This blog was lovingly written by our friend and author Colombe Anderson.

In January I received an email from Bryana and Amanda asking if Jessica, Nadia, and I would be willing to not only teach at the upcoming retreat, but to lead the retreat. They were adjusting plans on the fly due to their growing families and Joella unable to fly back from North Carolina.

To say I was over the moon and excited would be an understatement.

After reading the email five times to make sure I understood I held a dance party, party of one!

And then, the planning began. Multiple zoom meetings, emails, texts, and readings to come up with what we hoped would be an amazing plan for the weekend.

Before we knew it the weekend was here!

Day 1: As I packed up the car with all my stuff it was hard to control my nerves and excitement.

I couldn’t believe it was finally time. On the 2.5 hr drive I listened to music to calm myself. Once I arrived I felt good and ready for the weekend to begin. Nadia, Jessica, and I met with Bryana and then worked together to get everything set up and looking nice for our guests to arrive. Check ins went well, and the minor hiccups were handled smoothly.

Dinner was filled with talking, laughter and beautiful food.

At the opening circle we channeled our inner Amanda and did a little dancing. We journaled about our hopes and fears for the weekend and shared what color we were feeling.

Jessica grounded us with a calming root chakra flow and we were lulled to sleep with sound bowls and Yoga Nidra and closed the door on day one. I was filled with happiness and overjoyed with the love I felt.

And, it didn’t hurt that no one went running wanting their money back!!

Day 2: I woke up early and built fires in the great hall and dining hall, then began preparing myself for my first class.

After my Sacral/Solar Plexus flow I felt confident and like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I was soaking up the gratitude for being able to share this beautiful gift. I went back to my room wondering how I could forever make this a part of my life. As I sat down to journal, I was shaking as if my body had kept all the nerves locked up tight and now that I had taught my first class they could finally be released.

Nadia moved and challenged us in beautiful ways most of us usually don’t. She showed us that we are stronger and more capable than we ever thought.

I spent the afternoon watching the lovely yogis learn to conquer something new, from rock climbing to skiing. They cheered each other on with such love and encouragement.

My plans for making it to Nadia’s heart and throat chakra flow changed as I did what we tell our guests to do: I listened to my body and my body said you need a nap. I woke up refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.

Jess brought us down, allowing us to be gentle and give our bodies the much needed love they deserve.

I was so honored to lead the group in journaling Saturday evening. What beautiful writers we had among us. My body was filled with happy tears at their honest and lovely words.

Day 3: I woke up early again to build fires and run myself through a short flow before leading the group in meditation.

I felt nervous in a new way leading meditation hoping my words would be good enough. But once I started it felt so natural; it felt right.

Our closing Asana flowed nicely together combining all of our teaching styles together in harmony, ending with a full body chakra scan and crown chakra sound bowl.

During our final circle we had amazing haikus filled with love and laughter. Everyone's final word check in moved me to tears.

I leave this retreat humbled and filled with love and acceptance.

There are no words to express my feelings of gratitude and joy that I have toward Bryana and Amanda along with the amazing humans for trusting me to be a part of this weekend in such a significant way. It is and was the greatest honor.

I want to thank Jessica and Nadia for going on this journey with me.

My heart is full and the only word I can think of is blessed.

A brief word from Amanda

Truly I am so proud of all three of these women for stepping up to the plate and hosting a retreat for Boreal Bliss for the first time! While it is difficult to let go of control, both Bryana and I had full trust and confidence in these three to create a beautiful, healing, relaxing, and joyful weekend. We are so proud to see the way all three of these women have grown and blossomed as leaders and yoga instructors. We look forward to what the future holds for Boreal Bliss and the many loving, thoughtful and talented women we are fortunate enough to be on this journey with!

**THANK YOU Nadia, Jessica, and Colombe!**

Summer Retreats Update

This summer we’re headed back to Madden’s Resort June 3-5th for another Luxurious Lake Life Retreat Experience, complete with a full spa, catered meals, a pontoon cruise, and of course- a smorgasborg of yoga options!

Learn more about that retreat here.

There are only a handful of rooms remaining, scoop yours up! We also have 7 remaining openings for yogis interested in bringing their beloved pooch with them! Email us after purchasing your ticket so we can get you in the dog-friendly cabins.

Our Adventure Awaits Retreat is sold out with waitlists available.

More info on fall retreats will be coming in April. <3

Wildly Aligned Recap!