Spring Awakening Day Retreat Recap
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
Hello! If we haven’t met yet, I am Jessica- 200 hour Yoga Teacher, graduate of the first cohort of Boreal Bliss Yoga Teacher Training in 2021.
On April 27, I had the honor and privilege to bring the magic of Boreal Bliss to the Twin Cities for the second time this year! We had a wonderful Spring Awakening Day Retreat, assisted by the talented and amazing Elizabeth Sorensen and Michelle LeBlanc.
We gathered in a beautiful space tucked away in St Louis Park- surrounded by the beauty of the trees and water- a little gem in the city, Westwood Hills Nature Center. Bringing the “of the North” nature immersion vibes down to the Twin Cities.
Some folks gathered early for a short walk led by Michelle- the weather was cool but the rain stayed away (all day thankfully, but we would have gotten out and embraced it even if it rained). All the walkers seemed to have a lovely walk and enjoyed the beautiful grounds.
As we settled in we were treated to Well Rooted Tea (a local and amazing company) to sip on and prepare for the day.
The space was gorgeous and even though it was cozy we enjoyed the view outside the picture windows. We gathered for an opening circle and transitioned to a more upbeat class, led by yours truly, to get us moving and to awaken and refresh our mind and bodies from the more quiet winter season. We got to shake it off and open ourselves to what we are ready for with the Spring and Summer busy seasons ahead. We ended our standing poses with “breath of joy”, which I learned from Bryana last year and absolutely love to do. It is such a fun practice and way to move energy.
We were treated to a delicious and nutritious lunch of a fresh salad with delicious fixings and fruit and the most amazing cookies from Nosh and Gather before heading out for a post-lunch walk in the park.
Some people chose to stay back and relax, while others participated in a lovely meditation and journaling time with Elizabeth.
A group of us ventured out with myself and Michelle on a meditative walk. Thanks to one of our participants we even saw a deer- I mean, she said “Can we at least get a deer or something?” and poof there she was just relaxing and eating and completely unfazed by our group walking by.
We paused on the boardwalk to breathe and to tune into and awaken our senses through a mindfulness exercise.
After we all gathered again Elizabeth and myself assisted the participants to find the balance of
the day with a slower Yin practice: while I guided them into poses that awakened our chakras. Elizabeth played the corresponding crystal sound bowl and then everyone laid down to experience the full magic that Elizabeth brings with her sound bath.
The energy at the closing circle was expressed through our “one word check ins”- words such as “relaxed”, “refreshed”, “grateful”, and “awakened”. These affirmations let us know that the day was a success.
Ultimately, people welcomed the opportunity to step away for the day and notice what it feels like to be in nature with others and to allow themselves some mindful self-care.
I cannot express how grateful I am to have led others in this day and how grateful I am to Elizabeth and Michelle for being my co-guides and as always to Boreal Bliss for allowing me to bring their beautiful business and magic to the Twin Cities.
Deep bows and extreme gratitude- thank you, thank you, thank you!
“Spring will come
with its long light
and lessons
of how we need some seasons
of darkness
in order to bloom.
It will arrive
one morning
and drench everything
anew.”
“What other people think of you, what they say, are burdens no one should carry.
Lift a spoon, a cup, things that fit in your hand.
Carry on a conversation,
pick up a baby.
Listen to the wind when it whispers, nothing else.
There is no one watching you, no one straining to hear what you say.
The present has arrived and you are in it. Your heart is pumping.
Your breath moves in and out of your lungs without anyone’s help or permission.
Let go of everything else.
Let your life, handed to you through no effort of your own, be all the proof you need.
You are loved.”
