October 2024 Nature Retreat: Discover Growth and Joy in Life's Messiness
Finding Beauty in the Mess: How Life's Imperfections Lead to Personal Growth
Oct 25th (Friday 7:30 PM)
- Oct 27th (Sunday 10:30 AM) 2024
Illinois State Beach Hotel
Join us for a weekend retreat where you can embrace life's chaos and find beauty in its imperfections.
This retreat combines structured workshops with free time, allowing you to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect at your own pace.
All activities are optional, so you can tailor your experience to fit your interests.
This retreat combines structured workshops with free time, allowing you to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect at your own pace.
All activities are optional, so you can tailor your experience to fit your interests.
Retreat Highlights
Schedule Overview
Friday Night (7:30-9 PM): Meet and Greet Session
Saturday Morning:
Meet and Greet session on Friday night, is designed to ease you into the retreat's relaxing atmosphere. We'll introduce you to simple 3-minute stretching exercises that help prepare both your mind and body for the weekend ahead. These exercises are perfect for releasing tension and setting a calm tone for the retreat. Rooms will be available from 4:00 PM, allowing you to settle in comfortably. The later start time ensures that everyone can arrive after work and begin the retreat feeling refreshed and ready.
Finding Beauty in the Mess: This transformative workshop helps you embrace life's chaos and discover personal growth. Through interactive discussions and activities, you'll learn that not all situations need solutions and that chaos can lead to insights. You'll gain strategies for integrating these concepts into your daily life, helping you navigate challenges with grace and resilience.
CORE Resilience: This workshop focuses on Compassion, Openness, Resilience and Energy (CORE). You'll engage in activities and discussions that highlight the importance of accepting life's chaos and finding beauty in imperfection. Through mindfulness exercises and journaling, you'll learn to cultivate compassion, remain open to new experiences, and enhance your resilience.
Sunday Wrap-up Session: This session ensures that the insights and relaxation you've gained lead to lasting transformation. You'll create actionable commitments and receive ongoing support, ensuring that the growth and rejuvenation you experienced become a lasting part of your journey. We also plan to offer optional outings and maintain contact through a private Facebook group or emails for those who want to follow up or stay in touch. Most participants find these follow-up activities and connections valuable for continuing their practice
Restorative Yoga in the Morning
Start your day with our optional morning yoga classes from 6-7 AM, designed to gently awaken your body and mind. This restorative yoga session, which doesn't require any props, offers a therapeutic experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. The practice focuses on gentle movements, with the most challenging pose being the downward-facing dog. It's a perfect way to ease into the day and get your body moving in a relaxed and supportive environment. Bring your yoga mat, please!
Instructors
- Relaxation: Unwind with yoga and meditation sessions in a serene environment.
- Replenishment: Enjoy nourishing meals and peaceful nature hikes.
- Rejuvenation: Participate in workshops that encourage personal growth and self-discovery.
- Reflection: Spend time alone or with others, as you prefer.
- Realization: Learn to embrace life's messiness and find joy in the journey.
Schedule Overview
Friday Night (7:30-9 PM): Meet and Greet Session
Saturday Morning:
- Yoga and Meditation
Leisurely breakfast while watching the sunrise
Workshop: Finding Beauty in the Mess
- Your own time for solitude or companionship; explore nature or relax
- Workshop: CORE Resilience: Embracing Life's Messiness
- Yoga and Meditation
- Leisurely breakfast while watching the sunrise
- Wrap-up Workshop
Meet and Greet session on Friday night, is designed to ease you into the retreat's relaxing atmosphere. We'll introduce you to simple 3-minute stretching exercises that help prepare both your mind and body for the weekend ahead. These exercises are perfect for releasing tension and setting a calm tone for the retreat. Rooms will be available from 4:00 PM, allowing you to settle in comfortably. The later start time ensures that everyone can arrive after work and begin the retreat feeling refreshed and ready.
Finding Beauty in the Mess: This transformative workshop helps you embrace life's chaos and discover personal growth. Through interactive discussions and activities, you'll learn that not all situations need solutions and that chaos can lead to insights. You'll gain strategies for integrating these concepts into your daily life, helping you navigate challenges with grace and resilience.
CORE Resilience: This workshop focuses on Compassion, Openness, Resilience and Energy (CORE). You'll engage in activities and discussions that highlight the importance of accepting life's chaos and finding beauty in imperfection. Through mindfulness exercises and journaling, you'll learn to cultivate compassion, remain open to new experiences, and enhance your resilience.
Sunday Wrap-up Session: This session ensures that the insights and relaxation you've gained lead to lasting transformation. You'll create actionable commitments and receive ongoing support, ensuring that the growth and rejuvenation you experienced become a lasting part of your journey. We also plan to offer optional outings and maintain contact through a private Facebook group or emails for those who want to follow up or stay in touch. Most participants find these follow-up activities and connections valuable for continuing their practice
Restorative Yoga in the Morning
Start your day with our optional morning yoga classes from 6-7 AM, designed to gently awaken your body and mind. This restorative yoga session, which doesn't require any props, offers a therapeutic experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. The practice focuses on gentle movements, with the most challenging pose being the downward-facing dog. It's a perfect way to ease into the day and get your body moving in a relaxed and supportive environment. Bring your yoga mat, please!
Instructors
- Sudesh Kannan (Dr. K): Dr. K has been teaching a simple three-step process to bring more joy, peace, and energy into people's lives since 2007. An experienced meditator and workshop facilitator, he is known for his kind, caring, and compassionate nature. Dr. K excels in helping individuals uncover the wisdom they already possess, empowering them to explore their inner strengths and achieve personal growth.
- Joe Christophe: Yoga instructor and marathon/running coach, guiding the yoga sessions. He has earned his 200 hour yoga school instructor certificate. He is a kind, gentle and knowledgeable instructor.
workshop DeTails
DATE & Time: Oct 25th Friday 7:30 PM - Oct 27th Sunday 10:30 AM
LOCATION: Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, the Illinois Beach Hotel offers a unique retreat experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Illinois Beach State Park. This quaint hotel, originally built in the 1950s, is currently undergoing renovations to enhance its charm while maintaining a comfortable, non-luxurious atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding nature preserve, making it an ideal location for relaxation and reflection. With its cozy accommodations and the serene backdrop of Lake Michigan, the Illinois Beach Hotel provides a perfect setting for those looking to connect with nature and unwind in a peaceful environment..
Retreat Fees: $797 - Please use the Google Form below to fill out the registration form. You will receive an invoice/ secure internet link for payment.
Google Form for registration
https://forms.gle/VwNjfA6Lneu35Hj29
Finding Beauty in the Mess – Nature Retreat – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've never meditated before, is this event for me?
A: Absolutely! You don't need any experience with meditation to enjoy this retreat. We'll use different activities and exercises to help you find love, joy, and peace, even if you've never meditated. You'll learn practical tools that you can use at home and work to keep growing. Dr. K will also offer one-on-one sessions (in person or online) to help you create a personalized plan for finding love, joy, and peace.
Q: Who should attend the "Finding Beauty in the Mess" Nature Retreat?
A: This retreat is perfect for anyone who wants to start or continue their journey of finding more joy in life. It's great for people who want to:
Q: What will I learn and experience during this retreat?
A: You'll learn how to create a "happiness practice" that will help you feel refreshed, energized, and connected to what's important. During the retreat, you'll:
Tell Me More About the Retreat Agenda and Workshops
All paid participants will receive a detailed agenda for the retreat. We encourage you to tailor your experience to your own needs and preferences. Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, feel free to go with the flow and make sure you have time to sit, relax, and even be bored. While there are many activities available, you don't have to participate in all of them. Workshops typically last 2-3 hours and include informative sessions with interactive exercises. Some participants may choose to share openly, while others might prefer to stay quiet, and that's perfectly fine. We all aim to be respectful, compassionate, kind, and supportive. It's okay to experience emotions like tears, regret, and anxiety. We embrace these feelings and provide a space of acceptance, non-judgment, and love.
The retreat will include several contemplative practices, such as meditation, journaling, slow walking, and tai chi movements. These are short 3-5 minute activities that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine after the retreat.
We also plan to offer optional outings and maintain contact through a private Facebook group or emails for those who want to follow up or stay in touch. Most participants find these follow-up activities and connections valuable for continuing their practice
Q:What Kind of Food and Beverage Options Will Be Offered?
The hotel offers a variety of simple and nourishing meals, including healthy breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, and soups. We will do our best to accommodate most dietary needs. While the food isn't gourmet, it is wholesome and satisfying. Each room has a coffee machine, and a selection of green teas will be available. Alcohol can be purchased at the hotel bar, but we encourage you to keep the retreat smoke-free and alcohol-free, as the hotel is a non-smoking facility.
Q: What should I wear?
A: There's no strict dress code. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, like street clothes or yoga clothes. It's a good idea to dress in layers because you might feel cool as you relax. We also have some outdoor activities planned, and it can get chilly in October, so bring warm layers just in case.
Testimonials from previous Dr K workshops
LOCATION: Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, the Illinois Beach Hotel offers a unique retreat experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Illinois Beach State Park. This quaint hotel, originally built in the 1950s, is currently undergoing renovations to enhance its charm while maintaining a comfortable, non-luxurious atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding nature preserve, making it an ideal location for relaxation and reflection. With its cozy accommodations and the serene backdrop of Lake Michigan, the Illinois Beach Hotel provides a perfect setting for those looking to connect with nature and unwind in a peaceful environment..
Retreat Fees: $797 - Please use the Google Form below to fill out the registration form. You will receive an invoice/ secure internet link for payment.
Google Form for registration
https://forms.gle/VwNjfA6Lneu35Hj29
- Register before September 29th, 2024, to receive a $100 discount or a free upgrade to a lakeview room.
- The fee includes:
- A single bedroom
- Meals: Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus Sunday breakfast
- A 15-minute call to customize your program and a three-week self-guided course, "Make Stress Your Ally - Tips & Tricks to Handle Your Stress." Completing this course before the retreat will be incredibly beneficial, as it will prepare you to fully embrace and enjoy the retreat experience.
- After the retreat, participate in follow-up sessions and activities, both group and one-on-one, to help you stick to your plan for three months.
- The fee is refundable, except for a $100 deposit, if you cancel within 48 hours of the retreat start
Finding Beauty in the Mess – Nature Retreat – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've never meditated before, is this event for me?
A: Absolutely! You don't need any experience with meditation to enjoy this retreat. We'll use different activities and exercises to help you find love, joy, and peace, even if you've never meditated. You'll learn practical tools that you can use at home and work to keep growing. Dr. K will also offer one-on-one sessions (in person or online) to help you create a personalized plan for finding love, joy, and peace.
Q: Who should attend the "Finding Beauty in the Mess" Nature Retreat?
A: This retreat is perfect for anyone who wants to start or continue their journey of finding more joy in life. It's great for people who want to:
- Overcome worries and regrets
- Feel love, peace, and happiness more often
- Find their passion and purpose
- Have a fun and meaningful weekend with friends and family
- Learn ways to feel better and happier
- Practice happiness with their family
Q: What will I learn and experience during this retreat?
A: You'll learn how to create a "happiness practice" that will help you feel refreshed, energized, and connected to what's important. During the retreat, you'll:
- Make your own personal "Love, Joy, and Peace" plan
- Learn to focus and be more aware (meditation might be part of this!)
- Connect with your intuition and inner wisdom
- Calm your mind and take care of your soul
- Leave with a daily practice and a renewed sense of well-being
Tell Me More About the Retreat Agenda and Workshops
All paid participants will receive a detailed agenda for the retreat. We encourage you to tailor your experience to your own needs and preferences. Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, feel free to go with the flow and make sure you have time to sit, relax, and even be bored. While there are many activities available, you don't have to participate in all of them. Workshops typically last 2-3 hours and include informative sessions with interactive exercises. Some participants may choose to share openly, while others might prefer to stay quiet, and that's perfectly fine. We all aim to be respectful, compassionate, kind, and supportive. It's okay to experience emotions like tears, regret, and anxiety. We embrace these feelings and provide a space of acceptance, non-judgment, and love.
The retreat will include several contemplative practices, such as meditation, journaling, slow walking, and tai chi movements. These are short 3-5 minute activities that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine after the retreat.
We also plan to offer optional outings and maintain contact through a private Facebook group or emails for those who want to follow up or stay in touch. Most participants find these follow-up activities and connections valuable for continuing their practice
Q:What Kind of Food and Beverage Options Will Be Offered?
The hotel offers a variety of simple and nourishing meals, including healthy breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, and soups. We will do our best to accommodate most dietary needs. While the food isn't gourmet, it is wholesome and satisfying. Each room has a coffee machine, and a selection of green teas will be available. Alcohol can be purchased at the hotel bar, but we encourage you to keep the retreat smoke-free and alcohol-free, as the hotel is a non-smoking facility.
Q: What should I wear?
A: There's no strict dress code. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, like street clothes or yoga clothes. It's a good idea to dress in layers because you might feel cool as you relax. We also have some outdoor activities planned, and it can get chilly in October, so bring warm layers just in case.
Testimonials from previous Dr K workshops
- "Dr. K's discussions, videos, and scientific techniques have helped me explore and manage my emotions, transforming my life."
- "This workshop affirmed my connection with others and myself, showing me that discomfort can be a starting point for growth."
- "I learned to intentionally engage with happiness, noticing joy in everyday actions and realizing the importance of self-care."
- "The workshop taught me to view life from multiple perspectives, finding meaning in suffering and focusing on what truly matters."
- "Dr. K's enthusiasm is contagious, and his insights on happiness have encouraged me to take small, consistent actions toward a joyful life."
- "I discovered that happiness is a choice, and through daily practices like gratitude journaling and meditation, I can cultivate joy."
- "Dr. K's balanced approach between analysis and action has helped me turn thoughts into meaningful actions, enhancing my mindfulness journey."
SIGN UP
- Click on this link for Registration or use the form below (name, email and phone number) for questions and comments.