Being a Dude at a Yoga Retreat

Loon Lake Portraits

With a Boreal Bliss Yoga Retreat, you’re going to find that our getaways are largely attended by women.  We are a proud women-run operation and we work with many empowered, incredible women.

We have had a few brave souls of the male variety come into our circle; either as musicians, guest speakers, or yogis. We have had very positive experiences with the combination of women, men, and non-binary folks alike.  We know our retreats will remain largely women, but we do feel good about opening the space to men too.

In our current era, we know that gender is not binary, but a fluid spectrum from masculine to feminine. Our retreats are a safe space for all people, all ages, all races, all body types- all are welcome here. Our retreats are a space for healing, peace, fun, adventure, community, and connection.

Loon Lake Portraits

Shortly after our creation of Boreal Bliss, we began trying to help men feel more welcomed to attend. We know an open, accepting, soul-seeking, and vulnerable space is very much needed for dudes too.   We know that there are more men out there that want to experience a weekend of introspection, connection, yoga, meditation, stress relief, and outdoor adventure.

Loon Lake Portraits

Specifically we had a small group of men attend one of our retreats solo, and become roommates for the weekend, and we wanted to share their reflections with you:


“It was amazing experience. I enjoyed every single second of it.  Everyone was so welcoming and fun to be around. The environment was so peaceful and I loved it. I encourage people to go out and enjoy this beautiful experience.” - Samuel Hundessa

“There were so many activities: hiking, meditation, bonfires and as much yoga as I could handle. The accommodations were comfortable and just “camp-like” enough to make everyone feel together and welcome. Even the food was great. One thing I’d add as a man at a retreat which was predominantly attended by women I got to experience an environment that was outside of my comfort zone – in the best way possible. There was no sense of competition, giggles were encouraged and affirmations flew at you from every angle. In short,  the retreat was just what I needed to feel good about who I am and stretch out in every known way.” - Kipp Dubow

 

“It was an amazing experience. I had a lot of fun exploring the grounds. I really enjoyed the sound bowls and guided meditation sessions.  Both new to me, I found them to very relaxing and awakening! The yoga classes were filled with folks of all ages and abilities which made me feel right at home as a beginner.  Thank you Boreal Bliss!” - Ryan O’Malley

Most of our retreats offer lodging with small group rooms of 3-4 people, with the exception of a few select venues where guests can reserve a private/semi-private room.  Many people attend our retreats solo and make new connections and friends with their roommates. Of course, people do come with their friends/family as well for an intentional bonding weekend.

In the end, we would like our retreats to continue to be an inviting, safe, and welcoming space. We strive for diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Do you enjoy yoga, good company, and the great outdoors? Join us!

Bryana Cook

Bryana lives in a small, rural, northern Minnesota town called Longville; deep in the woods with her husband, 2 dogs, and cat. They all share a great love of northern Minnesota's woods and waters.

Bryana is a School Social Worker and also operates her own grassroots yoga business: Northern Namaste Yoga.

Bryana loves outdoor adventure, hiking through the trees, swimming in lakes, paddling, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, walking with her dogs, sleeping, reading, journaling, gardening, laughing, and yoga. 

Bryana is a 200 hr Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She teaches fluid vinyasa flow classes and gentle flow classes. Bryana has been practicing yoga for over 13 years: hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, yin. She loves learning. One of the reasons she loves yoga is that the lessons of the practice are endless.

http://www.borealblissyogaretreats.com
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