Testimonies

Carrie Baker

I have been doing yoga for about 10 years and part of that time through some painful injuries. I limped through the first and second retreats on less than 100% of my faculties so I am especially looking forward to the third, now that I'm sixty-six and have either quit fighting the decline or have renewed the lease on my bod. (I'd like to thank David Shupe, Dr. Cote, and my sister, Jean.) I look forward to Qi Gong, anything with information bits, and not having to do anything but yoga and sleep for forty-eight hours. Ah...

Andrea Powers

The retreat was a great opportunity for me to experience other approaches to yoga and contemplative practice and integrate them into my personal practice. As someone living and practicing in a rural environment, the interaction with other like-minded women in the Black Hills area was also very inspiring. I went home with new tools and techniques for staying centered and balanced in my goal oriented, deadline driven daily life. Can't wait for more!

Cindy Hagg

I was so impressed with last years retreat that I asked my sister to fly up from Dallas to attend this years Reflections of Stillness. From the moment I arrived at the beautiful lodge nestled in the Black Hills I knew this retreat was going to be different from any other I had attended. A quiet calm greeted me, settled in my body, and lasted throughout the entire session. This was a time of growth and reflection for me. In breathing, stretching, moving, hiking, relaxing, reading and enjoying God' s creation, I was rejuvenated. The meals were tasty yet healthy and light. The women were gracious and kind but respectful of one's space. Take time for yourself and take a break from this busy world. You will be made fresh.

Holly Riker

Last year was my very first yoga retreat – my very first yoga anything actually. I was a little nervous because I don't really "do" yoga, but not only was the yoga refreshing, the rest of the classes were utterly inspiring, and the company was fantastic. I felt so welcomed and comfortable the minute I walked in - it was like meeting old friends even though I knew only a few other participants. I cannot begin to express how much I needed that break (I have three more-than-active children, work full-time and volunteer for entirely to many things). The K Bar S is an absolutely stunning and peaceful backdrop for this wonderful escape. And the food - I'm not usually "veggie" but it was a great change of pace for me. I brought home all of the recipes and shared them with my family (most of whom were shocked they could feel full without there being a pork chop involved!) It was the best gift I could have given myself - which is why it's been on my calendar for a year... I'm counting the days until my next encounter with "stillness."

Melanie Palm

I was so grateful to be present at last year's Yoga Retreat. It was replenishing to be amongst women who naturally give so much to others, but were also making a concerted effort to give to themselves. The classes were very helpful and diverse, and I am always grateful to be a student in one of Mary Hensley's yoga classes. The food was nourishing on so very many levels, thanks to Leslie Haggerty. The chance to share a room with a dear friend and stay up late to chat one night and fall asleep early on another was precious time indeed. The gorgeous surroundings were topped off by the unexpected light snowfall. An added bonus was the chance to fit in a massage with a talented, young relative! Many of the gifts of the retreat were gifts I had promised myself years ago, but continued to put them off until a 'more convenient time.' It was all the more sweet to partake in the Reflections of Stillness when I finally allowed myself to receive the gifts that Mary and Tiffany had prepared! Thank you kindly for offering this!