Midwest Yoga Retreat

Midwest Yoga Retreat with Thomas Fortel

With unpredictable developments in the battle against COVID-19, we continue to explore safe ways to restore the Midwest Yoga Retreat on a regular basis. Stay tuned!

Hello friends and welcome to this bi-annual gathering of Midwest yoga practitioners. My name is Thomas Fortel and I warmly invite you to this extended weekend of fun and reflection with our yoga community. I live in Big Sur, California, am from St. Louis and look forward each year to this retreat time in the heartland of our country.

Taking time for oneself to go on retreat is one of the many spiritual practices available to us. Often on retreat, we enter into the cradle of nature where the pranic force (life energy) is magnified and completely available for anyone who comes. In a similar way, the practitioners of yoga have journeyed for thousands of years to the ashram (yoga community) to engage the practices of meditation, pranayama (conscious breathing), chanting and Hatha yoga. In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the word "shramas" literally means fatigue, and "ashram" means removal of fatigue.

Find out more about Thomas at thomasfortel.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good retreat for beginners?

To fully participate in the retreat, it is best to already know yoga postures. If you are very new to yoga, consider a taking a weekly class for a year before attending this retreat.


What should I bring?

Yoga equipment:
Limited blocks and blankets will be provided, and props are used in all practices. It's a good idea to bring some of your own. Contact Rob Shakespeare if you have questions.
  • Yoga mat (required)
  • Yoga Blocks (1 or 2)
  • Bolster (optional)
  • Wool or Cotton Yoga Blankets (many practices use two)
  • Yoga strap
  • Eyebag

Special clothing considerations:

The yoga practice area is a "no shoes" space. Some like to have socks to wear while they are warming up.

Meals are served in the end of the yoga practice room, and shoes are required in the dining room. Many bring a pair of easy on-and-off shoes or sandals to make the practice-to-meal transition simple.

The yoga practice hall and individual rooms are in the same building. Howver, you may wish to walk outside, so be prepared for any weather you may encounter - it will be chilly in the fall and spring mornings, and remember to account for the possibility of rain! Weather pending, there may be a bonfire one evening of the retreat; you are welcome to bring snacks or evening drinks to share.

If you are new to yoga retreats, you will find that many people wear yoga clothing for the entire retreat, not just for practice.

Other:

Social gathering areas with microwaves, kettles, and refrigerators accessible from all rooms if you need to store refrigerated items.

Many paths are unlit at night, so you may find a flashlight helpful.

You may want to bring a water bottle.


Contact

Contact Rob Shakespeare with questions about the event, registration, or payment.

rob@shakespearelighting.com

(812) 320-2806

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