Summer Solstice Retreat on Whidbey Island, WA: June 14-16, 2024

The summer solstice marks a time when the sun is at its peak, providing its strongest burst of light for the year. It represents an opportunity to slow down, connect with the natural world and celebrate both the light that surrounds us and that which lies within.
 
Join Michelle for a weekend leading up to this magical solstice period 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 and healthy movement, including alignment based Refined Flow and Restorative yoga classes, accessible meditation techniques and guided breathing practices to soothe your body and mind. To further support your self care, onsite 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. 

​*7 Yoga Alliance Continuing Education contact hours available upon completion of this retreat for yoga teachers.
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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, at the local bouldering gym, or in her sunlit studio in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, Jennifer brings to the table a variety of tension-taming offerings, including massage, calming private yoga sessions and self-massage classes utilizing yoga therapy balls. 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 self-massage offerings to another amazing retreat at Aldermarsh.
 
Learn more about Jennifer by visiting her website, www.SunbreakMassage.com, or connect with her on Instagram @SunbreakMassage. 
 
Schedule
Friday:
3:00-3:30: Arrival / Check In
4:00-5:15: Yoga
5:15-5:45: Welcome / Aldermarsh Orientation
6:00-7:00: Dinner
7:00-9:00: Free Time
 
Saturday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
9:00-11:00: Yoga / Meditation
11:30-12:30: Lunch
12:30-4:00: Free Time / Massage Appointments Available
4:00-5:30: Roll + Release: A Self Massage Workshop with Jennifer Weston
6:00-7:00: Dinner
7:00-9:00: Free Time / Sunset Beach Walk
 
Sunday:
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
9:00-11:00: Yoga / Meditation / Closing
11:30-1:00: Lunch / Depart
 
Lodging & Tuition
This retreat is limited to 18 participants and includes all yoga classes, meditations and workshops, 6 nourishing meals, 2 nights lodging, use of Japanese soaking tub + taxes.
 
Tuition: $850
Nonrefundable deposit of $300 will secure your space. Balance due 05/01/2024

Lodging Options:

Double/Triple Room - 1 Left!

Triple/Quad Room - 1 Left!

Private Rustic Cabin with Shared Bath - 1 Left!
 
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 05/01/24 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