Well Within: A Women’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Sonoma County, CA, United States

EM
Elizabeth McKinley
  • Email address verified
10 reviews
Oct 11 - 14, 2018
Group size: 1 - 14
Well Within: A Women’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat
Sonoma County, CA, United States

Elizabeth McKinley
  • Email address verified
10 reviews

Oct 11 - 14, 2018
Group size: 1 - 14

About this trip

This fall, join a community of empowered women and connect with the abundance of your true self. During four days and three nights together in our private Forestville venue, we will explore how we nourish our bodies, our spirits, our communities. We will explore what makes us feel well, alive, vibrant. We will restore our internal reserves and nourish the well within for the season ahead. 


Each day will begin with hatha flow yoga and guided meditation led by Elizabeth. Afternoons will offer space for solo time, hiking, swimming, receiving massage, or connecting with other women, which will segue into practices of therapeutic and yin yoga to support openness and receptivity. Minna Sivola of Harmiaalto will be soothing us with sound bath, which is a deeply nourishing experience that allows for intense relaxation and insight. Evenings will find us winding down with group ritual, fire circle, or meditation. Drift to sleep in a comfortable room in the beautiful renovated farmhouse after a soak in the hot tub or some stargazing. As we align with the rhythm of nature, our yoga will make way for inner clarity.


All of the yoga and meditation will be fueled by love-infused meals prepared by Rachael Gorgestani, founder of The Cupboard, who emphasizes pure, healthy ingredients in her delicious, nutritionally rich meals. Our organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals will be accommodated to support special dietary needs. Rachael will also lead us through a cooking class, offering recipes for supporting seasonal health. The relationship between body and energetic vitality emphasized in our yoga practices will be highlighted through the effects of mindfully eating high quality food. 


The retreat venue holds spaciousness and beauty, and just 60 miles north of the Bay Area, it boasts nearly 100 acres of private forrest and a hiking path that meanders through the trees and across the creek. And dear women, we will have the space all to ourselves! The renovated farmhouse provides welcoming lodging, or if you’re feeling more rustic, enjoy the option to camp. With a prime location in world famous wine country, Sonoma County holds plenty of fun for free time: enjoy the Russian River, mountain biking, redwood hikes, wine tasting, and more.


This fall, connect with your inner truth, your well within, your reserves of energy as we move towards shorter days and longer nights. Find your place among a group of radiant women and honor your well within.

What’s included

+ daily hatha flow yoga with Elizabeth McKinley


+ daily therapeutic or yin yoga with Elizabeth


+ daily guided meditations


+ daily group sound healing sessions


+ group ritual and subtle energy practices


+ organic, vegetarian, gluten free, seasonal meals and snacks by Rachael Gorjestani 


+ nutrition/cooking workshop


+ three nights of beautiful and spacious lodging


+ use of the pool and hot tub


+ use of the hiking trail

Not included

+ transportation to and from retreat center


+ optional massage (additional cost)

Getting There

The exact location of the venue will be sent once you've registered. Forestville is just 60 miles north of the Bay Area. If you're flying to join us, either SFO or OAK are great choices; they are equidistant from the venue. Carpooling is an option that can be arranged once you register. 

Before You Go

The retreat will begin at 5:00pm on Thursday, October 11th and end at 11:00am on Sunday, October 14th.


Cancellation policy: I am honored to have you join this special retreat. If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, I want to work with you. If canceling before September 10th, 2018, a refund will be granted less the $500 non-refundable deposit. After September 10th, no refund will be granted. Payment is due in full by September 10th, 2018. If not paid in full by September 10th, your placement may be forfeited. 

Available Packages

Camping - Early Bird

Secure your spot under the stars! Bring your own gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Bathroom is shared. Enjoy the early bird rate until July 15th; after July 15th rate increases to $650.

$600
Deposit: $500
Double Room Accommodation - Early Bird

Bring a friend! Rest easy on a queen bed in a room shared with one other person. Bathroom is shared. Enjoy the early bird rate until July 15th; after July 15th rate increases to $925.

$875
Deposit: $500
Triple room

Twin bed in a shared room with two other women and shared bathroom

$800


Itinerary

The well within...
Sample Daily Schedule

8:00am tea, coffee, snacks

9:00am hatha flow yoga & guided meditation

10:45am brunch

12:00pm nutrition workshop

1:00pm free time

3:45pm tea, coffee, snacks

4:30pm therapeutic/yin yoga

6:00pm dinner 

7:15pm sound healing

Your Organizer


EM
Elizabeth McKinley
10 reviews
Hi! I'm Elizabeth, a Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist at home in the Bay Area. I am passionate about exploring the intersections of physical, mental, and emotional health. My teachings emphasize a strong body-mind-spirit connection and incorporate the traditions of Hatha, Restorative, Yin, and Therapeutic Yoga. Through yogic practices I will guide you to recognize and build upon your inherent wholeness. If I'm not practicing or teaching yoga, you can find me leading mental health groups or soaking up mother nature's wisdom through hiking, biking, climbing, or just being still.

Reviews

This weekend at the Spirit House was incredible. Elizabeth organized the best itinerary between group time, yoga time and alone time. She is an incredible, yoga instructor who is sweet, kind, gentle, non-judgmental and really there to assist in whatever you need. There was a great balance of planned activities vs flexibility that I appreciated. The food was outstanding and it was great to have the chefs at our disposal to ask questions to. I loved the setting, the wonderful group of women, the accommodations, activities on site (hot tub, walking trails, goats!) and most of all, re-setting and getting away. My only complaint was that it was too short! I can't wait for the next one :-)
By Kelly B for Well Within: A Women’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat on Sep 26, 2019
This was a soul nurturing weekend in a beautiful setting. Elizabeth led the retreat with a compassionate, welcoming and lovely spirit. The food was nourishing and delicious, the sound healing a deeply relaxing experience, and a walk through the labyrinth was one of the highlights of the trip. I will carry this retreat in my heart, thank you to everyone who made it so special.
By Mairead D for Well Within: A Women’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat on Sep 18, 2019
This was very restorative in every way. The food was heavenly and Elizabeth's beautiful energy and teaching were just as nourishing. Will definitely do a Well Within retreat again!
By Amelia B for Well Within: A Women’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat on Oct 24, 2018
LS
An amazing experience that I will always hold dear in my heart!
By Laura S for Well Within: A Women’s Yoga & Meditation Retreat on Oct 16, 2018
This was a fantastic retreat! The location is beautiful, secluded and full of vistas and winding nature trails. The balance between activities and free time is perfect and Elizabeth is a gifted instructor. The food is spectacular and healthy. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to spend a few days focusing on their health and well being. I left feeling refreshed and relaxed with a sense of peace and inner strength!
By Jessica S for Well Within: A Women’s Yoga Retreat on Apr 05, 2018
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