Mini-Retreat

Saturday, May 20*
10 AM – 1 PM
Doe Valley Farm
Mountain City, TN

Unplug, relax and connect with nature for
a deeply nourishing mini-retreat
including lunch with in-season and locally-foraged ingredients.

Nature therapy is a simple practice that focuses on mindfully spending time in nature using your senses to promote healing, better health and wellness, and increased feelings of happiness, joy and gratitude. This will be an easy, slow meander through the forest with Tina Hayes of EcoHealth Initiative, focused on being where you are in the present moment and noticing what nature has to offer!

Yoga with trees is exactly that—no yoga mat needed. Jen Skarsaune from Lucky Dog Homestead will guide you through a sequence of yoga poses using a tree for support while breathing in the fresh forest air. Join with the spirit of trees for an intimate experience with nature to bring renewed energy, inspiration and connection.

Song circle with Sound Therapist and Song Circle Facilitator, Andrea Wenger, will integrate and harmonize your experiences through group sound resonance which opens the heart and fosters connection. The call-and-response format makes it easy and fun to learn songs about nature, connection, possibility, and belonging. Set yourself free from stories about not being able to sing. This is a safe space to enjoy the benefits of singing–without judgment.

Lunch provided, including locally-foraged and sourced ingredients. Food will be served near the end of the scheduled timeframe. You are welcome to remain on the Doe Valley Farm grounds beyond 1:00 PM to take your time and immerse yourself more in nature!

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including you.   
~ Anne Lamott

The group will be limited to 12 participants to lesson the impact on the natural environment and provide adequate space for you to enjoy your unique nature connection.

* Rain Date: Sunday, May 21, 3 – 6 PM

Extend your retreat and stay onsite overnight!

Doe Valley Farm has an AirBnB cabin if you would like to stay a night or two in the woods to deepen your experience and connection with nature. Cabin sleeps up to 4 people. All overnight accommodation costs and details will be handled by the Doe Valley Farm hosts. Please inquire through Air BnB. Learn more!

What participants have to say

The retreat was fantastic! Relaxing, yet stimulating at the same time and certainly created a peaceful connection to nature on this crisp fall(ish) morning. Andrea, Jen and Tina were wonderful wellness hostesses and leaders. Ready for the next one! ~ Kammee L.

In our busy lives we don’t make time to be quiet and actually breathe with nature rather than struggling and resisting it. We all felt a harmonious connection that quieted our minds to blend in with Mother Earth. It was a pleasantly surprising experience for me and very therapeutic. Jen, Andrea and Tina blended harmoniously with each other – that made a positive impact on our wellness adventure. Very much looking forward to more Wellness in the Woods!! ~ Lisa F.

Sign-Up Details

• Sign-up ends at 5pm on Wednesday, May 17
• A flexible sliding scale is provided for you to choose an amount that reflects the retreat experience along with your means.
• Lunch is included.
• Contact Andrea for alternative payment options.
• Your payment reserves your spot. You will receive a confirmation email with further details (address, what to bring, etc.) during the final week before the event.

Questions? Contact Andrea here or call her at 410-566-4258 … or Jen at 423-707-5175

About the Facilitators…

After a career in Utility Forestry, Jen Skarsaune retired to running Lucky Dog Homestead. Homesteading is hard work and a back injury took her down the path to yoga and on to becoming a 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. She now teaches barnyard yoga at Lucky Dog Homestead and Yoga with Trees at Doe Mountain Recreation Area. For more info: www.facebook.com/luckydoghomestead

Tina Hayes spent her childhood immersed in the woods around her home, always feeling a connection to nature. She lost much of that connection through the throes of adult responsibilities. After a major medical event, Tina discovered nature connection again through the practice of Forest Therapy, which re-invigorated her passion for immersing herself in the outdoors, and led her to become a Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide. Tina has lived in Southwestern Virginia most of her life, and loves the beautiful landscape and many natural resources. She is passionate about sharing them with others in ways that promote health, wellness, and wisdom. For more info: [email protected]

Andrea Wenger creates a sacred space for deep healing through sound, song and ancient healing practices. She facilitates community song circles in the oral tradition, and offers both individual and group sound healing experiences as an avenue to vibrant health and accessing your authentic voice. Andrea grew up singing at home, in school and at church, but by the age of 30, it had fallen away. Soon life nudged her to reclaim her passion for singing and bring it into her emerging healing work. More than a decade later, she continues to be delighted and astounded by the healing power of one’s voice, alone or in resonance with others. For more info: www.andreawenger.com