pay the full fee at this time. I’m also open to trade or barter opportunities. To request a spot or discuss options, please reach out to hello@createbodyjoy.com — I’ll do my best to make space for you!
Venue & Parking Information
Where: Dendros Group, 2642 University Avenue West, Suite 140, Saint Paul, MN 55114
You can use either of the entrances pictured to enter the space. (facing University Ave W).
Parking Information:
There is a small free parking lot that can accommodate 10 cars (pictured) next to the mural of a young boy wearing a red hat. Please reserve these spots for those who may be challenged in navigating to the space due to mobility or disability.
There is a paid parking lot on the Metro Lofts side of the building.
There is free street parking in the neighborhood, such as Curfew St. (just pay attention to any limitations on signs).
More detailed instructions and maps can be found on the Dendros website.
