2023 Retreat Reflections, Part II
A continuation of my favorite 2023 retreat reflections.
June - Madden’s Resort in Brainerd, MN
There was a giant inflatable obstacle course in the lake in front of our lodging. I’ll admit it was an eyesore, but it proved to be very entertaining. Not only for when I swam out there with Amanda to unsuccessfully flop around and laugh hysterically, but also when a few other grown men attempted it and we could hear their ridiculous commentary during the process.
Another sight I loved on the other side of the resort…. The calm water in the morning, the beautiful sand beach, and Amanda huddled on a picnic blanket with our continuing education yoga teacher group after her morning class. This was our first continuing education credit offering in quite some time, and the experience was fun. To get to know yoga teachers in this way, share knowledge, and learn from one another was wonderful.
My final favorite memory at this retreat…Watching my children grow up together with Amanda’s. Our silly little lumps in side-by-side rooms, we’d open the connecting door and let chaos ensue.
August - Birchwood Wilderness Camp on the edge of the BWCAW
I am obsessed with Birchwood, and it’s very hard to choose my favorite moments. I’m in a complete front-row-moment-continuous-experience while I’m there. Utterly joyful and content.
We had a hilarious towboat ride experiment, yes experiment, with Stryde to and from Canada. We wanted to try something new and bring alum to the Quetico Provincial Park this year. This is Canada’s boundary waters equivalent. I mean… we are so close to it at Birchwood - why not?! We had a blast getting to the Quetico, exploring the differences in how Quetico and BWCAW are managed. We paddled and marveled at the beauty. We also saw otters and indigenous pictographs.
One of my other memories is of Elizabeth, wanting to jump off “the rock” into Romance lake. I get right up there with her… “Alright Elizabeth, here we go!” “Yup, here we go!” “one….two…three….” one plop. I jumped in the water and Elizabeth is still up there.
Next person steps up to jump with her… same result. Then a third… same result. Now I can’t remember if there was a 4th or 5th person or if she jumped in by herself in the end. But I can proudly say that she finally did it! The actual experience, and the dramatic and hilarious re-enactment of the event at the campfire on our last night created wonderful memories.
September - Camp Olson in Longville, MN
I love Camp Olson. A portal to another world…
The lakeside wood-fired sauna, nested right on Little Boy Lake is a highlight for me. I remember sitting in the sauna at night after the campfire. I ran into the lake with Shawna and after dunking in the cold water, we stood there calmly in the water, looking up at the stars. IT WAS UNREAL! I shared with Shawna that I was feeling sad about the end of open water season upon us. I love lakes and swimming. I wanted to remember the feel of the soft sand underneath my toes. The water was cold, but felt so soothing after a hot sauna. Stars above, and sand below. Mmmmmmm… so good.
Another strong memory is the coyotes at night. I went wandering around at dark. The stars again…were…just wow. Everything in camp was quiet. All of a sudden I could hear coyotes in the distance GOING WILD! Yipping, hootin’, and hollerin’! They were having a good ol’ time. I got so excited I was looking around to see if anyone else was outside listening to this?!?! I couldn’t find anyone and reminded myself just to stay present and enjoy the wild moment in peace.
October - Deep Portage in Hackensack, MN
We hadn’t been to Deep Portage in the fall in several years. That was dumb. Lol!
The bright yellow leaves were so striking against dark green spruce trees. The drive to Deep Portage in itself was a gleeful journey of incredible leaves.
Hiking to the top of the lookout tower on Saturday morning at sunrise was a showstopper. The yellows, oranges, and dark greens stretched on for miles and miles.
The hike back down through the forest was just as good, appreciating the fallen leaves scattered across the forest floor.
And it didn’t stop there! In the yoga room, the giant fireplace crackled with fire and the leaves showed off outside the huge picture windows. The most magical place to get to practice yoga.
I felt like I was once again in another world.
2023…thank you.
After reflecting on all of this..wow I feel lucky. I mean I know that I’m lucky to have these experiences and adventures with really cool people… BUT GEEZ!!!
To travel to the coolest places in Minnesota. Meet and re-group with the best people in Minnesota (and beyond). Get to share my love of yoga, meditation, and the outdoors? I mean, no way is this real life.
Thank YOU. Yes you. For your part in my life! I really genuinely am completely floored that I get to do these things.
I mean this with all sincerity when I say… 2024, I’m ready for you! Let’s do this. **celebration dance**
Join us with your own personal reflection practice on January 1st! We will guide you through yoga and journal prompts to reflect and dream. This process is all about identifying your values and what (and who) you’d like to spend more/less time on. More information at: New Year’s Tradition - Virtual Workshop.
