Gratitude is an art. A practice. One that opens the door to grace, inner peace, and happiness. Some think if you’re happy, you’re grateful - but actually it’s the other way around.

Gratitude is something we can cultivate, a skill we can develop. Which is exactly what we will spend the weekend doing.

We will dive deeply in, practicing a variety of gratitude rituals, then I will help you make one or two of these practices your own—to bring happiness, joy and peace to your every day! Yes, happiness is coming!

Music, meditation and yoga will be incorporated into the weekend as an additional way to deepen our gratitude and love for life.

The retreat will be held at a retreat center in the woods of northeastern Kansas, just 50 minutes from Lawrence. It is located on 120 acres of beautifully 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 available through Sept. 30 (See cost FAQ below for rates.)
Registation deadline: Oct. 28, 12:00 noon

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 options.

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 Sept. 30):

Forest Cabin / Courtyard Lodge Room - $365 single occupancy | $325 double (shared bed)

Economy Courtyard Lodge Room - $340 single occupancy | $300 double (shared bed)

Basic Lodge Room / Hermitage - $270

Regular rates (After Sept. 30):

Forest Cabin / Courtyard Lodge Room - $395 single occupancy| $355 double (shared bed)

Economy Courtyard Lodge Room - $370 single occupancy | $330 double (shared bed)

Basic Lodge Room / 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 solitude. 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 generally books only one group at a time, so we almost always have the place all to ourselves.

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 (no kitchenette; has heat, but no AC))

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)

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

All units have heating/AC, except the Basic Courtyard Lodge Room which has heating, but no 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…) 8:30-10 - Cultivating Gratitude 10:15-11:30 - Morning Yoga 12-1 - Lunch 1:00-3:30 pm - Contemplation / Free Time 3:30-5:30 - Awakening Gratitude in Our Everyday Lives 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 Gratitude with Sacred Song 11:30-12:30 Sunday brunch 12:30-1:15 Closing Gratitude Circle and Affirmations 1:15-whenever you wish :) - Evaluations and packing up

Check-out whenever you wish! You are welcome to stay and enjoy the retreat center and its grounds on your own during the afternoon!

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 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.