This “inner-active” retreat is intended for PK-12 and college educators to gather, reflect, and reset. Participants will explore creative and contemplative pedagogical practices including guided meditative nature walks/rolls, radical respite, bilateral drawing, reflective journaling, and gentle movement. All are encouraged to reimagine collective care wherever learning takes place. Art supplies will be provided. Please bring your own yoga mats and cushions, as needed. All experience levels are welcome.
About the Facilitator
Dr. Vanessa Marr (She/Her) has been dedicated to teaching diverse age groups for twenty years. She currently is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her research interests include embodied and contemplative education, ecospirituality, and community resilience in Black and Indigenous foodways. She also is the founder of Mosaic Mindfulness, LLC, a liberation-centered psychotherapy and education consulting practice in which healing justice and nature-centered learning intersect. Prior to joining Augsburg, she served as a counselor and holistic health instructor at Western Michigan University, as well as a therapist in a group practice dedicated to providing gender- and culturally-affirming care.
Registration and Lodging Details
First, e-mail Vanessa (click here) to register for the retreat. Early registration for the retreat program is $325; on March 15, the cost increases to $350. Space is limited. Please inquire about options for financial accessibility.
Once you have registered and paid for the program with the facilitator, Vanessa 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 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7. Cabin check-out is at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9. GilChrist staff will be available to provide assistance during the check-in and check-out process.
A communal dinner will take place on Tuesday evening, so please let Vanessa know if you have any food restrictions. Other than Tuesday 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.
