Eat, Play, Om Shanti
—Yoga Retreat at Gray Bear Lodge, Tennessee
4 Day Weekend | Thu, May 4–Sun, May 7
at Gray Bear Lodge in Hohenwald, TN
Led by Laura Jane Mellencamp
An May paradise awaits you…
The dogwoods at Gray Bear Lodge are in full, tender bloom. A floating ocean of white dogwood blossoms hover throughout the awakening forests. Winter has surrendered to spring; whippoorwills and tree frogs are calling, the fresh air has a welcome stillness, and the nighttime sky displays a starry blanket. Join Laura Jane and welcome spring’s promise of new growth along at Gray Bear Lodge in Hohenwald, TN. Stone hot tubs, steaming Watsu pools and wood fired saunas erase the lingering winter.....we look forward to sharing this time with you!
A Refreshing Renewal Yoga Experience
Experience and commune with the simple beauty of nature as you connect with yourself through dedicated daily yoga asana, meditation, and sangha (community) with Laura Jane's teachings from the heart!
Yoga classes will blend the disciplines of various styles of Hatha yoga with the mindfulness of meditation in this like-minded community. They will cover the fundamental principles underlying the therapeutic application of yoga and how to incorporate these principles into your practice. Dissolve old blockages, unravel samskaras and create new pathways to vibrant health and happiness. The end result will be one of the most incredible, unforgettable yoga experiences you will ever have.
Not only will you enjoy the rejuvenating daily yoga sessions, there will be plenty of free-time for exploring and experiencing the beauty of Gray Bear! Take a hike to the local waterfall, soak in the hut tubs, or enjoy some relaxation served up by Gray Bear's expert therapeutic massage staff (including Watsu, Reiki , and Thai massage).
It is perfect for all levels of practitioners, yoga teachers, and bodywork therapists.
Private yoga sessions will also be available.
- Morning walk and meditation
- Breakfast
- In-depth yoga practice with asana, pranayama, and meditation with Laura Jane/li>
- Free Time to explore this beautiful and healing environment
- Lunch
- Free Time
- Afternoon yoga practice includes asana, chanting, sutra study and meditation with Laura Jane. We'll combine the teachings with humor, stories and insight, allowing you to take your practice to a new level of understanding.
- Late afternoon yoganidra
- Dinner
- Evening shared sanga
The cost of the retreat is $750 shared occupancy
Private cabins may be available for additional cost. Please inquire through Gray Bear at 615-782-0469 or email Adam.
The cost of the retreat includes: all yoga sessions, lodging, and 3 gourmet meals a day, and full use of the facilities. The retreat DOES NOT include transporation to Gray Bear Lodge, spa treatments, travel insurance, gratuities.
Register online through Gray Bear!
To reserve your place, please register by filling out Gray Bear's workshop sign-up form and sending full payment to:
Gray Bear Lodge
PO Box 682
Hohenwald, TN 38462.
A confirmation letter confirming your registration along with additional information (including directions to Gray Bear) will be sent out to you. Note: Gray Bear also accepts Visa and Mastercard payments; contact them at 615-782-0469.
Mail-in/In-Person Registration through Yoga Among Friends
You may also register with Yoga Among Friends by filling out out online registration form and mailing in or dropping off payment at our studio:
Yoga Among Friends
4949 Forest Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Note: Yoga Among Friends only accepts cash and checks.
Gray Bear's Cancellation Policy
A $350 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be required to hold your space. Final payment is normally due 8 weeks before the arrival date of your workshop. For cancellations from 8 weeks to 2 weeks out THERE IS NO REFUND, however we will credit any payments over the deposit to another workshop in the same or following year. For cancellations within 2 weeks of the start of your class there is NO REFUND AND NO CREDIT. WORKSHOP MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER PERSON.
Cancellations must be received in writing. All refunds will be remitted within 30 days of receipt. Gray Bear's cancellation policies are firm therefore we recommend that you purchase travel/cancellation insurance.
All rooms and cabins are shared occupancy. Private cabins may be available for additional cost. Please inquire.
Gray Bear is home to over 150 acres of rolling hills, thick forest, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna; hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket; and revel in clear air and water while using shower outdoors.
With all of this nature we have some suggestions to consider when packing:
- Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!
- A bathing suit ...not required, but good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool
- Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the Yoga Room
- A bath robe/sarong
- House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...shoes are not allowed
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike
- Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool
- Comfortable clothes for excercising/yoga
Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or pets. Gray Bear is a non-smoking, pet-free and alcohol-free facility. Read more about Gray Bear.
Gray Bear Lodge is located 2 hours from the Nashville International Airport. You will need to arrange transportation from the airport to the lodge. YAF will help connect those who are flying so they can carpool to the lodge together (and save on gas and rental fees!) We will also help arrange car pools to drive to Nashville from Chicago for those who do not want to fly.
Laura Jane Mellencamp, C-IYAT, E-RYT 500, MFCC, founder and director of Yoga Among Friends, has been changing people’s lives for 3 decades.
Throughout the various certification programs she has successfully completed, Laura Jane has had the pleasure to study under the likes of T.K.V. Desikachar, Chase Bossart, Kate Holcombe, Richard Miller, Rod Stryker, Ganga White, Tracey Rich, and Erich Schiffman. She has led classes, seminars, and workshops throughout the world for leading organizations and individuals.
Laura is known for her depth of knowledge, practical wisdom, and unique ability to transmit yogic teachings and practices to students from all walks of life. She enjoys blending her clinical and counseling training in psychology with her yoga therapy certification to provide her clients with a holistic approach to psychological and emotional imbalances that affect the immune system.