A non-exhaustive list of things I imagine you might want to know about, hopefully adjusted as more questions come in...

 

Can I come if I'm new to yoga? 

Absolutely! The poses and movements we will do this weekend will be super beginner-friendly. Nothing super complicated on the docket, and I've always got plenty of modifications to suit whatever's going on with these meat suits we're walking around in. So if you're just starting to get into practice, or if your partner or friend sent you this and you're nervous about trying a new thing, no worries! Retreats can be a great way to learn more about the practice, and as a bonus, I'm around all weekend for you if you have any questions. You're also welcome to sit out on any activities that you're not feeling at the moment.
 

What type of yoga will we be practicing? 

Expect accessible, grounding yoga sessions with a mix of movement and stillness. The practices are designed to complement the retreat's themes, focusing on both the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga. You might see classes like these described as "hatha" or "gentle flow" in your local studio, and we will also do some "yin" on friday (long held soft stretches)​

What is the focus of the group discussions? 

We'll explore the 8 Limbs of Yoga, particularly the Yamas and Niyamas, considering how these ancient teachings apply to contemporary life. We will discuss how these teachings relate to social justice, sustainability, personal boundaries, and self-discipline. The discussions are open-ended, meant to encourage reflection and dialogue rather than provide rigid answers. 

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What if I'm not comfortable sharing, or I've never heard of these 8 Limbs before? 

That's totally OK! You're welcome to listen and take in the conversation in a way that feels comfortable for you, and there are no mandatory items on the itinerary. Our practice sessions will include some information on the 8 Limbs and the Yamas and Niyamas and again - this is to encourage reflection and dialogue, there's no test, just a lot of value in community insight.

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Can I bring my kids? My dog? My Grandparents? 

Probably not, maybe, and yes!
I think kids can have fun with the camping retreats but I dont think there's a lot of opportunity for them to play and be under supervision this weekend. However, if your kids are older teens and into mostly participating in the weekend (of course they can have their own private time if they like too) then they are very welcome to come! However, no unsupervised minors please. See ya in a few years!
As far as dogs, my two old chihuahuas will be present. They're pretty friendly with other dogs but they might make it a full house in the dog category. Camping retreats are always friendly-dog-friendly but there's much more room for the pups to roam and have their own space. If you want to talk more about this please just reach out to me, I want to make sure it's a good fit for everyone.

And like I said above, this is going to be a weekend of practice designed for any body. I've been working with Senior folks through the Parks and Rec for years and if you're here reading this from that recommendation or wondering if someone 65 or 70 or even feeling good at 80 would "fit in" to the retreat, yes, you are fully welcome!

 

What's up with the potluck dinner? 

Sharing food is an act of love and I'm hoping we can all enjoy taking part in this community-building venture. All of the trailers have small kitchens and refrigeration as well as many basic kitchen items. There are grocery stores very nearby. Anyone is welcome to request the use of Cabin 10's kitchen for preparation of anything needed and there is an outdoor kitchen available for use as well.
Feel free to bring something storebought and/or incredibly simple. This is an invitation, not a challenge. 
If there is something that excites you to make and share with others, great. If this is a daunting proposition, I think we all love a good charcutterie option or yummy dip and I do not believe in shaming storebought cookies they are still delicious! If you have questions or need suggestions please just ask! Please plan to label your items with ingredients for folks to see.

 

Shoot I have dietary restrictions, will I be able to eat anything? 

Hello my name is April and I have been through just about every dietary restriction under the sun. I have everything from anaphelactic death-threat allergies to hidden long-term intolerances, and I just plain dont like pickles or olives (but yes you can have mine). I promise, whatever it is, I am very confident that the Taco dinner, Brunch, and morning snacks available can accomodate what you should be eating. Please let me know whatever you're allergic to, or avoiding eating, or if you don't like chocolate or something bizarre like that ;-) (kidding its ok to not like anything)

 

We have to check out at 10am on Sunday? But there's a practice after that? 

Actually we can probably push check out till 11am if needed but 10am is the resorts preference. And yes, if you can stick around just a little longer we'll have one more practice out on the beach. Just get your vehicle packed up and we'll all meet out there. This will be a very street-clothing and "I dont want to put my face in sand" practice (I dont want to put my face in sand either). We'll do a walking meditation and some standing poses and movements to get our bodies moving and I imagine we can find plenty of opportunity to take some pictures and capture some memories from this amazing weekend together! 

 

How will payment work? 

Once you're ready to reserve your spot, I'll need a $100 deposit. If deposit is made on or before April 14, you'll save $50 on the retret price! You can of course pay all at once, too. Any remaining balance must be paid by June 4. I would prefer to take payment on PayPal (I can help you with paying with your credit card there) or Venmo but Cashapp and I believe Zelle are also options if necessary. Let me know what information you need.

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What's up with the occupancy differences? Who shares a room or trailer? 

For Solo Occupancy - you get your own trailer. It will be one of the smaller but plenty of space for one person. You'll have a full bed all to yourself as well as a bathroom, kitchen space, and seating.

For Double Occupancy - two people will share one trailer and one bedroom. There are some trailers in the resort that have two twins instead of one full or queen bed, and in the event we dont have too many triple occupancy bookings I can get you set up in separate beds or rooms but this is probably best as an option for close friends/ partners 
 

For Triple Occupancy - at least two of the trailers we reserved have two bedroom spaces with at least 3 beds. A bunk bed on your own or getting lucky with the larger bed or sharing the larger bed are all possibilities here. If you would like to do triple occupancy but you dont have another friend or two joining you, just let me know if you are open to sharing a trailer with new friends. The trailers that can comfortably sleep at least 3 are larger and have more room and facilities.

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For more information on the trailers available you can get a preview on the Sou'Wester Website. We currently have some park model vintage trailers, the african queen delux trailer, a glamper and a baby full trailer reserved in close proximity to each other and can sleep 12-20 people in those units. If our group grows beyond that or we do not have enough spaces booked by April 14 we may be dispersing to other units as they are available.

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Is there WiFi or cell service?? 

There is WiFi available, but you are encouraged to disconnect as much as possible to be present in the experience. Cell service can be spotty depending on your provider especially on the beach but we are walking distance to town.

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Can I arrive early? Stay late? Arrive late? 

Yes! If you'd like to extend your stay at Sou'wester you can book additional nights separately. Just reach out and I can guide you on how to do that. If you absolutely cannot make it to the entirety of the retreat but still want to come for some part, please reach out and let me kmow what's up so we can consider the best solution.

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Help! I have a different question you didn't answer here?!?

Please email me and ask me about it!