Saturday

In the fading light, the black bear moves slowly, carrying silence and shadow. West is the place of endings, of turning inward, of laying burdens down. By retreating into the stillness of the den—where rest becomes renewal—the black bear teaches us that what we carry can become what nourishes us.

Inspired by Lakota, Anishinaabe, and Cree traditions.

• Optional sunrise forest immersion. The sunrise forest immersion group will meet in the student retreat house kitchen.

• Breakfast served in student retreat house dining room.

• Sound bath in the student retreat house living room. Participants are encouraged to bring pillows, blankets, and yoga mats to maximize physical comfort and relaxation.

• Stretch, refresh, and refueling break.

• Indigenous knowledge session: Anishinaabeg rest and rhythms.

• Stretch, refresh, and refueling break.

• Introduction to self-compassion with guided practice.

• Lunch served in the student retreat house dining room.

• Personal time for independent forest immersion, rest, or self-guided activities.
• Craft & art opportunities in the student retreat house living room.
• Populating the West Burden Wall with intention statements for releasing a burden.

• Rest from difficult emotions: Positive psychology instruction and guided practice.

• Stretch, refresh, and refueling break.

• Sound bath in the student retreat center living room.

• Personal time for independent forest immersion, rest, or other self-guided activities.
• Craft & art opportunities in the student retreat house living room.

• Optional sunset forest immersion. The sunset forest immersion group will meet in the student retreat house kitchen. 

• Dinner in the main retreat center dining room. 

• Resting in forgiveness: Positive psychology guided reflection and writing exercise.

• Movie night & popcorn buffet in the retreat center gallery. Retreat participants are encouraged to bring pillows, blankets, and yoga mats.