Spring Awakening Day Retreat - West Bend, WI

Saturday, April 19th 8am-5pm

Intentionally Outdoors invites you to a day of emergence. After a long winter, we slowly open to spring. Welcoming in a new energetic wave. We will gather at the Sholom House in West Bend, WI. Gwen Ripp, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide will lead a two hour Forest Therapy walk in the woods surrounding the house, where we will connect with the land and the rhythm of Spring. We will then stretch and move our bodies through a 60 minute yoga flow led by Amber Ripp. Next, we will gather to nourish ourselves with an intentional meal thoughtfully prepared by Chef Melanie Manuel. The afternoon is yours to spend reading, journaling, hiking, resting or planting seeds to grow your own calendula flowers. You do not need to have any experience with Forest Therapy or yoga to participate in this retreat. This retreat is open to curious, kind hearted humans. Please note this retreat is for adults aged 18+. 

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature through all five senses. Unlike a hike or exercise, Forest Therapy focuses on nurturing your relationship with nature and yourself, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation. Your guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to encourage mindful interactions with nature. During a guided walk we move at a leisurely pace with opportunities to connect and share with fellow participants.

Potential Health Benefits:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved quality of sleep
• Improved cognitive functioning and creativity 
• Burnout prevention
• Deeper connection with nature
• And more…

Gwen Ripp is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide. Nature and Forest Therapy Guides are not licensed therapists and do not diagnose or treat mental or emotional health conditions. Their role is to facilitate a nature-based experience for personal enrichment and connection.

Please read the cancellation policy and terms and conditions for this retreat here: Terms and Conditions 

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You will arrive at the Shalom House at 8am on Saturday, April 19th. From 8am-8:30am you can enjoy a light breakfast, get settled and meet other retreat participants. From 8:30am-9am there will be guided journaling to set the intention for our day together.

9am-11am Guided Forest Therapy Walk Led by Gwen, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Forest Therapy, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or forest bathing, involves immersing yourself in nature through all five senses. Unlike a hike or exercise, Forest Therapy focuses on nurturing your relationship with nature and yourself, fostering relaxation and rejuvenation. Each session is a sensory experience designed to reconnect you with the natural world and deepen your relationship with yourself. Your guide will lead you through a series of sensory-based invitations designed to encourage mindful interactions with nature. We move at a leisurely pace with opportunities to connect and share with fellow participants. 

After our Forest Therapy walk we will head inside to our yoga session. We will stretch and move together continuing to align with the spring season through intentional movement. This 60 minute vinyasa flow is suitable for all levels and experience with yoga. 

Chef Melanie Manuel will prepare a three course lunch. This lunch is vegan, refined sugar free, refined flour free, and gluten free. We will gather around the table, connect and nourish ourselves. 

The afternoon is yours to spend enjoying the Shalom House. You have the opportunity to rest, read, journal, hike the surrounding woods or even walk the onsite Labyrinth. There will also be opportunities to participate in planting spring seeds to grow at home. Towards the end of our time together we will gather and journal once more, reflecting on the day. The retreat ends at 5pm.