Scenes from the 2020 Inspire and Restore Retreat!

We had another amazing retreat in Vermont this past week and I wanted to share some of it with you today! I’m always amazed at how our small group comes together for these retreats. Some of the faces are familiar, some of them are new, but we all feel like we’ve known each other forever by the end. It’s really wonderful!

We had the barn to ourselves for the full time this year so we got to do our first practice in the space we think of as “ours”.

We spent most of the time we were there with these beautiful misty views and light snowfall.

Each year we make a collective altar that everyone contributes some small object or two to creating. It holds our intentions and reminds us of what we’ve come to do throughout our time together. It’s always beautiful and so very special. The stories behind each object are often quite moving.

The morning practice this year was very “workshop” like, focusing on moving pelvis and spine together for safe and healthy twisting and finding our personal alignment in standing postures. We always work hard but have fun too!

We always have a little gift for all our participants and this year my Mom and I created a special little handmade book for everyone that had info on our schedule, mantras and space for journaling. All the decorations on the front and back were made by my Mom on a tight schedule, which I very much appreciated and so did everyone else!

Restorative yoga with Heather in the evenings is always such a welcome end to the day! Her loving touch and soothing voice is absolutely a favorite with everyone. We hope to have her to the studio sometime soon so more of you can experience what she has to offer.

Before we know it, it’s time for one last practice and then we all head home. But we do our best to remember that the connections we’ve made do not go away when we go back to our daily lives.

We are already looking forward to next year!

Save the dates! January 24-27, 2021!

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Scenes from Inspire & Restore 2019!

Just thought I’d share some of what happened on our Inspire & Restore Retreat this year today!

Heather and I arrived with a VERY FULL car in a gently falling snow! Heather demonstrated just how full:

Last year there was no snow, this year there was plenty!

Our first practice in the South Lobby was a wonderful way to shake off the travel and begin our time together:

Heather started the real love fest off with some gentle assists during Shavasana our first night:

Angel cards gave us all a little message for our time together. This one was mine:

Sunrise the next morning was stunning on the freshly fallen snow:

The view from our practice space never ceases to amaze:

Everyone’s items placed on our group altar for the retreat:

I was very grateful for the loan of some snowshoes while we were there so I could try them out. It was cold but an amazing day to get outside for a bit:

Someone caught me taking pictures while I was out there. You can tell it’s me because of all the BLUE!:

Everyone worked hard during our morning vinyasa practices with me:

And were ready to rest well during the evening restorative sessions with Heather:

The outdoor hot tub is always a highlight for me, even if the walk to and from is a little bracing!

The food was amazing this year! Couldn’t resist a picture of this Maple Creme brûlée!

We already can’t wait for next year! Save the dates! January 26th-29th, 2020!

Ram Dass Retreat!

I started announcing this last week, but tomorrow I’m flying to Maui to check something off my bucket list (yes I’m only 39 but I don’t think it’s ever too early to have a bucket list!). I’m going to spend some time in the same room as Ram Dass. 

Ram Dass

If you’ve never heard that name you’re not alone. But Ram Dass was instrumental in bringing yogic thought and philosophy to the West. His 1960s book “Be Here Now” is considered one of the first major texts to bring yogic philosophy and thought to the west. I read his book after finishing my first teacher training and it was certainly life changing.

I’ve listened to talks of his for years. I’ve read several of his other books (one I like quite a bit is the “Journey of Awakening” which is available for purchase in our boutique at the studio). I’ve read posts on his website. I’ve watched movies. There’s something about his energy that I find captivating. The way his mind works with information. The way he makes things clear while still being down to earth. His honesty. And his generosity of spirt in making it possible for us to know his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. It was through him, to some degree, that I was introduced to the Kirtan and teaching of Krishna Das. His path has opened up a path for me in a way I am so grateful for.

There’s so much in his teaching that I hope to embody. The clarity, the honesty, the generosity, the “smartness” if you will! To be able to spend some time in the same room with him is a blessing I can’t even begin to imagine at the moment. I still can’t believe this is really happening!

And I have you to thank. My trip wouldn’t be possible without our community of practitioners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to bring back some juicy stuff for you!

They are live streaming some of the workshops this weekend. If you’d like to follow along, check out this link:

https://www.ramdass.org/trust

I think it’s going to be an amazing set of workshops and teachings.

I'll try and post some things here and on Instagram when I can.

I’ll see you tonight for class. Much love to you all!