FALL RENEWAL WOMEN'S RETREAT
BEND OF IVY LODGE: MARSHALL, NC
OCTOBER 12 - 15, 2023
Only 2 spots left!
Yoga steadies the mind, facilitating self-discovery, clarity and personal renewal. It teaches us the importance of returning to our center again and again. With steady practice, we learn to feel subtle sensations within the physical body, notice habitual thought patterns within our minds and recognize the emotions that arise through the observation of both. This awareness allows us to stay present, curious and authentic in our relationship to life.
Join Michelle for a renewing weekend on the enchanted grounds of Bend of Ivy Lodge. Surrounded by the magical setting of the Fall season in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the retreat is designed to provide balance between activity, stillness, inner exploration and group connection. You will be immersed in the practice of yoga, including Refined flow and restorative yoga classes, guided breathing practices, Yoga Nidra and sound healing to soothe your body and mind. Guest facilitator, Cheri Dinsmore, will share the power of flower essences and vibrational medicine, and facilitate a walk through Bend of Ivy's spiral nature labyrinth. To further support your self care, on site CranioSacral, massage and energy work appointments with Elizabeth Williams of Illumina Sky Healing Arts can be scheduled during free time. You will be nourished with delicious local, organic meals, surrounded by 63 acres of lush hiking trails made for long walks and introduced to new, like-minded friends. All experience levels welcome and encouraged to join.
Weekend activities include:
The Facilitators
Michelle Befus, ERYT-500 and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness.
Michelle offers teacher trainings, retreats, group and private classes and sound baths in Black Mountain North Carolina, online, and at various retreat centers across the United States.
Cheri Dinsmore, RN, BSN
With over 35 years of experience working in healthcare, Cheri’s nursing career has included intensive care, homecare, managed care and most recently working in a holistic wellness center. She has an appreciation and respect for many forms of healing, having been influenced by both western and eastern practices. As a Reiki Master, Cheri believes in the mind/body connection and our ability to heal ourselves. Her practice has expanded into working with flower essences that address emotional healing and well-being.
Elizabeth Williams, LMT, RYT-200, LE
Founder of Illumina Sky Healing Arts, Elizabeth Williams is a massage therapist, bodyworker, yoga teacher, lightworker, intuitive, and Reiki Master. She has cultivated her craft of bodywork and energetic modalities over a period of 30 years. Her main practice, however, is holding space for people to do their own healing.
Elizabeth’s philosophy as a healthcare provider is to always remain a student, both of her discipline and in deepening her understanding of her client’s needs. This doctrine has enabled her to apply a unique blend of techniques, with a decidedly holistic perspective. The modalities she most often uses are CranioSacral, energy work, reflexology, massage, meditation, yoga and ceremony*. Learn more about Elizabeth at www.IlluminaSkyHealingArts.com
*There is never a price on Ceremony
Lodging & Tuition
This retreat is limited to 20 people and includes all yoga classes, meditations, facilitated walks and workshops, 9 nourishing meals, 3 nights lodging and taxes.
Tuition: $1100 Double, Triple or Quad Occupancy / $1275 Private Loft Room SOLD OUT / $1350 Private Room SOLD OUT
Contact Michelle to be added to the Private Room waitlist.
Nonrefundable deposit of $350 will secure your space. Balance due 09/01/2023
Join Michelle for a renewing weekend on the enchanted grounds of Bend of Ivy Lodge. Surrounded by the magical setting of the Fall season in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the retreat is designed to provide balance between activity, stillness, inner exploration and group connection. You will be immersed in the practice of yoga, including Refined flow and restorative yoga classes, guided breathing practices, Yoga Nidra and sound healing to soothe your body and mind. Guest facilitator, Cheri Dinsmore, will share the power of flower essences and vibrational medicine, and facilitate a walk through Bend of Ivy's spiral nature labyrinth. To further support your self care, on site CranioSacral, massage and energy work appointments with Elizabeth Williams of Illumina Sky Healing Arts can be scheduled during free time. You will be nourished with delicious local, organic meals, surrounded by 63 acres of lush hiking trails made for long walks and introduced to new, like-minded friends. All experience levels welcome and encouraged to join.
Weekend activities include:
- Daily Refined Flow Workshop-Style Classes
- Pranayama + Restorative Yoga
- Yoga Nidra Meditation
- Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Healing
- Introduction to Flower Essences + Vibrational Medicine
- CranioSacral, Massage, Energy Work and Reflexology Appointments Available during Free Time
- Facilitated Labyrinth Walk
- Relaxing by the Pond
- 63 Acres of Trails for Daily Hikes
- Delicious Meals provided by Chef Katie Fiore of Fioreously Delicious
The Facilitators
Michelle Befus, ERYT-500 and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness.
Michelle offers teacher trainings, retreats, group and private classes and sound baths in Black Mountain North Carolina, online, and at various retreat centers across the United States.
Cheri Dinsmore, RN, BSN
With over 35 years of experience working in healthcare, Cheri’s nursing career has included intensive care, homecare, managed care and most recently working in a holistic wellness center. She has an appreciation and respect for many forms of healing, having been influenced by both western and eastern practices. As a Reiki Master, Cheri believes in the mind/body connection and our ability to heal ourselves. Her practice has expanded into working with flower essences that address emotional healing and well-being.
Elizabeth Williams, LMT, RYT-200, LE
Founder of Illumina Sky Healing Arts, Elizabeth Williams is a massage therapist, bodyworker, yoga teacher, lightworker, intuitive, and Reiki Master. She has cultivated her craft of bodywork and energetic modalities over a period of 30 years. Her main practice, however, is holding space for people to do their own healing.
Elizabeth’s philosophy as a healthcare provider is to always remain a student, both of her discipline and in deepening her understanding of her client’s needs. This doctrine has enabled her to apply a unique blend of techniques, with a decidedly holistic perspective. The modalities she most often uses are CranioSacral, energy work, reflexology, massage, meditation, yoga and ceremony*. Learn more about Elizabeth at www.IlluminaSkyHealingArts.com
*There is never a price on Ceremony
Lodging & Tuition
This retreat is limited to 20 people and includes all yoga classes, meditations, facilitated walks and workshops, 9 nourishing meals, 3 nights lodging and taxes.
Tuition: $1100 Double, Triple or Quad Occupancy / $1275 Private Loft Room SOLD OUT / $1350 Private Room SOLD OUT
Contact Michelle to be added to the Private Room waitlist.
Nonrefundable deposit of $350 will secure your space. Balance due 09/01/2023
Registration
Please contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com. She will provide instructions and a registration form.
Refunds/ Cancellations
Refunds offered minus a $350 administration fee. After 09/01/23 refunds will only be granted if your space can be filled with a new participant. Should Michelle or Bend of Ivy cancel the retreat for any reason, a full refund will be offered.
Questions
For any questions or to register, contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com
Please contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com. She will provide instructions and a registration form.
Refunds/ Cancellations
Refunds offered minus a $350 administration fee. After 09/01/23 refunds will only be granted if your space can be filled with a new participant. Should Michelle or Bend of Ivy cancel the retreat for any reason, a full refund will be offered.
Questions
For any questions or to register, contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com
SPRING AWAKENING RETREAT
ALDERMARSH RETREAT CENTER: WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA
MARCH 15 - 17, 2024
Registration Opens September 2023
Yoga steadies the mind, facilitating self-discovery, clarity and a sense of personal awakening. It teaches us to be present with our experience, allowing a deeper understanding and connection with ourselves and those around us. With steady practice, we learn to feel subtle sensations within the physical body, notice habitual thought patterns within our minds and recognize the emotions that arise through the observation of both. This awareness allows us to stay curious, awake and authentic in our relationship to life.
Join Michelle for a magical weekend on the enchanted grounds of Aldermarsh Retreat Center. The schedule is designed to provide balance between activity, stillness, inner exploration and group connection. You will be immersed in the practice of yoga, including Refined Flow and Restorative yoga classes, accessible meditation techniques, guided breathing practices and Yoga Nidra to soothe your body and mind. To further support your self care, on site massage appointments with Jennifer Weston, LMT, of Sunbreak Massage can be scheduled during free time. You will be nourished with delicious local organic meals prepared by Ayurvedic chef Aria Peterman, surrounded by 5 wooded acres of sacred land and introduced to new, like minded friends. All are welcome and encouraged to join.
The Facilitators
Michelle Befus, ERYT-500 and Continuing Education Provider
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness.
Michelle offers teacher trainings, retreats, group and private classes and sound baths in Black Mountain North Carolina, online, and at various retreat centers across the United States. Connect with Michelle on Instagram @michelle_befus
Jennifer Weston, LMT, Sunbreak Yoga + Massage
After battling neck and shoulder tension, headaches, chest tightness, wrist pain, and other tech-neck-related symptoms for nearly a decade in her fast-paced publishing career, Jennifer finally stepped away from her desk and made it her life's mission to support people experiencing the detrimental effects that computer and desk work can have on one's physical and energetic wellbeing. She spent the ensuing years studying functional anatomy and kinesiology, postural alignment and movement practices, mindfulness, breathwork, and other supports for the tangible and spiritual bodies, with particular attention paid to methods aimed at soothing the upper body (head, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, upper back and chest), as well as the frazzled nervous system as a whole.
These days, whether working with clients on retreat, in their Seattle-area homes and offices, at the local bouldering gym, or in one of her peaceful studio locations, Jennifer brings to the table a variety of tension-taming offerings, including table massage, chair massage, yoga sessions, Wellround ball work/self massage/myofascial release classes, and Thai yoga massage. Upon working with Jennifer, clients have reported decreased muscle tension, reduced stress, increased focus, improved range of motion (ROM), a holistic sense of wellbeing, the ability to breathe more fully and deeply, and enhanced performance in all facets of life. Jennifer looks forward to bringing her massage and myofascial release offerings to this July retreat at Aldermarsh.
Learn more about Jennifer by visiting her website, www.sunbreakmassage.com, or connect with her on Instagram @sunbreakmassage.
Schedule
Friday:
2:30-3:30: Arrival / Check In
4-6: Opening / Yoga
6:30-7:30pm: Dinner
7:30-9: Free Time
Saturday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
9-11: Yoga / Meditation
11:30-12:30: Lunch
12:30-4:30: Free Time / Optional Sauna / Massage Appts Available
4:30-6: Restorative Yoga + Pranayama
6:30-7:30: Dinner
7:30-9: Free Time
Sunday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
9-11: Yoga / Meditation / Closing
11:30-1: Lunch / Depart
Lodging & Tuition
This retreat is limited to 20 participants and includes all yoga classes, meditations and workshops, 6 nourishing meals, 2 nights lodging, use of sauna and Japanese soaking tub + taxes. All rooms are shared.
Tuition: $850
Nonrefundable deposit of $300 will secure your space. Balance due 02/01/2024
Interested in staying off site? Contact Michelle for pricing.
Join Michelle for a magical weekend on the enchanted grounds of Aldermarsh Retreat Center. The schedule is designed to provide balance between activity, stillness, inner exploration and group connection. You will be immersed in the practice of yoga, including Refined Flow and Restorative yoga classes, accessible meditation techniques, guided breathing practices and Yoga Nidra to soothe your body and mind. To further support your self care, on site massage appointments with Jennifer Weston, LMT, of Sunbreak Massage can be scheduled during free time. You will be nourished with delicious local organic meals prepared by Ayurvedic chef Aria Peterman, surrounded by 5 wooded acres of sacred land and introduced to new, like minded friends. All are welcome and encouraged to join.
The Facilitators
Michelle Befus, ERYT-500 and Continuing Education Provider
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness.
Michelle offers teacher trainings, retreats, group and private classes and sound baths in Black Mountain North Carolina, online, and at various retreat centers across the United States. Connect with Michelle on Instagram @michelle_befus
Jennifer Weston, LMT, Sunbreak Yoga + Massage
After battling neck and shoulder tension, headaches, chest tightness, wrist pain, and other tech-neck-related symptoms for nearly a decade in her fast-paced publishing career, Jennifer finally stepped away from her desk and made it her life's mission to support people experiencing the detrimental effects that computer and desk work can have on one's physical and energetic wellbeing. She spent the ensuing years studying functional anatomy and kinesiology, postural alignment and movement practices, mindfulness, breathwork, and other supports for the tangible and spiritual bodies, with particular attention paid to methods aimed at soothing the upper body (head, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, upper back and chest), as well as the frazzled nervous system as a whole.
These days, whether working with clients on retreat, in their Seattle-area homes and offices, at the local bouldering gym, or in one of her peaceful studio locations, Jennifer brings to the table a variety of tension-taming offerings, including table massage, chair massage, yoga sessions, Wellround ball work/self massage/myofascial release classes, and Thai yoga massage. Upon working with Jennifer, clients have reported decreased muscle tension, reduced stress, increased focus, improved range of motion (ROM), a holistic sense of wellbeing, the ability to breathe more fully and deeply, and enhanced performance in all facets of life. Jennifer looks forward to bringing her massage and myofascial release offerings to this July retreat at Aldermarsh.
Learn more about Jennifer by visiting her website, www.sunbreakmassage.com, or connect with her on Instagram @sunbreakmassage.
Schedule
Friday:
2:30-3:30: Arrival / Check In
4-6: Opening / Yoga
6:30-7:30pm: Dinner
7:30-9: Free Time
Saturday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
9-11: Yoga / Meditation
11:30-12:30: Lunch
12:30-4:30: Free Time / Optional Sauna / Massage Appts Available
4:30-6: Restorative Yoga + Pranayama
6:30-7:30: Dinner
7:30-9: Free Time
Sunday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
9-11: Yoga / Meditation / Closing
11:30-1: Lunch / Depart
Lodging & Tuition
This retreat is limited to 20 participants and includes all yoga classes, meditations and workshops, 6 nourishing meals, 2 nights lodging, use of sauna and Japanese soaking tub + taxes. All rooms are shared.
Tuition: $850
Nonrefundable deposit of $300 will secure your space. Balance due 02/01/2024
Interested in staying off site? Contact Michelle for pricing.
Registration
Please contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com. She will provide instructions and a registration form.
Refunds/ Cancellations
Refunds offered minus a $300 administration fee. After 02/01/24 refunds will only be granted if your space can be filled with a new participant. Should Michelle or Aldermarsh Retreat Center cancel the retreat for any reason, a full refund will be offered.
Questions
For any questions or to register, contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com
Please contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com. She will provide instructions and a registration form.
Refunds/ Cancellations
Refunds offered minus a $300 administration fee. After 02/01/24 refunds will only be granted if your space can be filled with a new participant. Should Michelle or Aldermarsh Retreat Center cancel the retreat for any reason, a full refund will be offered.
Questions
For any questions or to register, contact Michelle Befus at michelle.befus@gmail.com
