Retreats
This webpage is almost 30 years in the making, and I am so glad you’re here. In my early 20’s I was part of a year-long service program called the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. JVC, with its focus on social justice, community, spirituality and simple living, changed my life and stays with me today. Four incredible retreats were part of the year-long experience, and I vowed that retreats would always be part of my life. Fast forward to life, marriage, kids, work, and volunteering… retreats fell of the list. I found a couple here and there over the years, but they never really scratched the itch. There were bare bones religious retreats that had me dreaming of more comfort or luxurious spa-like retreats that had me longing for deeper, more meaningful content and less sticker shock.
So here we are…The Sawyer Reunion & Retreat was born to nurture the nurturers. Women hold an incredible amount in a culture that piles on invisible labor. There is a deep need for women to connect, rest, learn and grow together.
Please join me on retreat if you long to …
- Step out of the incredible pace of daily life long enough to quiet the mind & body so that you might hear what they need.
- Spend time in nature and charming accommodations with other humans seeking peace, understanding, and spiritual growth.
- Treat your body to yoga, meditation, nourishing food and drink, in a home filled with beauty, books, comfort, and care.
- Open your mind to new ideas and content to shift your perspective. What no longer serves you and what new modalities might make life richer and more meaningful?
- Take a break in the company of incredible women!
Below are upcoming retreats that will take place located roughly 1.5 hours from Chicago. This lush three-acre property is only a five-minute walk from lively downtown Sawyer filled with cafes, ice cream shops, boutiques, restaurants, Greenbush Brewery, and the coolest garden center in Michigan. Hiking trails, sand dunes and beaches are within 10 minutes of the home. I cannot wait to share this magical location with you!
Upcoming Retreats
2024 Autumn Women’s Wellness Retreat
November 8 – 10 2024
Featuring Monica Bright
A weekend for the soul and the senses! Fall splendor, yoga, movement, meditation, beautiful meals, and curated content around change. We’ll explore what no longer serves in life and lovingly shed habits, ideas, thoughts, and relationships to make space for new growth.
Friday afternoon arrival to enjoy the property. Retreat begins with a group meal Friday evening and yoga stretch class before bed. Saturday is filled with yoga, group hikes, beautiful meals, workshops, and reflection time. Sunday begins with morning movement, breakfast, closing ceremony and early afternoon completion. All activities are optional.
Investment: Double occupancy $1200, roommate request can be shared at registration. $1600 single occupancy. Single and double occupancy have either a private bath or bath shared with an adjoining suite. Occupancy is first-come, first-served. Please indicate any accessibility needs at checkout.
2025 Winter Women’s Wellness Retreat
January 10 – 12 2025
January 17 – 19 2025
Welcome 2025 as your most peaceful and powerful yet. Workshops and exercises on being a better listener, a new way of thinking about rest, and quieting the inner critic to hear your true voice. Yoga and movement throughout the weekend with the incredible Monica Bright. Beautiful, local, healthy & delicious meals. Nature, quiet, peace, & freedom to choose how you spend your time.
Friday afternoon arrival to enjoy the property. Retreat begins with a group meal Friday evening and yoga stretch class before bed. Saturday is filled with yoga, group hikes, beautiful meals, workshops and reflection time. Sunday begins with morning movement, breakfast, closing ceremony and early afternoon completion. All activities are optional.
Investment: Double occupancy $1200, roommate request can be shared at registration. $1600 single occupancy. Single and double occupancy have either a private bath or bath shared with an adjoining suite. Occupancy is first-come, first-served. Please indicate any accessibility needs at checkout.
Register for January 10 – 12 2025
Register for January 17 – 19 2025
Do You Have a Gift to Share?
Are you a coach, yoga instructor, or practitioner with a gift you have been dreaming of sharing in a retreat setting? If you would like to host at The Sawyer Reunion and Retreat or Lake Michigan Reunion and Retreat, contact me to chat.
Nurturing the Nurturers
Part of my dream has always been to gift retreats to those that need them the most; the justice workers, healers, teachers, and those working on the margins. The Sawyer is a place that heals the healers. Contact me if you would like to donate, underwrite or volunteer for these special experiences.
Cancellation Policy
The retreat organizer reserves the right to cancel the retreat at any time, for any reason. In the event of a cancellation, your full ticket amount will be returned to you.
If you are unable to attend the retreat, for whatever reason, as much advance notice as possible is appreciated. With more than 30-days notice, your ticket amount will be refunded to you in full, minus a nominal administration fee. With less than 30 days’ notice, there is no refund. We can apply the balance to a future retreat, or you may gift a retreat to an attendee. Should there be someone from the waiting list available to take your place, your ticket amount will be refunded to you in full, minus a nominal administration fee.