INNER ALIGNMENT
December 15-17, 2023
THE OVERVIEW
Join me on an Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation retreat close to home in the tranquil woods of northern Wisconsin. The retreat will be held at The Christine Center in Willard (three hours northwest from Madison) on 125 acres of land, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for deepening practice and connection. The retreat center was founded by a Franciscan nun and for 30 years has been open to all paths of faith and spirituality.
During the retreat, we’ll focus on slowing down and deepening your yoga and meditation practice. We’ll also learn Āyurvedic lifestyle and practice recommendations to align harmoniously with the season, so your health and well-being may flourish.
Each afternoon there will be free time to walk in the woods, sit on benches overlooking the pond, drink tea, read, knit, or whatever else feels relaxing and restorative.
There is a real sense of community at these retreats and many participants return time and time again. It’s a wonderful and welcoming environment for those who are new to retreats and/or yoga and meditation. These retreats are short and sweet, but offer just enough time to come back home to yourself without having to travel far.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
This retreat will allow you to unplug and remember what is really important to you. You will get the time you need for introspection so that you can reset and come home to yourself. You’ll go deeper into your yoga and mindfulness practice and learn to create new habits. You’ll also be part of an open and inclusive community of fellow spiritual seekers.
You’ll receive:
- two nights of modest accommodation at The Christine Center
- six nourishing and satisfying vegetarian meals
- all-day coffee/tea and fruit
- daily Āyurveda, yoga & meditation classes
You’ll leave:
- feeling rested and restored
- remembering what is meaningful and important in your life
- with a deeper understanding of your constitutional makeup and how to cultivate healthier habits and routines
- with a deeper sense of your yoga and meditation practice
- with tools for living in tune with the seasons
THE DETAILS
Schedule
FRIDAY
- 3:30pm to 6:45pm | Arrival
- 5:30pm | Dinner
- 7pm to 8:30pm | Welcome & Orientation
SATURDAY
- 7:30am | Meditation
- 8am | Mindful Eating, Silent Breakfast
- 9am to 10am | Āyurveda or Dharma Talk
- 10am to noon | Hatha Yoga, Somatics & Mindful Strength
- 12:30pm | Lunch
- 1:30pm to 3:30pm | Free Time
- 3:30pm to 5pm | Āyurveda, Hatha Yoga & Inquiry
- 5:30pm | Dinner
- 7pm to 8pm | Meditation
SUNDAY
- 7:30am | Meditation
- 8am | Mindful Eating, Silent Breakfast
- 9am to 9:30am | Āyurveda or Dharma Talk
- 9:30-11am | Hatha Yoga, Somatics & Mindful Strength
- 11am to 12pm | Closing
- 12:30pm | Lunch
- 1:30pm | Depart
Accommodations
The Christine Center offers four kinds of modest accommodations, including: both modern and rustic hermitages that are unique and simple, guest house rooms, and tent camping spots. Both single, double, and triple occupancy are available.
All hermitages have electricity. The Modern hermitages have gas or electric heat, a bathroom with shower and furnished kitchenette. Rustic hermitages are simple yet comfortable, with gas or electric heat (one has a wood stove).
Guest house rooms have private bathrooms, skylights, and in-floor radiant heating. A handicapped accessible room is available.
Several areas are set aside for camping. For rustic hermitage guests and campers we offer the all-modern, beautiful Siloe bathroom and laundry facility.
Meals
The Christine Center emphasizes natural foods and meals made from scratch. The food on their tables has a sense of inner spiritual nourishment in harmony with the land.
Many of the vegetables, fruits, breads, honey, maple syrup, and eggs served are from local farmers. Their cooks bring unique creativity and style to preparing nurturing dishes with these ingredients.
Seven vegetarian meals are included. Coffee/tea and fruit are always available. Additional special dietary needs can be accommodated upon advance request.
To experience the practice of mindful eating and to enjoy an easeful entry into the start of the day, breakfast will be enjoyed in noble silence.
Travel & Arrival
- Please plan to arrive at The Christine Center—a three hour drive from Madison—between 3:30pm and 6:45pm on Friday. A welcome dinner will be served at 5:30pm. The orientation and class begins at 7pm.
- On Sunday, class ends at noon and is followed by a closing lunch at 12:30pm.
- If you would like to also stay Sunday night, additional reservations can be made through The Christine Center.
Other Things to Expect
Accommodations are not luxurious at The Christine Center, but the price reflects that and the setting is beautiful. You’ll be in a wooded wetland just far enough north of Madison to feel like you’re out of the city and in nature. Please also remember that Ayurveda is a strong component of this retreat.
You must bring your own yoga mat, yoga block, yoga strap, and meditation cushion.
This is a substance-free retreat. A substance-free environment is one in which all guests agree to keep their space free from substances. Substances are defined to include alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, other smoking materials, and illicit and illegal drugs.
THE COST
Packages
Modern Hermitage
Single occupancy $755
Double occupancy $675
Triple occupancy $655
Main House
Single occupancy $695
Double occupancy $625
Guest Room (Mary’s Villa, Sun, or Basil)
Single occupancy $675
Rustic Hermitage
Single occupancy $585
Double occupancy $550
Additional Options
Camping $495
Commuter with meals $455
REGISTRATION
Payment is required in full to reserve your spot. Refunds available up to two weeks prior to the retreat, minus payment processing fees, no refunds thereafter.
For Yoga Alliance registered teachers 10 hours of continuing education are available with this retreat.