This wintertime retreat is a cocoon within the beauty of GilChrist for quiet and togetherness. Yoga practices, Lovey Dovey Cocoa, LLC Hot cocoa & marshmallows pouches for your cabin, rest time in your cozy cabin, and a community dinner offer respite and restoration. Sometimes winter inspires one to seek refuge in solitude and quiet, which can be rejuvenating. Other times, togetherness is a balm for the cold. This retreat provides space for both.
About the Facilitator
Marne Johnson Apolo, M.A. RYT is a teacher at heart. She has been an adjunct Professor of Communication with Grand Rapids Community College for 17 years. With a Master’s degree in Communication from Western Michigan University and an intensive 200-hour RYT training with Sangha Yoga, Marne strives to cultivate creative ways to integrate communication studies with yoga philosophy and practice. She has studied yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater, Angela Farmer, as well as Loving Kindness meditation with Sharon Salzberg and is currently a student of Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers. As a Reiki Master, gentle hands-on touch may be received.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, Feb. 5
5:15 p.m.: Friday evening gentle Yin Yoga
Homemade Soup & Lovey Dovey Cocoa Mix to go (please pack your milk of choice)
Saturday, Feb. 6
10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Soft and warm morning yoga and breath practice
Optional Creative Project
4:30-6:30 p.m: Restorative Yoga and loving kindness meditation
Community Dinner
Sunday, Feb. 7
10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Slow and gentle morning yoga and reflection practice
1:30 p.m.: Checkout
Registration and Lodging Details
To join this retreat, contact Marne Apolo at (269) 270-8513 or click here to email.
Early bird registration for the retreat is $350 by Nov. 30 and $400 after Nov. 30.
Scholarships available. Cancellation fee is $100.
Once you have registered and paid for the program with the facilitator, Marne will direct you to contact GilChrist to reserve your cabin using the online registration form (or by calling the main office at (269) 244-1130 with any questions). Lodging is $75/night per person in addition to the program fee, payable to GilChrist at the end of the retreat by cash, check, or Venmo.
Participants will check into their cabins between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 or at a time you communicate via your cabin reservation. Cabin check-out is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7.
A communal dinner will take place on Saturday evening, so please let Marne know if you have any food restrictions. Other than Saturday evening, individuals are responsible for their own meals. Each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.
