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. After lunch we’ll look at what we add to the difficulties we already have, and what it costs to carry that around.
If you have a weekly yoga or meditation practice, and have wondered what it might be like to go deeper with it, this day is for you. No experience required, and you don’t need to be flexible or fit.
Schedule
- Morning: Gentle yoga and a workshop on steadiness and ease
- Noon: Potluck
- Afternoon: Conversation, practice, and a closing circle
Cost
Free. Donations accepted.
Retreat Space
12 people. 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.
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. Lake Fellowship has refrigerators and an oven for warming.
- 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.
Getting There
Lake Fellowship is located one mile west of downtown Excelsior, just off County Road 19 on Glen Road. Parking is free, next to the A-frame, and should fit everyone comfortably. The main entrance is up the stairs. If stairs are a problem, there’s a paved accessible walkway just past the parking lot entrance that leads to the back deck and into the building. You can see more pictures of the building on the Lake Fellowship site.
Directions: OpenStreetMap | Google Maps | Apple Maps
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.