Join Kristin and Melissa for our third annual Mt. Shasta summer retreat.

Prepare yourself for three nights, four days of joyful and nourishing practices, organic meals and natural beauty, grounded in the mountain energy of beautiful Mt. Shasta.

The Sage Patanjali advises in the Yoga Sutras that the quickest way to enlightenment is to follow these 4 principles-friendliness, compassion, joy and equanimity. Often called the Four Immeasurables, in Buddhist philosophy, these virtues can be cultivated through meditation and "off the mat" practices and is said to remove negative states like ill will, cruelty and jealousy.

Of course, In this world of polarization and division, it is easy to be tugged in one direction or the other, to lose sight of the eternal essence that unites all sentient beings. We are all conditioned to form opinions, tribes and sides.

We invite you to retreat from your newsfeed, your work demands, your family obligations and your daily grind to feed your body and soul with the joy of the natural world. Rediscover the Four Immeasurables through embodied practices.

Tuck in for the night in your cozy cabin or yurt. Wake to the beauty of nature, invigorating morning yoga practice, afternoons spent in the sun dappled butterfly garden, or out exploring some of the most beautiful mountain lakes and hikes on the West Coast of the U.S.

Each day we meet morning and afternoon for yoga, meditation and breathwork, with ample free time to explore all that Mt. Shasta has to offer. Chef Melanie will delight us with three delicious meals daily.

The private retreat center, located on 8 acres within the Mt. Shasta, CA city limits, provides a magical venue for our gathering. The property hosts 3 cozy double occupancy cabins, 3 double occupancy glamping yurts and a 3-bedroom home with full kitchen.  In addition to both an outdoor and indoor yoga space, the beautifully landscaped property highlights native plants, a fire pit and gathering area for star gazing. The town of Mt. Shasta is about an hour and a half drive from Medford, OR or 3 hours 12 minutes' drive from Sacramento CA, the nearest major airports.

Kristin Butler

Kristin has been practicing yoga since 1989. Trained as an instructor in 2011, she has been leading groups since 2021.

Kristin draws from the Kundalini and Hatha lineages and teaches a variety of movement, mantra and pranayama techniques to promote peace and longevity. Movement classes are all levels with a great respect for meeting students where they are.

For more information on her yoga philosophy, explore https://www.sideeffectsyoga.com

Melissa Chureau

Melissa is a certified mindfulness, embodiment, and breathwork coach — and an attorney with more than twenty years in public service law. A dedicated mindfulness practitioner for over twenty-five years, she has spent the past five teaching mindfulness and embodied coaching and four guiding breathwork journeys. Through her platform The Fully Mindful, Melissa weaves together science, presence, and compassion to help others reconnect with themselves and what truly matters.

Chef Melanie Meherin

Melanie is an integrative nutrition health coach and holistic chef passionate about creating vibrant, nourishing meals that engage all the senses. With an intuitive and artful approach to food, she brings creativity, color and care to every dish-transforming each meal into a celebration of flavor, connection and mindful eating.

$1008

$500 deposit upon confirmation, refundable up to April 1, 2026

 remainder to be paid in full by June 15, 2026

Student Waiver Agreement

I _________________________________ understand that participation in yoga includes, but it not limited to , participation in meditation techniques, breathing techniques, and performing various yoga postures.  Yoga incorporates sustained stretching to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.  Yoga is an individual experience.

As is the case of any physical exercise, the risk of injury is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated.  My signature acknowledges I understand that in yoga class I will progress at my own pace.  If I experience any pain or discomfort, I will listen to my body, adjust the posture and ask for support from the teacher.  If at any point I feel overexerted, I will respect my body’s limitations and will rest before continuing.

Yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment.  I affirm that I alone am responsible to decide whether to practice yoga.

By signing my name below, I acknowledge that participation in yoga class exposes me to a possible risk of personal injury.  I am fully aware of this risk.  I hereby consent to receive medical treatment that may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident and/or illness during any yoga class.

I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors and assigns as follows: I (a) irrevocably waive, release and discharge from any and all liability for my death, disability, personal injury, or actions of any kind which hereafter may occur to me, including my travelling to and from yoga class, Kristin Butler and Melissa Chureau who are hosting these classes; and (b) indemnify, hold harmless and agree not to sue Kristin Butler or Melissa Chureau as to any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in the yoga classes.

My signature further acknowledges that I shall not now or at any time in the future bring any legal action against Kristin Butler or Melissa Chureau and that this waiver is binding on me, my heirs, my spouse, my children, my legal representatives, my successors and my assigns.  My signature verifies I am physically fit to participate in yoga classes and am participating at my own risk.

The Student Waiver agreement shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.  I acknowledge that this Student Waiver Agreement form will be used by the persons or entities being released in the yoga class and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities in said classes.

I hereby certify that I have read this document; and, I understand its content

I am aware that this is a release of liability as well as a contract and I sign it of my own free will.

_______________________________________name of student

Thank you for your interest in participating in a guided breathwork session facilitated by Melissa Chureau. This release of liability and informed consent form is designed to ensure that you understand the nature of the practice, potential risks, and your personal responsibility in deciding whether to participate.

Purpose

The purpose of this breathwork session is to support relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness through intentional breathing practices. Breathwork may evoke physical, emotional, or energetic experiences. It is not intended as a substitute for medical or psychological treatment.

Potential Effects

During a breathwork session, you may experience temporary physical or emotional sensations such as tingling, changes in temperature, light-headedness, muscle tension, or emotional release. These sensations are generally considered normal and typically pass within minutes. Participants are encouraged to remain lying down or seated throughout the session and to follow all facilitator instructions.

Risks

Although adverse events are rare in healthy individuals, possible risks include fainting, dizziness, muscle cramps, or emotional distress. Participants with any medical or psychological concerns should consult their healthcare provider prior to participation. If at any point during the session you feel uncomfortable, stop the practice or signal the facilitator.

Contraindications

Breathwork may not be suitable for you if you have any of the following conditions: • Cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure • Aneurysms • Epilepsy or seizure disorders • Glaucoma or significant eye conditions • Osteoporosis • Recent surgery or injury • Severe psychiatric symptoms, especially psychosis, paranoia, or untreated bipolar disorder • Pregnancy • Untreated mental illness or acute emotional or spiritual crisis • Use of heavy medication • Asthma (participants should bring their inhaler and consult with their physician and the facilitator before joining)

This list is not exhaustive. If you have a medical condition not listed here, please consult your physician before participating.

Facilitator Disclaimer

I understand that the facilitator, Melissa Chureau, is not a doctor, psychiatrist, or licensed healthcare provider, and that the activities offered are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any physical, psychological, or emotional condition.

Acknowledgment and Release

I warrant and represent that I am in good health physically, mentally, and emotionally. I understand that if I am not in good health, I should not participate in this activity. I voluntarily choose to participate, fully aware of the potential risks and consequences. I assume full responsibility for any injury or damages that may occur and release facilitator Melissa Chureau from all liability, costs, or damages arising from my participation.

I understand that I may stop participation at any time and that it is my responsibility to listen to my body and seek medical advice if needed. I agree to accept financial responsibility for any costs related to treatment arising from participation.

Safety and Research Reference

A published clinical report involving over 11,000 supervised Holotropic Breathwork sessions in a hospital setting found no reported adverse sequelae, suggesting that when responsibly facilitated, breathwork is generally well tolerated. However, each participant’s experience is unique, and individual responses may vary.

Participant Acknowledgment

By agreeing to the terms and conditions, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this waiver and informed consent, that I have had the opportunity to ask questions, and that I agree to participate voluntarily and at my own risk

5 pm-We gather together for introductions, intention setting, and a short restorative yoga practice

6:30. LIght Dinner

7 am-coffee available

8 am-10 am yoga and meditation

10 am-breakfast

Midday-Hiking/Stand Up Paddle/Explore Mt. Shasta

4:30 pm-yoga nidra

6:30. Dinner 

Post Dinner-Tarot, Games, Journaling

8 am-10 am yoga and meditation

10 am -breakfast

4:30 pm-Conscious Connected Breathwork

6 pm -dinner

8 pm-Yoga Barn Gathering

8-9:30 am-Yoga , Meditation and closing ceremony

9:30-11  am-Breakfast and check out