Cost
Free. Donations welcome, never expected.
This event is full. Join the waitlist.
Date
-
Location
Capacity
12
Event Type
Retreat
Most of us are waiting for conditions to improve before we can relax. We hope things settle down after the project launches or after the kids are grown. This retreat offers a different approach, drawn from yoga’s oldest instruction to be steady (sthira) and at ease (sukha) at the same time.
We’ll practice gentle yoga, sit together, talk honestly, and share a potluck lunch. We’ll look at what we add to the difficulties we already have, and what it costs to carry that around.
This Day Is for You If
- You practice yoga or meditation and have wondered what a longer stretch of it feels like
- You’d like to go on retreat but can’t take days off or travel to do it
- You’d rather practice with other people than alone with an app
- You’ve been telling yourself you’ll slow down once things settle down
No experience required. You don’t need a regular practice, and you don’t need to be flexible or fit.
Schedule
We start at 9am with coffee and a circle, then gentle yoga and a workshop before lunch. Potluck around noon. The afternoon has conversation in small groups, a second practice, and a closing circle. Out by 3pm.
Retreat Space
It’s not a large space, so prior registration is required (no walk-ins). If all 12 spots are filled, you can join the waitlist. If you register, and your plans change, tell me as early as you can so I can offer your spot to someone else.
Registration includes agreeing to the group agreements and a liability waiver. Please read both before you sign up.
What to Bring
- A yoga mat. I have a few extra mats, so let me know when you register if you need one.
- A blanket, cushion, or any other props you like to use. Chairs will be available.
- Something for the potluck, enough to share with a dozen people. Lake Fellowship has refrigerators and an oven for warming. If your dish has common allergens, a note on it helps.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Shoes you can walk in. There’s a short wood chip path through the woods, and if the weather cooperates we’ll use it.
- A water bottle. Restrooms and drinking water are available in the building.
Getting There
Lake Fellowship is at 24575 Glen Road, off County Road 19, one mile west of downtown Excelsior. Free parking next to the A-frame, and a step-free entrance if stairs are a problem. Directions and more about the building are on the Lake Fellowship page.
Facilitator
Matthew Tift, PhD, RYT-500 teaches yoga at The Marsh and elsewhere around the Twin Cities, and assists with the 200-hour teacher training at Kripalu in Massachusetts. Before the Yoga in the Gardens program ended in 2025, teaching at the day-long retreats at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum was the best part of his year. This retreat is 9am to 3pm, just like the retreats at the Arboretum.
Testimonials
- Molly L.: “What really stirred me was the sense of community & belonging that Matthew so expertly facilitated & which the members of the group, including Matthew, elicited in me.”
- Elle H.: “What I appreciate about Matthew is that he pairs an immense breadth and depth of academic knowledge regarding meditation along with sharing anecdotes from his own consistent personal practice. Matthew also has a knack for effectively distilling down information and delivering it in an unpretentious manner.”
Still Have Questions?
Please reach out.