Luxurious Lake Life Yoga Retreat Recap!
“I am straight up addicted to coffee creamer right now,” Merrill told me while we watched the last sunlight disappear on the horizon. Not coffee, coffee creamer. We burst into laughter on our little porch overlooking Gull Lake.
The last quality time I had with my cousin Merrill was on the edge of the Boundary Waters at the Adventure Awaits retreat last August.
This is the gift of retreat. Quality time with the ones we love, friends old and new.
When thinking of healing, I think often we think of tears, sitting in a therapist's office, and deep soul work. While healing can and does look like those things, one thing I’m softly realizing is that healing also looks like belly laughter, swimming in the lake, and living in the present moment and remembering who we are and who we want to be. For me, Madden's retreat is just that- a time and space to practice self-care and rest so that we can feel restored and whole in who we are.
As you all know, this is currently the only retreat we offer that’s on the luxurious end of the spectrum (air conditioning, queen mattresses, plush pillows, etc). We used to have Maplelag as well, but after the tragic fire there last fall, we haven’t yet found another luxurious location (we’re open to suggestions!) We love a new, exciting adventure.
For many retreaters, this was now the third year back at Madden’s. The comfort of tradition has crept in. I love that I now know the sprawling grounds by heart. I look forward to my fancy coffee first thing in the morning, a scoop of ice cream later in the day, watching the sunset over Wilson Bay, and swimming and playing on the obstacle course. As someone who typically never drives a golf cart, I think driving the golf cart is possibly my favorite part of this retreat! This year, my whole family joined me and my son Oslo was in heaven. He couldn't get over the giant adirondack- so sweet.
In the explorations track, Merrill and I enjoyed planning a theme for each of our classes so that you’d enjoy the full gamut of asana, from Toppling Tree and Big Toe Pose to Hovering Bird and Legs-up-the-wall. Our class Friday evening focused on heart openers to help us feel open to receiving the weekend. We closed class with sound bowls and a glorious meal in the Pavilion.
Heart openers expand our rib cage, stretch our shoulder blades, assist in spinal extension, and improve our posture. I think heart openers provide a nice counter to our hunched-over-the-phone posture.
Saturday we entered a marathon of yoga. Bryana greeted the sunrise with a sweet meditation practice on the beach. Three rounds of meditation challenged attendees to meditate for a full hour- a challenge to the mind and body. Meditation was a focus of continuing ed for this retreat and we also enjoyed strengthening our personal meditation practice.
Next up, Amanda and Bryana both led a class that explored Dancer’s Pose on the beach. Amanda’s class tapped into an energetic flow, while Bryana’s class cultivated a calm and steady flow. We explored Dancer’s pose in supine position, from table top in a baby Dancer, and finally in the full expression of the posture.
Another focus of our continuing ed was in creative sequencing. We discussed how it can be fun to pick a pose a focus for class, then explore turning the posture on its side, on its back, even upside down! When we explore a challenging balance posture in supine position, like Dancer’s or Tree Pose, we can experience the full benefits of the posture without the challenge of balance. This can improve our ability to get into the posture with the appropriate foundations, as well as provide an alternate way to get into the posture if the standing expression is not available to us.
Stacy led the group through an inviting morning flow. Stacy’s gentle, lighthearted, and joyful approach to yoga is the perfect way to start a Saturday. She knows how to relax you, and make you laugh in the best way possible.
Then, Merrill led us through a mandala flow. This challenging and complex sequence took us all the way around our mats several times. Somehow, time disappeared and I was able to follow Merrill’s voice through the entire flow with ease!
Phew, a full morning indeed!
In the afternoon it was a joy to see all of you enjoy the resort in your own way. From paddleboarding and the obstacle course to the pontoon ride and the saltwater pool, we soaked up the sunshine and the start of summer with ease.
Also in the afternoon, some folks opted for…you guessed it… more yoga!
Tracy led a soothing afternoon class with encouragement to use props and customize. We started by drawing “I am” statement cards that brought a positive mental focus to the class. Tracy slowly led the group from seated postures to, to supine, a short warrior standing series, and then to our backs for a delicious supine ending. A great way to relax midday.
Merrill led another energizing flow. This class focused on big toe pose. She led everyone how to get into big toe pose in fun, accessible, and funky ways. A playful, yet encouraging class for all.
We were so fortunate to have this outstanding crew to help us lead a memorable retreat. Thank you Merrill, Tracy, and Stacy for your talents, humor, and spirit!!!
Saturday evening folks had the choice of a soothing, restorative class with soundbowls and yoga nidra with Bryana, or a challenging “funky swinging pivot flow” with Amanda. About 10% of the guests joined me for the physical and mental challenge of the swinging pivot flow, while 90% of guests relaxed with Bryana. I think nearly 100% of us were a little pink from sunshine and high temps!
We enjoyed another delicious meal Saturday evening. It was a bit too hot for a bonfire, but that didn’t stop us all from having a good time! We enjoyed the gorgeous sunset down by Wilson Bay beach.
We closed our retreat weekend on Sunday morning. Both tracks enjoyed their final class in the beautiful open air of the pavilion.
Merrill and Amanda led a flow focusing on twisting, crossing the midline, and engaging both sides of the brain. In our closing circle many of you shared lovely haikus that captured the beauty and simplicity of the weekend. The theme for our group became the poem Joy by Donna Ashworth. I’ve been carrying the sweetness of that poem with me since the retreat and have included it below as well.
Stacy and Bryana led a gentle flow focused on slowly working the kinks out of all areas of the body. Gratitude for our bodies, and our sense of adventure that brought us all in the space for a summer weekend together. It felt like the perfect kick off to a MN summer. The loons called in the distance as we finished our supine series of poses. They seemed to be telling us, “summer is here!” In our closing circle many shared haikus and type B fun that happened over the weekend. Type B fun is when things don’t go as planned but leaves a lasting (usually ultimately funny) memory. The inflatable obstacle course and pontoon ride seemed to set the stage for a lot of type B memories!
