Awaken. connect. refresh.

allow the sun & the elements to energize your being

For centuries, cultures across the world have found ways to cultivate our inner light and power by celebrating the Summer Solstice. Likewise, the practice of awakening the body through working with the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water has enlivened a deeper understanding of our own presence here on this Earth.

These practices together offer us an embodied understanding of how connected we are both to each other and to this sacred planet on which we live. What a beautiful opportunity!

As the elements and the magical power of the solstice become more awakened in our awareness, we develop a deeper connection with the natural world and all the ways it nourishes us. The beautiful surroundings of the retreat center’s forest, prairies, ponds and Zen garden are perfect for supporting us on this path.

Four elements practice can also help us to awaken a new relationship with the body, which can be extraordinarily healing. We will also take some time to awaken to gratitude and compassion to further support us on the path.

Music, meditation and yoga will be incorporated into the weekend to help us more fully enliven the connections and awakenings we are cultivating.

The retreat will be held at a beautiful secluded retreat center in the woods of northeastern Kansas, just 50 minutes from Lawrence. It is located on 120 acres of serene golden pasture and rolling timber in northeastern Kansas.

An entire weekend away in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature allows for a truly transformative experience!

EARLY BIRD RATES through Mon., May 15 (See cost FAQ below for rates.)
Registration deadline: Monday, June 12

Please note: For maximum benefit, full weekend attendance is strongly encouraged. If, however, the entire weekend is truly not possible for you, please contact me about alternative possibilities.

IMPORTANT COVID PROTOCOL
Fully vaccinated individuals only, please, for the safety of all.
Thank you!

Mask-wearing will be at the discretion of the participant. Retreat sessions will be held in a room with French doors which open onto an outdoor courtyard. Windows will remain open whenever possible, weather permitting, for maximum aeration. Meals are taken in the main room of the lodge, a large indoor space with high ceilings and lots of air. If the weather allows, there are some lovely spaces for outdoor gathering, so we’ll do that when possible! There is also a deck for eating outdoors, if you prefer and weather permits.
For more on the retreat center’s current COVID protocols, click here.

FAQs

What is the cost of the retreat?

There are several different pricing options for the retreat, depending on what type of lodging you choose. (See accommodations question below for lodging option details.)

Rates include 2 nights lodging, all meals, all sessions and materials.

Early bird rates (Register by Mon., May 15):

Forest Cabin / Courtyard Lodge Room - $365 single occupancy | $650 double (shared bed)

Economy Courtyard Lodge Room - $355 single occupancy | $635 double (shared bed)

Lodge Guest Room - $298

Forest Hermitage - $275

Regular rates (After May 15):

Forest Cabin / Courtyard Lodge Room - $395 single occupancy| $710 double (shared bed)

Economy Courtyard Lodge Room - $385 single occupancy | $695 double (shared bed)

Lodge Guest Room - $325

Forest Hermitage - $299

Can you tell me more about the location and accommodations?

The retreat will be held at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer - formerly known as Shantivanam - a spiritual retreat center open to all who are seeking refuge and sacred retreat. It is located on 120 acres of golden pasture and rolling timber in northeastern Kansas, near Easton, just 50 minutes NE of Lawrence/NW of Kansas City.

The retreat center books only one group at a time, so we most often have the place all to ourselves, although there are occasionally other individual guests.

There are a variety of room options:

Six fully-equipped Forest Cabins in the forest a short 5-10 minute walk from the main building (one double bed, private bath & kitchenette)

Two fully-equipped Courtyard Lodge Rooms in the main lodge (one double bed, private bath & kitchenette)

One Economy Courtyard Lodge Room in the main lodge (one double bed, private bath (mini-fridge, hot plate, coffee maker & hot water kettle)

Seven Basic Lodge Rooms in the main lodge (single bed, shared bath)

Two Forest Hermitages in the forest a 10-15 minute walk from the main lodge (single bed, electricity, hot plate; no running water/plumbing; shared bath/shower in main lodge)

All units have heating/AC.

For additional information about the retreat center, please click here.

What will our schedule be?

This is the tentative schedule for this year's retreat. Although changes may be made as the time approaches, this will give you a good idea of the flow of the weekend.

FRIDAY 4:30-5 pm-Arrival & Check-in 5:30-6:30-Dinner 6:45-8-Welcoming Session

SATURDAY 7:30-8:30 am-Breakfast (coffee/tea available from 7 on…) 9:30-11-Cultivating Connection to the Elements 11:15-12-Morning Yoga 12-1-Lunch 1:00-3:30 pm-Contemplation / Free Time 3:30-5:30-Enlivening the Elements 6-7-Dinner

SUNDAY 8:30-9:30 am-Morning Yoga & Meditation 9:30-10:15-Break / coffee, tea, snack (coffee/tea available from 7 on…) 10:15-11:30-Celebrating the Solstice 11:30-1-Sunday brunch 1-2-Closing Circle 2-whenever you wish :) - Evaluations and packing up

2:30 Check-Out Time. You are welcome to stay and enjoy the retreat center and its grounds on your own during the afternoon, if you would like!

What if I have no yoga experience?

All levels–and all bodies–are welcome, including those with no yoga experience. Yoga sessions are optional, but encouraged. Even just being with us to breathe can bring more benefit than you might imagine! However, if you would rather opt out of yoga sessions, you can take that time for personal reflection, walking in the forest, or resting. The most important thing is to do what you feel will best serve and nurture this sacred time away.

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?

The retreat center does its best to accommodate dietary requests made at least one week in advance of the retreat start date. Please list your requirements on the registration form. Meals are generally vegetarian and whenever possible designed to accommodate the needs of all those at any given retreat - so that everyone can eat everything served.

What payment methods do you accept?

There are a variety of payment options. You may pay with a credit card, via PayPal, which also allows for direct bank payments, or you may pay via check. If you are a regular client/student, you may also pay me in person at your next in-person class or session.

Whichever payment method you choose, please note that registration is not final and your space is not secure until payment has been received.

If you are interested in setting up a PayPal account, it is easy and free. All you need to set up an account is an email address and a credit card. Click here for instructions: How to Set Up Your PayPal Account.

What if I have to cancel?

In the event of a cancellation, the refund policy is as follows:

• A full refund (minus an administration fee of $75) will be issued for cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the program start date.
• A 50% refund (minus an administration fee of $75) will be issued for cancellations made 30 days to two weeks prior to the event start date.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the event start date.

What if I still have more questions?

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out! You can email me at info@cindynovelo.com or text or call me at 785-331-7123.