Women's Yoga Retreat a Smashing Success!

Alright, everyone with any form of online access has heard ad nauseum about our first-ever Women's Yoga Retreat last weekend at the Ozark Natural Science Center.  However, just in case you were stranded on a distant planet and missed the details, here's a recap:

A total of 17 women participated in one form or another in our inaugural event.  We kicked things off on Friday evening and allowed everyone a leisurely arrival by 7 p.m.  After checking into two of the ONSC lodges, our attendees convened in Lewis Pavilion to enjoy an immensely popular spread of cheese, crackers, fruit, summer sausage and wine.  We provided a tour and orientation of our facilities and then kept the campfire going and the food flowing while our guests chatted and got to know one another.

On Saturday morning, yoga instructor Chris Kessler kicked things off bright and early with an optional early bird yoga session in our outdoor classroom.  It was a perfect setting to start the day. 

We provided a light, fairly nutritious breakfast and a fresh fruit salad, and then our ONSC Teacher Naturalist Maggie Bailey took the group on a short hike.  The group kept a sunny disposition despite the torrential downpour and returned for our next yoga session in the Ewing Centre followed by a baked potato and salad bar lunch. 

The afternoon kicked off with rotating sessions based on attendee interests, including guided meditation, active yoga, an aggressive hike for the mountain goats in our group and a decadent massage for every attendee. 

We offered plenty of free time as well, and a number of participants spent chunks of their afternoon in rocking chairs on our deck enjoying the sounds of nature and an idyllic view.

We convened again that evening for sweat lodge sessions followed by homemade pizzas baked in our wood-fired stove near the campfire.  Options included feta/black olive/spinach/roasted red pepper, mushroom/smoked turkey/red onion/bell pepper and tomato, yellow squash, asparagus and artichoke pizzas made by the Center's fabulous kitchen staff.  We filled in the gaps with amazing homemade cookies also baked in the wood-fired stove.  After a full day of yoga and activities, the group was ready to hit the lodges early.

On Sunday morning, we wrapped up with one last lengthy yoga session followed by pancakes, scrambled eggs, more fresh fruit and strawberries in powdered sugar.  Our weekend photographer prepared a slideshow of photos for the group to enjoy before packing up to head home.

Most of our attendees felt like they were back at "grown-up" summer camp.  Our favorite comment: "Every woman in northwest Arkansas should have this experience - it's amazing!"  We agree - hope to see you next year!  A possible women's and/or coed yoga retreat is planned for the fall, and the Women's Yoga Retreat will be an annual occurence on the weekend after Mother's Day.  Join us in 2011!