2023 Retreat- Telling Your Story: a Weekend of Yin Yoga, Acupressure, and Journaling

Gain insight into the story of YOU at the 2023 Retreat!  This is a 2 night, 3 day event for yin yoga, acupressure, and journaling.  June 2-4, 2023 at Woolman Sierra Friends in Nevada City CA, guided and lead by KC of AcuYogini

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou

Retreat Theme:

<WELCOMING> You'll be invited into yin yoga poses to welcome your physical body into the space.  Special attention will be given to make all yoga poses adaptable and accessible for all.  You'll be invited into the question: How can you welcome all of yourself into the moment?     

<WISDOM> KC will teach acupressure points that connect your heart to your hands and voice.  These include self-care points to clear the pathway of your heart to express your wisdom.  You'll learn how to hold acupressure points and incorporate them into yin yoga poses  

<GROUNDING> KC will pose journal questions and prompts for you to express yourself through the written word.  Journaling is a way to integrate and process the ideas that arise from a yoga practice.  There will be opportunities to share what you've learned and processed with the group.   

The Telling Your Story Retreat includes: Three  classes taught by KC that include yin yoga, acupressure, and journaling.  These are gentle, restorative classes appropriate for all levels.  You will learn how to hold self-care acupressure points, their benefits, traditional indications for use, and how to incorporate them into yin yoga poses.  Journal exercises are provided at the end of the sessions to integrate your work.  

KC is a Yoga Alliance registered Continuing Education teacher.  Completion of the retreat includes 3 hours continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance for YA teachers.  

What the Telling Your Story Retreat IS: 

*This is a retreat to connect with yourself, meet new people, and rest with mother earth.  

*All daytime classes are held outside on the field.

*Evening classes are held indoors.

*A rustic camp-like vibe, please note there is poison oak and wildlife on the property.

*Catered event with vegan, vegetarian, and meat options.

*Group led events by KC to introduce yourself to new people.

*A time to take care of yourself.

*A full itinerary of events including yoga, hiking, meditation, drumming.

*Relaxing classes taught in an adaptable approach 

What the Telling Your Story IS NOT:

*A personal silent retreat

*A spa like atmosphere

*A dogmatic yogic approach

Guest Teacher classes included in the Retreat:

Kerry Cataline @bowlsonbodies will guide a Sound Bath class

Melissa Domingo will offer a Yoga Nidra session 

Robin Patrick-Mernikie will host a drum class and drum circle 

Online Zoom Prep Class Fri May 26th 5:30 pm PST.  Your Retreat registration includes a zoom acupressure-yin class.  This is a chance to be introduced to the theme of Telling Your Story, and ask any questions you may have about the Retreat.

Retreat Covid Policies:

No refunds, all sales final.  Exceptions for Covid or illness are described below:

It is not required but recommend to test for Covid 24 hours before attending the Retreat.  Masks are optional at the Retreat.  If symptoms, Covid or otherwise, or illness develops 5 days before the Retreat, please do not attend and credit will be given for future AcuYogini events.    

If you develop Covid or other illness at the Retreat, you will be asked to leave the Retreat, and a full credit will be given for future AcuYogini events. 

By signing up for the AcuYogini Retreats, you are automatically subscribing to the AcuYogini newsletter and you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" button.

Accommodations at Woolman are a camp like atmosphere with scenic views of the Sierra Foothills.  Options for accommodations include: 

A-Frame Cabins: These fit 1 or 2 people in single beds.  Cabins include a writing desk, closet, wood burning stove (not to be used), and small deck.  Bathrooms and showers are shared and short walk from cabin.  Please bring your own bedding for this accommodation.  If you plan to purchase double occupancy (2 people in a cabin) you must sign up with a friend.  KC will not be assigning roommates. 

Stone House: This is a large house on the Woolman property that includes bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.  You can take a video tour of the Stone House by CLICKING HERE.  There are 4 bathrooms and 2 showers.  In the Stone House, you can purchase a single room for yourself only, or a double room to share with a friend.  Note, if you plan to share a room, you must have a roommate sign up with you.  KC will not be assigning roommates.  

Commuter: For locals --your retreat price includes all events and meals.

Commuter + Airbnb:  Attending the retreat with a group of friends?  An idea for out of town people - rent the 5 bedroom Arbor House or the 3 bedroom Redwood House on the Woolman campus through Airbnb and purchase the commuter option.  You'll get a large house with kitchens, bathrooms, and your own personal space while attending the retreat!

Sierra Nevada Camp Chef - Chef Martin Bullo and Denay Joy Woodman will provide nutritious healthy meals full of love and flavor.  Sierra Nevada Camp Chef is a local business that has years of experience hosting meals for campers and groups at Woolman.  They work will all your dietary needs to nourish your body, heart, and spirit!  

*If you have dietary requests, please note them on your registration "participant info" page at checkout.  

Please meet at front office for check in to receive directions to your accommodations.  Woolman is located at 13075 Woolman Lane, Nevada City, CA 95959.  and is a short drive from the historic downtown of Grass Valley, CA.    

Meals catered by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef and subject to change- dinner Friday night may include: 

Grilled summer veggies, chimichurri rice, garlic bread, apple kale salad

Beverage – Peach lemonade

Treat – Apple spice cake

KC's classes combine holding acupressure points while in yin yoga poses.   

The opening night session is on the theme of Welcoming.  How can you welcome yourself into the moment.  Learn self care acupressure to connect with your heart.  The session concludes with time for personal reflection in your journal.

The opening welcome class includes time to meet participants and get to know each other!       

Explore the Woolman grounds with KC and Daniel.  Please wear hiking shoes while we travel near the woods!  This is a low impact hike for all levels.  

Meals catered by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef and subject to change- breakfast Saturday morning may include: 

Breakfast – Scrambled eggs, herbed oven potatoes, sautéed greens, toast, fruit, yogurt, locally made granola

Beverage - Coffee, tea, juices

The morning session will focus on the theme of Wisdom.  What are your strengths?  What makes you unique in your story?  What do you have to share? Learn self care acupressure to express your voice while you rest in yin yoga poses.  There will be time to write in journals and partner shares.   

Meals catered by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef and subject to change- lunch Saturday may include:  

Lunch – Panisse with walnut roasted red pepper romesco,

Build-your-own salad bar

Midday Beverage - Iced tea, lemonade

Drum class will be lead by Robin Patrick-Miernicki.  She is a music teacher for kids and their families and has lead groups online and in person.  Here is some info about Robin in her own words:

"I have been drumming for 10 years.

I started with the djembe with a West African drum group, and have expanded into Brazilian drums with an awesome, local samba group. I love how the drum has connected me to so many wonderful people and opportunities. 

I look forward to drumming with you all!"

*Drums and musical instruments will be provided for you to borrow at the Retreat.  You are also welcome to bring your own drum or instrument*  

Meals catered by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef and subject to change- dinner Saturday may include:  

Dinner – Chicken and tofu fajita tacos with flour/corn tortillas, beans, cilantro-lime rice, tomato, corn salsa, lettuce, cheese, cilantro, onion

Beverage – Hibiscus Lemonade

Treat - Brownies

Kerry Cataline will lead a Sound Bath session to complete the day.  This class does not include physical movement.   Kerry's calm voice will guide a  meditation to open to serenity and set the tone for a restorative night's sleep.  Then she will incorporate her singing bowls into the final savasana of the day.  

Message from Kerry Cataline: 

The healing arts through sound and yoga is my life purpose.  I am certified in and studied sound healing with Michele Averard and Nestor Konblum co-founders of the International Association of Sound Therapy and Harmonic Studies at the Dome in Spain. 

I provide individual sound healing treatments and combine yin yoga and the healing connection of Tibetan sound bowls providing a healing environment and an opportunity for the body to heal through sound and yoga.  

I began practicing Bikram yoga in Elk Grove in early 2003 and knew immediately that I would practice for the rest of my life. Yoga is a game changer, healing the body from the inside out while connecting body and mind. I started my practice with the desire to be in good physical health, and found with consistent practice the mental and emotional body also healed and changed, as well as growing spiritually.  I attended teacher trainings in 2015 with 26/2 Bikram method yoga followed by Yin Yoga in February 2016 and Yoga Nidra in September 2016. 

I love practicing and teaching bringing varied benefits to body, mind and spirit with each style.  I found yoga and sound healing provides balance, relieves stress, and creates an opportunity to quiet the mind. When not working, taking or teaching yoga and sound healing, I cherish long walks and hiking in Northern California.

Explore the Woolman grounds with KC and Daniel.  Please wear hiking shoes while we travel near the woods!  This is a low impact hike for all levels.   

Meals catered by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef and subject to change- breakfast Sunday may include:   

Breakfast – Pancakes with Mascarpone cream and berries, scrambled eggs, fruits, yogurt, granola

Beverage – Coffee, tea, juice

The final session  will focus on the theme of Grounding.  What have you learned through your journey?  What will take with you from this time together?  Learn self care acupressure to be centered and rooted and experience the long holds of yin yoga.  

Special time will be set aside in the final class for a Yoga Nidra session with guest teacher: Melissa Domingo

The final session ends with time to journal and share a final word of wisdom from your story.   

Meals catered by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef and subject to change- lunch Sunday may include: 

Lunch – Build-your-own-wraps bar with fresh veggies, hummus, falafels, cheese, greens

Beverage - Iced tea, Lemonade