This Retreat is Sold Out. Waitlist Only
Taking time to step out of routine daily life, and provide oneself with silence, time in nature, extended Yoga and meditation practices, and receive deep rest is essential to return again to one's true connection to themselves. GilChrist retreat center offers a profoundly sacred space to turn fully towards the beauty life has to offer us, if we can only slow down enough to see it.
This retreat will provide a profoundly nourishing and enriching weekend to explore the philosophical and energetic essence of the wholistic practice of Yoga. The theme of the retreat will provide an opportunity to directly contemplate what exists beyond the achievements and presentations of the outer life, and instead listen and feel inside ourselves to hear the inner wisdom that is clarified and supported by the practice of Yoga. Each day will provide Yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation practices. There will also be direct teachings offered by Melissa on the nature of the Soul by way of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Ayurvedic texts on the energetic body. Guided experiences in meditation, art and writing processes, as well as some group process and sharing will be a fortifying addition to the internal practices.
Each day there will be time to rest, walk on the land, commune with nature, and be in a space that is timeless and eternal. See the schedule below.
Retreat Schedule
Artist: Benjavisa Ruangvaree
Thursday, August 4th
3-4:30pm – Check-In at GilChrist or The Hermitage
5-6:30pm – Arrive, Unpack, and Enjoy a Meal
7-9pm – Introduction and Orientation, Gentle Yoga Practice, Guided Relaxation
Friday, August 5th & Saturday, August 6th
8:30-9am – Pranayama & Silent Meditation
9am-12pm – Yoga Asana Practice & Philosophical Teachings
12-3pm – Lunch, Rest, Time on the Land
3-6pm – Contemplative Practice – Art, Sharing, Writing
Energetic Yoga Practices – Unwind, Yin, Restorative & Yoga Nidra
Sunday, August 7th
8:30-9am – Pranayama & Silent Meditation
9am-12pm – Yoga Asana Practice & Philosophical Teachings
12-2:30pm – Lunch and Check Out of Cabins/Rooms
2:30-4:30pm – Energetic Yoga Practices & Closing Circle
Depart Retreat Center
All retreat sessions will be held in Windhill at GilChrist.
There are 8 hermitages or cabins on the land at GilChrist. There are 6 single occupancy and 2 double occupancy cabins. Cabins at GilChrist will be reserved on a first come, first served basis as you enroll and indicate your lodging preference. When the single occupancy cabins fill up, the double occupancy cabins will be filled – each participant will have their own bedroom but a shared kitchen and living room.
$50 per night to be paid directly to GilChrist upon check-out.
Gilchrist Cabins are SOLD OUT!
Book directly with The Hermitage or Commute.
To Reserve a Cabin at GilChrist:
CONTACT MELISSA at admin@melissaspamer.com
(Melissa will be handling all reservations for GilChrist lodging. Please do not contact GilChrist.)
Option 2: At The Hermitage
(Click to view options)
The Hermitage is a lovely neighboring retreat center, only a short 5 minute walk along a nature trail from Windhill. They have varying levels of accommodation from single rooms to private apartments. The Hermitage can also provide meals for you if you wish for an additional fee indicated at the time of registration. They also have a common kitchen for single rooms to prepare meals on your own if that is your preference.
Contact The Hermitage directly to inquire about lodging:
Option 3: Commuter
You may choose to attend this retreat while staying in the comfort of your own home. Please email Melissa for this enrollment option.
Registration
The retreat fee is $450 for the entire retreat, excluding lodging and meals.
This amount covers all sessions with Melissa and a reference workbook.
Please contact us for more information about commuting to this retreat.
To secure your reservation please email Melissa below, and your enrollment will be confirmed with an online invoice for payment in full.
If you have specific questions please write to: admin@melissaspamer.com
Refunds
If you cancel after June 4, 2022 and no one can fill your space, we are sorry but unfortunately no refunds can be given at that time. Cancellations before June 4 will be refunded less a $50 processing fee.
About Melissa
Melissa Spamer, M.A. ERYT 500, L.M.T., C. Ay. began formally practicing Yoga in 1993. She has completed more than six Yoga teacher trainings and has twenty-two years of teaching experience, leading classes, workshops, retreats and teacher trainings. Her love of Yoga led her to also become an Ayurvedic practitioner, massage therapist and licensed psychotherapist. Her approach to Yoga integrates her in-depth studies with such celebrated teachers as Angela Farmer, Victor Van Kooten, Rama Vernon, Shiva Rea, Kali Ray and training at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. Her classes are inspired by the natural rhythms of the breath and fluid alignment. She will often infuse music and poetry into her classes as well as teachings on energetic anatomy and Yoga philosophy - to help guide each student on a journey into the art of living Yoga. She teaches weekly classes and maintains a private counseling and Ayurveda practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Getting to GilChrist
GilChrist is located approximately 7 miles west of Three Rivers, Michigan, on Day Road.
To reach GilChrist, take Hoffman Road west from U.S.-131 for approximately 6.9 miles to Day Road (at stop sign). Turn north on Day Road and travel about .7 miles to the entrance of GilChrist, which shares a drive with the caretaker's residence at 56265 Day Road.
Getting to GilChrist from the Kalamazoo Airport or Train Station
If you're coming to GilChrist as part of a group, contact your group facilitator to find out if there are any ride sharing options with other participants. Various car rental companies have service at or near the airport. If you’d prefer not to rent a car, Uber is available in Kalamazoo, with cost estimates on their web site, and Leisure Limousine is a professional car service that operates out of the Kalamazoo Airport. GilChrist staff may be able to provide a ride, pending availability, including a stop at a grocery store. Please contact the main office at (269) 244-1130 at least two weeks before your trip to make arrangements. Donations are welcome for this service.
