The first retreat emerging out of COVID- a collective exhale of relief
This retreat has been nearly two years in the making.
We originally planned this retreat back in November 2019 after Madden’s resort reached out and us if we’d ever considered doing a retreat there.
Up to that point, we’d only ever done retreats at Environmental Learning Centers or Summer Camps. We typically sleep in a twin size bed on the bottom bunk. When we launched Boreal Bliss it was very important to us to offer affordable retreats for normal people like us, this remains a core value. I couldn’t afford to fly to Costa Rica for a yoga retreat, but still wanted a memorable retreat experience. We wanted to provide that same special opportunity to others as well.
Lucky for us, Minnesota is full of magical places and spaces.
After years of hosting retreats at ELCs, which are still our go-to locations that we adore, we decided we’d give a resort with all the amenities a try- live it up! Heck, let’s do a retreat with full-size beds!
When Covid hit I had a 3 week old baby Oslo. Bryana had a six month old baby graham. We began the long process of canceling and rescheduling the retreat for the following year. It was sad, stressful, and the beginning of a long period of disconnection for all of us.
Literally hundreds of emails were exchanged. Madden’s staff were warm, understanding, accommodating, and were in it with us every step of the way. We were fully prepared to accommodate six feet of social distancing and mask wearing. To our immense relief, the end of the mask mandate meant we would not have to spend hours on additional precautions such as taping out spaces for mats six feet apart. And after a year of teaching yoga on zoom and being unable to see what was happening with my students as I walked them through class, it was absolutely thrilling to share space, breath, and energy.
I think for most of us it was the first time we were with other people, indoors, doing FUN things. For me, this marked the beginning of a return to normalcy. It felt like a welcome exhalation and release.
Some people attended with a sister or dear friend they hadn’t spent time with during the pandemic. The overall mood was that of joy, freedom, and relief.
Among our guests were many front-line workers including medical professionals, teachers, mothers, and caregivers. We went in with the intention of offering space for healing. COVID was a time of prolonged stress and trauma. We all needed a reset button.
Friday evening we decided to host class indoors rather than at the beach. With temps in the 90s were thankful for the AC. The first class was lighthearted and grounding, led by Amanda and Bryana.
We enjoyed dinner outdoors as the sun set. A few of us jumped into the lake afterward.
Saturday morning kicked off with a morning meditation on the shores of Gull Lake beneath a large oak tree.
Amanda and Chelsey led an invigorating class on the beach while Joella led a slow flow indoors. This was the first retreat where we had two options for the large classes Saturday. You could opt for a slower, more restorative practice or a more invigorating practice. We loved this format!
The yoga space near the beach has the symbols for water, earth, air, and fire along the back of the yoga space. A loon swam around for most of class and the sounds of a northwoods morning made up our soundtrack for class. Pure bliss.
Saturday we enjoyed two very hearty buffet meals before we headed out on three large pontoons. Not all of us went out on the pontoons, but those of us that did had a great time checking out the sandbar, participating in diving contests into the cool water, and dancing as we cruised the lake. Those that stayed behind enjoyed the spa, resting time, the many water toys and the pools.
A highlight for me was when we were coming back on the pontoons. We passed some of our guests paddling a paddleboat and laughing heartily. Just beyond that group was another group of yogis floating on paddleboards. It was a quintessential Minnesota day. Bryana also enjoyed the giant waterslide and has a very large rug burn on her butt to prove it. Lol!
Saturday evening half the group took a grounding class with Bryana while the other group sweated it out to an invigorating vinyasa with Joella.
Joella sent everyone sailing into outerspace with her sound bowls. That may sound odd, but it makes sense if you’ve participated in one of her sound experiences. It’s unlike anything- vibrating to the core, shifting and releasing emotions in unexpected ways.
Saturday evening we asked our guests to dress up. After 16 months of sweatpants and pajamas, we felt it was time to bust out some clothes from the back of the closet.
It. Was. So. Fun.
I hadn’t seen people dressed up in so long, I forgot how fun it is! We ate in a beautiful dining hall and enjoyed a three course meal.
After dinner we headed out to the beach to enjoy the sunset and a fire on the beach. We kept a safe distance from the bonfire because with temps in the 90s… we didn’t really need the fire. Lol!
Finally, Sunday morning we gathered one last time. We were fortunate enough to use the Pavilion at Madden’s. A dream wedding location, but also wow, a dream yoga location. It was stunning. There was a brisk breeze rustling the trees and cool on our bodies as we moved through practice.
As leaders, we decided to co-teach. I played ukulele and sang as guests entered the space. Then we each taught for about 15 minutes - we enjoying collaborating and “vibe”-ing off of each other to deliver a special class collectively. Joella led us through a sound bowl experience before we closed class for a final time.
It was a truly grounding and refreshing experience. I am thrilled to have a new partnership with Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake and cannot wait to go back next year. Minnesota is a gem. We are so fortunate to have opportunities to swim in clean, cool waters in the summer heat, all to the background of loon calls and frog songs.
I hope that you found whatever brought you to the retreat - peace, healing, cleansing, releasing, a reset.
You deserve it. You are worthy. You are whole. You are resilient.
Until next time friends. Xo
Thank you Sydney Carlino!
Beautiful photography and videography for our weekend yoga retreat was artfully captured by Sydney Carlino of Carlino Creative.
We absolutely adored working with sydney Carlino. We highly recommend collaborating with Sydney as she has a focus on health and wellness small businesses!
Sydney Carlino is a Lifestyle Brand Photographer helping elevate small businesses and brands within who care about people and the planet build a meaningful presence through photography and creative direction.
