Underneath the routine of doing and expectation, a gracious joy for simply being awaits. Fall is a glorious time to slow down and revel in the beauty of being enough, and GilChrist echoes that sentiment back to you. Open landscapes, cozy cabins, and sounds of nature are a balm to busy-ness, affirming that you are enough — just as you are. With this retreat, you are invited to reflect and relax into who we are as the hustle and bustle melts away. Poetry, nature, solitude, and togetherness will cocoon this special time of unwinding and unfolding layers to bask in your inner light.
About the Facilitator
Marne Johnson Apolo, M.A. RYT is an adjunct Professor of Communication with Grand Rapids Community College. 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.
Retreat Schedule
Friday
5:15 p.m.: Friday evening gentle yin yoga. Soup & self-care potions to-go.
Saturday
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Soft and warm morning yoga and breath practice.
4:30 – 6:30 p.m: Restorative Yoga and loving kindness meditation. Dinner.
Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Slow and gentle morning yoga and reflection practice.
1:30 p.m.: Check out.
Registration and Lodging
To join this retreat, contact Marne Apolo via email (click here) or call 269-270-8513.
Early bird registration for the retreat is $300 by August 1st. $350 after August 2.
Cancellation fee is 1/2 of paid amount.
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 $60/night per person in addition to the program fee. Participants will check into their cabins between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 at a time you communicate via your cabin reservation. Cabin check-out is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.
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.
