“...it is not news that we live in a world where beauty is unexplainable and suddenly ruined and has its own routines. We are often far from home in a dark town and our griefs are difficult to translate into a language understood by others.” 

— Charles Smith, The Meaning of Birds

"Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily but we will laugh more easily too. Perhaps we are just more alive. Yet as we discover more joy, we can face suffering in a new way that ennobles or elevates rather than embitters us. We have hardship without being hard. We have heartbreak without being broken.” -from the Book of Joy, Archbishop Desmond Tutu

This is a 3 day retreat (Fri-Sun) with an option to stay an extra night (Sun night - Mon noon) for a donation. Winter tends to be a time when the cold affects our inner weather systems to retreat inward. We will honor and celebrate the beauties of quiet and stillness of the snow and bare trees. You will travel to the layers of deep mountains and hidden valleys within yourself as you prepare the mind, body, and spirit to reawaken with the rise of the new year. Tend to your grief, celebrate your joys, celebrate and honor yourself. We will be 1 day into the New Moon in Capricorn, the element of Earth. This New Moon is sometimes called the Wolf Moon. Find a deeper connection to yourself and others through a journey of healing, gratitude, and restoration. Move forward through the Winter season with peace and a renewed sense of self.

Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, meditations, silent meals, and mindfulness practices will be incorporated. 

Please pack warmly and bring a pair of boots for walking, cozy sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, leg warmers, etc so you stay warm and comfortable. 

Oakwood Retreat Center is like entering a different world than most are familiar with. The land speaks, not in words as we know them necessarily, but in a language of its own, a language that unveils the humble glories of the earth that willingly show themselves here.

If you would like to schedule a massage, please connect with Dawn at Sunnrising1@gmail.com

I was at this retreat center as a participant a few times, and it is so beautiful and peaceful. The cooks are amazing and the food is so delicious. 

12 hours of continuing education are available for RYT with Yoga Alliance

Sample Itinerary

FRIDAY

2-4 pm Arrival

Welcome Circle 

Movement

Dinner

Relaxation

SATURDAY 

630 am Morning Practice

Breakfast (Silence)

Yoga/Mindfulness Practice

Lunch (Silence)

Free time

Bonfire (Weather permitting)

Dinner (Silence)

Singing Bowl Meditation

SUNDAY

630 am Morning Practice 

Breakfast (Silence)

Yoga/Mindfulness Practice

Lunch

Closing Circle

3 pm Depart**

**Option to stay an extra night for a small donation to Oakwood and depart Monday afternoon

What to Bring

*Yoga mat

*2 yoga blocks

*Yoga Bolster

*Yoga Blanket

*Journal and pen

REFUND POLICY 

Cancellations prior to November 27th will be honored at 50%.  Cancellation on or after November 27th, no refunds will be made. Reimbursement is possible if you find another participant to take your place in the retreat.

TRAVEL + ARRIVAL INFO

Please note Selma, IN is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.  The drive will take approximately 4 hours.  Plan to arrive Friday, January 12, between 2-4 pm.  The retreat concludes Sunday around 2 pm.  If you would like to stay an extra night, you can do so with a donation. 

Oakwood Retreat Center is located in Selma, IN located at 3801 S 575 E Rd, Selma, IN 47383.  Traveling by car from Chicago is about a 4-hour drive.  

All participant information must be complete to secure your retreat registration.