Retreat

It’s time. I invite you to escape from your daily routine for a little you time. Life often moves at a frenetic pace. Learning how to slow down, and connect to yourself and your inner wisdom is integral to a balanced lifestyle.  It’s always helpful to have options so we’ll discuss and practice various meditation techniques to help you as you create a personalized and flexible meditation practice. Explore yoga, movement, sound healing, ceremonial sauna and mantra in the beautiful setting of Aldermarsh (see photos below).

Useful information:

  • You are encourage to disconnect from your cell phone and other devices during the retreat.

  • For the retreats we will be sitting and laying on the floor, please bring your yoga mat, meditation cushion, blankets, bolster, and any other props that will help you feel comfortable on the floor. If you are traveling from out of state, let me know and Aldermarsh also has some on hand.

  • Check-in on Friday, please arrive early at Aldermarsh by 3pm. The ferry schedule can get busy in the afternoon and often times you may need to wait for the next ferry of the one you intended to take. I recommend that you get to Whidbey Island early and enjoy lunch on the island, then check in at Aldermarsh after your lunch.

    Here are a couple of websites to get you started looking at Whidbey Island:

    https://whidbeycamanoislands.com

    https://washingtondiscovered.com/things-to-do-on-whidbey-island-day-trip/

  • Meal times are served family style.

  • Shared lodging, normally with one or 2 other roommates. Bring a friend and you can room together, let me know who you would like to room with.

  • Bring shoes that you can easily take on and off, it is required to take your shoes off at entracne to all buildings.

  • Bring comfortable clothes with layers for sitting on floor and movement.

  • Towels and bedding provided. Please bring your own toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste…

  • Recommend that you bring a small flashlight and bathing suit for use in sauna and outdoor soaking tub.

  • Link for ferry schedule: https://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=muk-cl

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is this workshop suitable for beginners? Yes, this workshop is suitable for those new and experienced practitioners. 

  • I've tried Meditation and it just doesn't work for me.  Often people say they can't meditate and that their brains just won't be quiet. We believe everyone has the ability to Meditate and a common obstacle is general misunderstanding of what Meditation is - please know it's common for your brain not to settle down. It is the job of your brain to think, to wonder about the past and think about the future. It is our job to find moments in our day to listen, to feel, to be in it…what ever that it is for the moment. To observe where we are now, without attachments.

  • Why not just focus on one form of Mediation? 
    It can be fun to have options and to mix things up from time to time and it allows for you to create your own tool box. You may find what works for you today may not work for you tomorrow. Having options gives you the flexibility to practice mindfulness anywhere! You may prefer walking meditations or chanting meditations over sitting meditations. 

  • Scholarship/workstudy available for those who qualify. Please send an email with interest: info@practicemindfulnessNW.com

For more details about Aldermarsh and pictures of the rooms you can visit: http://www.aldermarsh.net/new-page-1

Room options:

  1. Double/Triple room

  2. Single private Rustic Cabin with shared bath (small walking distance to the main home or Marsh house).

  3. Single room or single room cabin, an extra fee $295.

The Main House is a beautiful, custom built space bordered by gardens and accessed by entry paths framed by bamboo groves and a small pond. The central kitchen and living room is heated by a wood stove and is the main gathering area during meals and between group sessions. The Main House sleeps up to eight people, has two bathrooms and an outdoor shower located adjacent to the Japanese soaking tub. There are three bedrooms in the main house.
Alder Room is on the main level overlooking the wooded marsh. The room has two twin beds and connects to a full bathroom with a soaking tub. This bathroom has a door that opens onto a cedar deck for access to an outdoor shower and the Japanese soaking tub.
Queen’s Room is on the second floor and has views of the marsh and the bamboo groves at the entrance. This room has one double bed and two twin beds, and shares a full bathroom with the Moon Room.
Moon Room is a cozy space on the second floor with a wonderful view overlooking the wooded marsh. The room has three twin beds and connects to a full bathroom shared with the Queen’s Room.

The Studio  is a separate building and is connected to the Main House by an open air breezeway. The Studio is a two story space equipped with a small, full kitchen and has beautiful views of the gardens and bamboo groves. This space has two bathrooms and sleeps up to seven people with two bedrooms and one loft.
Garden Room is on the first level, has a private bathroom and offers views through the wisteria vine to the garden and surrounding acreage. This room has two twin beds.
Upper Studio is on the second level and has skylights that brighten the space and provide opportunities for star and moon gazing. This room has one double bed and two twin beds and connects to a large bathroom shared with the Loft.
The Loft is a cozy, private space accessed by a wooden ladder and with two twin beds. Ceiling height is low and standing room is limited.

The Apartment is a free standing building located adjacent to the parking lot and with views of the garden. The space has a small kitchen, main living area, bathroom and two bedrooms. The One bedroom on the main level is reserved for the teacher. The second bedroom has one twin bed and is located in the open loft, which is accessed by narrow, wooden stairs.

Owl House is tucked into the woods amidst the wild calls of owl and coyote allies, and located near the wood fired sauna and the Marsh House. This is a wonderful space for those seeking solace in nature and quiet. The single room cabin has two twin beds but no running water. Bathroom facilities can be accessed at the Marsh House or the Main House, and a chamber pot is provided.

Spirit House is nestled on the edge of the marsh amidst a grove of cedar and red alder, and is a wonderful space for those seeking refuge in the natural world. The space has a small wood stove and a free standing electric heater. The single room cabin has one double bed and no running water. Bathroom facilities can be accessed at the Main House and a chamber pot is provided.

Please click on Terms and Policies below for more information.

Photos below from retreat at Aldermarsh June 2019, January 2020, October 2022