BEFRIEND YOURSELF
Do you tend to be hard on yourself, and want to change that?
Do you ever feel blocked from receiving kindness?
Are you a highly sensitive person seeking sustainable self-kindness?
Join Kate Lynch to learn mindfulness-based gratitude and self-compassion practices, so that you can avoid burnout and fulfill your purpose.
During the weekend you can expect:
A BALANCE OF RELAXATION, RESTORATIVE YOGA, GENTLY FLOWING MOVEMENT, SELF-REFLECTION, & MEDITATION
- Awaken self-compassion
- Cultivate gratitude
- Luxuriate in gentle movement & restorative yoga
- Melt away tension with self-massage
- Relax together
- Connect with yourself
- Journal for self-reflection
Return home refreshed and ready for the season ahead.
If you want to connect with yourself and unwind, this is the right retreat for you.
Throughout the weekend, you will have opportunities for creative expression, introspection, and small group listening.
You’ll have time to rest, stroll, enjoy nature, and simply be.
The Himalayan Institute hosts us with peaceful workshop space and pristine and comfortable accommodations.
- Enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals
- Stroll 400 wooded acres
- Immerse yourself in yogic lifestyle
Indulge in add-on services like massage and ayurvedic treatments.
“Try repeating this mantra each morning: ‘Every day it gets a little easier to receive.’” —Nkem Ndefo
You need to restore so you can return to your life with a new perspective.
Your retreat begins with your journey to the Pocono Mountains. Arrive on Friday and check in. We’ll gather after dinner with a short orientation to the Institute, then introductions and an opening ritual to help you settle into the space and the group before we restore, reflect, and breathe. You’ll practice gratitude, and prepare for a restful sleep…
Before breakfast on Saturday, if you’re up early, you can attend an optional hatha yoga class offered by the Institute at 7am. If you’re not a morning person, sleep in. After breakfast, we ‘ll meditate, connect, and gently flow together until lunch.
Gratitude journaling prompts and self-compassion protocols will be woven throughout the weekend.
After lunch we’ll make our way to the Sound of Music Hill for an outdoor mindful compassion meditation, followed by a tour of MOKA, the on-site chocolate and coffee factory! Spend the rest of the afternoon in optional self-guided silence: nap, forest walk, sketch, get a massage, journal… After dinner, we’ll restore, reflect, and breathe before bed.
On Sunday morning before breakfast there’s the optional hatha yoga class at 7. After breakfast, we’ll have our final session with meditation, gentle flow, questions, and a closing ceremony. Stay for lunch and head home with your new mindfulness tools.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are looking for a physically advanced yoga practice, this won’t be the right retreat for you. The morning flow I offer is very mindful, and the evenings are restorative. The physical practices are trauma-informed, accessible, and gentle, while the meditation and introspection are a little more challenging.
How to Join the Mindful Compassion & Gratitude Weekend:
- Register for your retreat tuition.
- Book your accommodations with the Himalayan Institute. If possible, you may want to stay an extra day before or after the retreat.
- Decide how you will get to Honesdale, PA.
See Kate’s website for FAQs.
Space is limited, and our retreats sell out.
Reserve now for your first choice of room.
Here’s What Previous Retreat Participants Are Saying:
“It has always been difficult for me to slow down — to remove the sense of urgency and just … be. It was lovely being able to do that, and I feel confident that I can continue practicing mindfulness moving forward. I had never been on a yoga retreat before, and it exceeded all of my expectations. I had a truly (truly!) wonderful experience. Thank you so much for your kindness along the way!”
“This was a wonderful retreat that offered a great combination of gentle movement, meditation, discussion, and inspiration. In particular, I appreciated Kate’s knowledge of the body and her ability to help us create postures and movements that worked for us and allowed us to be more connected to our bodies. Mostly, though, I was in tune with her approach to life: that self-acceptance and self-compassion allow us to give compassion abundantly.”
“The weekend was intimate and soul nourishing! Kate was an amazing facilitator who created a safe space — a brave space — for us to be vulnerable and open to connection. I felt so restored during the retreat and was able to carry that feeling forward when faced with the stress of the responsibilities of life upon returning home, which is absolutely priceless. I am so grateful for the gift of this beautiful retreat.”
“I had a really wonderful time. It was the self-care I needed while also allowing me to sit with some real discomfort. I’ve been working through some heavy stuff and the weekend helped me get through it all the more.”
“Although I can be a bit cynical and was always reluctant to join in this type of activity, I knew that I could benefit from self-compassion because, like many others, I am very hard on myself! I was able to slow down and question some of the negative internal constructs holding me back. Mindfulness, yoga, and breathing are all tools that can help me take a step back when I’m overwhelmed. Kate is a compassionate teacher with a great sense of humor! She is very approachable and willing to listen. I also got to meet new and interesting people.”
“The retreat was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday stresses and reconnect with myself. With her calm and supportive attitude, Kate made it a comfortable and engaging experience for all. I was especially impressed by her combination of preparation and flexibility.”
The early registration rate for the event is $345 until May 31. Afterwards, it is $395. There is also a 3 month payment plan available until August 14.
