Go from self-criticism to self-compassion!

BEFRIEND YOURSELF!

Mindful Compassion & Gratitude Weekend

Gentle Movement, Journaling & Meditation Retreat with Kate Lynch

In the Pocono Mountains, PA November 15-17, 2024

Himalayan Institute

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 Do you ever feel blocked from receiving kindness?

Do you want to befriend yourself?

Join our intimate retreat weekend nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania this November 15-17. Stay an extra day to extend your enjoyment!

If you want to connect with yourself and unwind, this is the right retreat for you.

When I first started practicing yoga & meditation, I heard about yoga retreats, and I was like, "That's something for someone else. Yes, I like yoga, but I'm not someone who goes on yoga retreats." 

I couldn't picture myself belonging, so it took me a really long time to decide to try a yoga retreat.

I think that's why it's the people who aren't sure they'll feel included who benefit from my retreats the most. They have injuries, they're new to yoga, highly sensitive, out of shape. It's vulnerable. Real people go on yoga retreats. You just have to find the right one.

Ironically, I ended up living and working at a retreat center! 

So when I decided to lead retreats, I knew I didn't want stuffy and I did want ease. It took a lot of exploration to find a venue that's convenient, authentic, organized, and surrounded by breathtaking nature. 

That's why I love partnering with the Himalayan Institute. The nature and quiet there soothe our nervous systems and provide space for deep rest and transformation.

I don't want you to miss out like I did, so I try my best to paint a picture of what it will be like. It still takes a leap of faith, though! 

If you're still waiting for the time when you deserve a yoga and meditation retreat...

...don’t do that! 

Your loved ones deserve the most fulfilled, grounded and relaxed version of you! Give them that by caring for yourself. You will learn skills you can bring back with you to feel calmer in your everyday, chaotic life. It’s only a weekend!

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During the weekend you can expect:

A BALANCE OF GENTLY FLOWING & RESTORATIVE YOGA, SELF-REFLECTION, RELAXATION AND CONNECTION

  • Awaken self-compassion
  • Cultivate gratitude
  • Luxuriate in gentle movement & restorative yoga
  • Melt away tension with self-massage
  • Relax together
  • Connect with yourself
  • Journal for self-reflection
  • Return home refreshed and ready for the season ahead

Please note:

If you're looking for a physically advanced yoga practice, this won't be the right retreat for you. The morning flow I offer is very mindful, and the evenings are restorative. The physical practices are accessible and gentle, while the meditation and introspection go deep. 

SEE THE SCHEDULE BY CLICKING HERE

Questions? 

BOOK A 1-1 CHAT HERE

 

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Everything will be slow paced and low key. There is downtime built in, because it is therapeutic and conducive to the learning process to do nothing. Please take advantage of the downtime to experience stillness, silence, and nature. You won't regret it. 

Of course, meeting like-minded people is part of the joy of being on a retreat. You can do that too! 

Caitlin S.

"The weekend was intimate and soul nourishing!

Kate was an amazing facilitator who created a safe space - a brave space - for us to be vulnerable and open to connection. I felt so restored during the retreat and was able to carry that feeling forward when faced with the stress and responsibilities of life upon returning home, which is absolutely priceless.

I am so grateful for the gift of this beautiful retreat.”

Dave E.

“This was a wonderful retreat that offered a combination of gentle movement, meditation, discussion, and inspiration.

In particular, I appreciated Kate’s knowledge of the body and her ability to help us create postures and movements that worked for us and allowed us to be more connected to our bodies. Mostly, I was in tune with her approach to life - that self-acceptance and self-compassion allow us to give compassion abundantly.”

Picture yourself:

You've arranged for all of your responsibilities to be held by others for the weekend. They have you covered. You need to restore so you can return with a new perspective. Your retreat begins with your journey to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.

You'll arrive on Friday: 
Check in and settle in to your room. We 
gather after dinner with a short orientation to the Institute, then introductions to help you settle in to the space and the group before we restore, reflect & breathe. You will practice gratitude, and prepare for a restful sleep...

On Saturday:
At 7am there's an optional Hatha yoga class offered by the Institute. If you're not a morning person, sleep in. No judgment!

After breakfast, we'll meditate, connect, & gently flow together until lunch. 

Gratitude journaling prompts and self-compassion protocols will be woven throughout the weekend.

After lunch we'll make our way to the Sound of Music Hill for a brief outdoor mindful walking meditation followed by a tour of MOKA, the on-site chocolate and coffee factory!

Spend the rest of the time before dinner in optional self-guided silence: nap, forest walk, sketch, get a massage, journal... After dinner, we will restore, reflect & breathe before bed. 

On Sunday morning:
Optional Hatha Yoga at 7, and after breakfast our final session will include meditation, gentle flow, questions, and a closing ceremony. Stay for lunch and head home with your new mindfulness tools. 

SEE THE SCHEDULE BY CLICKING HERE

If you tend to be hard on yourself, and want to change that, join me to learn mindfulness-based gratitude and self-compassion practices. 

Throughout the weekend, you'll have opportunities for creative expression, introspection and small group listening. 

You'll have time to rest, stroll, enjoy nature, and simply be.

Immerse yourself within a warm, welcoming yoga community. The Himalayan Institute hosts us with:

  • Peaceful workshop space
  • Pristine and comfortable accommodations
  • Vegetarian/vegan meals
  • 400 wooded acres of hiking trails

Indulge in add-on services like massage and ayurvedic treatments. 

Questions? See below for FAQs. Schedule a 1-1 chat with Kate HERE. I don't bite!

Return home refreshed and receptive to the season ahead.

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How to Sign Up:

  1. Register for the workshop below. 

  2. Book your accommodations here. If possible, you may want to stay an extra day before or after the retreat.

  3. Decide how you'll get to Honesdale, PA.

Questions?

Email me [email protected] 

or schedule a 1-1 chat HERE.

I can't wait to spend the weekend with you!

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Lisa M.

“Although I can be a bit cynical and was always reluctant to join in this type of activity, life during the pandemic has moved me to be more open. I knew that I could benefit from a self-compassion workshop because, like many others, I am very hard on myself!

"I was able to slow down and question some of the negative internal constructs holding me back. The mindfulness practice, yoga, and breathing are all tools that can help me take a step back when I’m overwhelmed. 

"Kate is a compassionate teacher with a great sense of humor! She is very approachable and willing to listen. I also got to meet new and interesting people after a long and complicated year.”

“Until we can receive with an open heart, we are never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.” 

-Brené Brown

My Guarantee:

I keep these retreats small, so every spot really counts. I’d appreciate it if you would double check your availability before booking your retreat. 

I understand that emergencies happen.

I’ll refund you up to 2 weeks before the retreat, minus $99 in expenses. Within 14 days of the start of the event, I can't refund you.

Kate Lynch (she/her) is a mindful yoga teacher who is on a mission to co-create a more inclusive world. She helps highly sensitive people self-regulate so they can feel more joy and calm.

Kate began teaching yoga and cultivating community in 2002, hoping to relieve some of the suffering in the world. She's a cycle-breaker, an empath, and a vagus nerd. 

Her retreats are welcoming and relaxing, and reflect her core values: empathy, integrity, equity and respect.

Kate has advanced training in mindfulness, meditation, polyvagal-informed practices, prenatal and postpartum yoga, and integrating equity. She offers accessible variations, and encourages mindful breathing and awareness. 

Her little neurodiverse family lives in a magical land called Brooklyn.

Sign up to join Kate on retreat
 
 

Katy R.

“The retreat was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from every day stresses and reconnect with myself.

With her calm and supportive attitude, Kate made it a comfortable and engaging experience for all. I was especially impressed by her combination of preparation and flexibility.”

Christen N.

“I had a really wonderful time.

It was the self-care I needed while also allowing me to sit with some real discomfort.

I’ve been working through some heavy stuff and the weekend helped me get through it all the more.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Let me know what else you're curious about.

If you're wondering, someone else is too! It's natural to have hesitations about trying something new. I can help you make an informed decision about this retreat. It's a conversation about your needs, not a sales call. 

I don't bite!

Schedule a 1-1 chat HERE or email me at [email protected].