We are living through a time of growing uncertainty, and many of us are feeling the weight of collective overwhelm. It has taken a toll, leaving behind a sense of exhaustion that is both personal and shared. And yet, the human spirit continues to adapt and endure. This retreat asks an important question: how do we meet the challenges of our time with vitality, creativity, and even optimism? How do we rise in the midst of chaos? If we give in to overwhelm, distraction, and numbness, we lose the capacity to respond with the skill this moment demands. But when we cultivate inner strength and courage through clear-eyed practice, we build the steadiness and resilience needed for the work ahead.
The retreat will center on teachings from the Bhagavadgītā, a foundational text of Indian philosophy dating from approximately the fifth century BCE to the second century CE. It gathers together ideas that had been developing for centuries and presents them as a distinctive philosophy and praxis. Structured as a dialogue between a student and a teacher, the Bhagavadgītā explores yoga in multiple forms and begins with the deeply human experience of inner conflict: the confusion and uncertainty that can cloud judgment.
The text recognizes that there were already many approaches to yoga practice. Some emphasized meditation and knowledge, others focused on breath restraint, devotion, or other paths. In the Bhagavadgītā, however, action itself is brought into focus. It presents a way of living that fully engages with life while remaining rooted in yogic ideals. For its time, this was likely a radical and accessible approach, especially for householders rather than priests or ascetics.
At its heart, the Bhagavadgītā speaks to the difficulty of acting when we are faced with uncertainty, fear, contradiction, and tension with our ethical values. What is the right thing to do? Such dilemmas can freeze us and pull us deeper into despair and inaction. Yet they can also become openings for growth, self-transcendence, and transformation. The text points toward the spiritual warrior archetype: one who combines strength with sensitivity and acts in defense of truth, justice, and those who cannot defend themselves through love, compassion, cooperation, and courage.
Participants do not need to read or already know the Bhagavadgītā. The text will be referenced throughout the retreat, with context provided along the way. For those who would like to read it in advance, Eknath Easwaran’s translation is recommended. For Sanskrit scholars, Winthrop Sargeant’s translation, The Bhagavad Gītā, with a foreword by Huston Smith and editor preface by Christopher Key Chapple, is more precise, while Easwaran’s version may feel more accessible to modern readers.
You may view the schedule here.
The Grove offers a simple, restful stay with one queen bed dressed in a fitted sheet, creating a comfortable space to unwind after a day of wellness activities. Shared bathrooms are located nearby for easy access, and the room is warmed by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping maintain a cozy atmosphere throughout your visit.
Designed with a natural, understated feel, this room includes an outlet with limited power for basic charging needs. A meaningful detail of the interior is the trim, which was crafted from wood salvaged from the 2020 wildfire, adding a quiet sense of resilience and connection to the surrounding environment.
Ideal for guests seeking a peaceful retreat setting, The Grove combines practical comfort with a thoughtful, nature-inspired character.
The Grove offers a simple, comfortable stay with one full bed and one twin bed, each prepared with a fitted sheet. It is a practical choice for guests traveling together who appreciate a restful space with a natural, grounded feel.
The room is located near shared bathrooms for easy access, and it is heated by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping maintain a cozy temperature throughout your stay. Please note that the outlet provides limited power, which may be useful to keep in mind when planning what to bring.
One of the most meaningful details of the space is its interior trim, crafted from wood salvaged from the 2020 wildfire. This thoughtful feature gives the room a quiet sense of resilience and connection to the surrounding landscape, adding character to an already welcoming retreat setting.
This cozy room offers a simple, restorative stay with one full bed and one twin bunk bed, each prepared with a fitted sheet. It is a practical choice for guests traveling together, with shared bathrooms located nearby for easy access throughout your stay.
Comfort is supported by adjustable geothermal radiators, allowing you to set the warmth to your preference. The room also includes an outlet with limited power for basic charging needs. Thoughtful interior trim details were crafted from wood salvaged after the 2020 wildfire, adding a meaningful sense of place and resilience to the space.
Designed for rest, privacy, and a grounded connection to the surrounding environment, this room offers an unpretentious retreat setting where you can unwind between wellness activities and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
Designed for a simple and restful stay, this lodge room features one full bed with a fitted sheet and easy access to shared bathrooms nearby. The room is heated by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping create a cozy atmosphere throughout your visit, and includes an outlet with limited power for basic charging needs.
Just steps from the dining hall, this accommodation offers convenient access to meals and the heart of daily life at Breitenbush. As the Lodge serves as a central gathering place, guests should expect some activity and occasional noise outside quiet hours from 10pm to 8am. It’s a practical choice for visitors looking for comfort, simplicity, and a close connection to the retreat experience.
This unique converted dairy trailer offers a simple and characterful stay for guests who enjoy a cozy, offbeat setting. Inside, you’ll find a twin bunk bed, with a fitted sheet provided for each bed. Guests are welcome to bring their own bedding, or they may choose to add a bedset rental below for added convenience.
The lodging includes access to shared bathrooms and is heated by adjustable geothermal radiators, helping create a comfortable atmosphere throughout your stay. Please note that the outlet provides limited power, so it is best suited for basic charging needs.
As the walls are fairly thin, light sleepers may wish to bring earplugs or consider another lodging type. The top bunk is reached by stepping onto the desk and using the provided handle, so a little extra care is needed when climbing up.
Settle into a simple mountain stay in this unheated canvas wall tent, designed for guests who want to feel close to nature while enjoying a few thoughtful comforts. Inside, you’ll find one queen bed with a fitted sheet, and additional twin-sized camping pads can be added upon request for extra flexibility. A covered porch offers a peaceful spot to relax outdoors, while shared bathrooms are available for convenience.
Please note that this lodging does not have heating. The property’s limited hydroelectric system cannot support electric heaters, so it’s important to come prepared with warm layers and blankets. Nights in the mountains can be chilly, especially after sunset, making cozy bedding a welcome addition to your stay. An outlet with limited power is also available for basic needs.
This is a rustic, comfortable option for travelers seeking a quiet retreat with a back-to-nature atmosphere.
Settle into a classic canvas wall tent designed for a simple, comfortable mountain stay. This unheated lodging includes one queen bed and one full bed, each made with a fitted sheet, with additional twin-sized camping pads available upon request. A covered porch offers a peaceful spot to relax and take in the surroundings, while shared bathrooms are conveniently located nearby.
Please keep in mind that this accommodation does not have heat, and the limited hydroelectric system cannot support electric heaters. Guests should come prepared with extra blankets, especially for cooler nights in the mountains. An outlet is available, though power is limited, making this a great choice for those seeking a more grounded, nature-connected experience.
This unheated 10x10 canvas tent offers a simple, restful stay for guests who appreciate a more grounded camping experience. Inside, you’ll find two twin-sized floor mats, each made up with a fitted sheet, creating a comfortable setup for up to two guests. If needed, up to two additional twin floor mats can be added upon request, making this option flexible for small groups or families.
Set in a calm outdoor environment, the tent is designed for those who want to stay close to nature while still having access to practical comforts. Shared bathrooms are located nearby, and the space does not include electricity, helping preserve the quiet, unplugged atmosphere. With its straightforward layout and natural setting, this tent is a great choice for guests looking for a peaceful, low-key retreat stay.
Settle into a simple outdoor stay with camping in the woods along Strawberry Meadow, where you can create your own comfortable base in a peaceful natural setting. This option is designed for guests who prefer the freedom of bringing their own setup while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the surrounding forest and meadow landscape.
Each site is suitable for either two small tents or one mid-sized tent, making it a practical choice for friends, couples, or solo travelers who want a more flexible camping experience. With the focus on open-air living and a relaxed connection to nature, this stay offers an easy way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.
If you are looking for a straightforward camping experience with room for a modest tent arrangement, this setting along Strawberry Meadow provides a quiet and welcoming place to stay.
Meghan Maris is an E-CYT and a graduate of Loyola Marymount University’s Master of Arts in Yoga Studies, where she focused on yoga philosophy and Sanskrit. She is also a candidate for LMU’s post-graduate Yoga Therapy Certification, reflecting her continued dedication to deepening her knowledge and practice. During her time in the MA program, Meghan completed the 100-hour Yoga, Mindfulness, and...
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53000 Breitenbush Rd SE, Detroit, OR 97342, USA
Detroit
Sun, Jun 14 – Tue, Jun 16