Are you ready to experience peace, contentment and wonder? Immerse yourself in the vast beauty that is Montana and refresh mind, body and spirit with daily yoga practices, meditation, nature excursions, delicious meals and opportunities for relaxation. Let this retreat reawaken your appreciation for your life, or inspire you to make the changes you see
I believe 90% of yoga exists beyond the yoga mat. Yoga means “to yoke” or “to unify”; it is a mindset that we generate through practice on the mat and reflect through the choices we make in everyday life. Yoga is existing in a continuous state of attentiveness, openness, discernment and compassion; it is minimizing our destructive impact on the earth (i.e., to “walk lightly”) and strengthening our relationships to Self and others. Some of the best “yogis” I know do not practice yoga on the mat; they live mindfully. Therefore, this retreat is an opportunity to practice and reflect upon these ideas and the choices we make, whether for the first time or the millionth time, both on and off the mat…Walking Lightly Ranch is the perfect place to do this! I hope that you feel nourished upon returning to your everyday life: more connected, mindful, inspired and balanced.
One of the signature aspects of Amanda’s retreats is the structure of our days, as always, our days will coordinate with the rhythms of nature by sharing invigorating yoga practices in the morning and calming practices in the evening, eating locally sourced and organic meals with our largest meal in the middle of the day, immersing ourselves in nature and providing plenty of time for true rest and reconnection to oneself and one another. If yoga is not “your thing”, in addition to perhaps trying new things…like yoga ;)… there will be plenty of other ways to participate and receive a well-rounded retreat experience. And do not stress: our yoga o’hana is down-to-earth, kind, and mindful; we are not judging the quality of your downward dog or your ability to sit in meditation, even if you may be judging yourself; we all know how it feels to begin yoga and the challenges that arise as you continue yoga…it is called “practice” for a reason!
I have been facilitating retreats and yoga teacher training for 10 years, and it is one of the BEST gifts in my life. I have a masters degree in counseling psychology and experience working in the mental health field; I am also currently in a doctorate program for counseling psychology (anticipated graduation is May 2025). I am intrigued by and passionate about the way self-care, nutrition, physiology, psychology, yoga, mindfulness and meditation intertwine. To me, the beauty of retreats is that they provide an opportunity to reflect, re-center and rejuvenate and then to resume your daily life with greater intention and awareness.
I hope you will join us in Montana! Dates for 2024 will be posted soon.
With Aloha,
Amanda
Where is Walking Lightly Ranch?
Walking Lightly Ranch is located in Whitefish, Montana and is situated on 400 acres, surrounded by thousands of acres of state and national forest reserves. The property hosts a lodge, guest barn and yoga studio along with hiking trails, gardens and a swimming pond. The barn is an independent structure and solely contains guest rooms, whereas the lodge is quiet but more trafficked as it contains guest rooms, library, fireplace, kitchen and dining room. Unless you have signed up to share a room with a loved one, you will be given a private room in your preferred choice of lodging, space permitting (requests honored in the order in which they are received). Please make a selection on the registration form. Linens are provided. Temperatures tend to range between 40 and 65 degrees at this time of year, so please pack accordingly. You are able to extend your stay on the ranch prior to or following the retreat for an extra fee, but you will need to arrange those reservations directly with the ranch.
Check out this video for a small glimpse of Walking Lightly Ranch
What is included in the retreat?
- 5 nights lodging at Walking Lightly Ranch
- Meals (except lunch at Glacier National Park)
- Excursions to Glacier National Park and downtown Whitefish
- Transportation to/from airport; flights not included
- Yoga teachers: earn 50 continuing education credits for this retreat
- Yoga and use of all necessary props at the Walking Lightly Ranch’s studio
Will there be coffee?!
Yes…as much coffee as you desire! More importantly, the ranch employs an on-site chef whom will be providing organic vegetarian meals using food grown directly on-site; she is one of the kindest people I have ever met and created some of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten! For those of you nervous about eating vegetarian, you are welcome to bring your own snacks, though I assure you even the most skeptical people have been pleasantly surprised and satiated by retreat meals. There are also great restaurants in Whitefish and at Glacier National Park if you crave a hamburger or slice of pizza halfway through the retreat. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream is another must-have while visiting…I highly recommend the huckleberry! All meals will be included except for lunch at Glacier National Park. If you have any food allergies or special dietary considerations, please list on the Registration Form.
Which airport should I fly into? How do I get to the retreat center?
I recommend flying into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, which is a 20-minute drive to the ranch. If you would like me to transport you to the ranch, please arrive in time for either the 12pm or 2:30pm shuttle from FCA to the ranch. You are also welcome to rent your own vehicle; there is free parking at the ranch.
On departure day, I will drop off guests at the airport at 12pm; please schedule your flights accordingly.
Excursions:
The excursions to charming downtown Whitefish and breathtaking Glacier National Park are included in your retreat, including entrance fees and transportation. Since we will be visiting in early July, the full length of Going to the Sun Road should be open (weather permitting) and we will drive to the top! Hiking opportunities can be arranged, too.
If you would like to purchase food or participate in activities offered by the park, you will pay for those separately. The park also offers boat tours, horseback rides, and ranger-guided activities that you can schedule independently during our time there; we will discuss this excursion on the first day.
Add-ons:
If you would like to receive a massage during the retreat, please indicate this on your travel form. Fees will be paid directly to massage therapist.
Example Itinerary:
Subject to modifications as necessary.
Day 1
- Arrival between noon and 3pm
- 4pm Orientation & Property Tour
- 5-6:45pm Yoga
- 7pm Dinner & Group Introductions
Day 2
- 7am Meditation
- 8am Breakfast
- 10am-12pm Vinyasa Krama Yoga (all levels)
- 12:30pm Lunch
- 1-5pm Free time (on-site hike?)
- 5-6:45pm Yang Yin Yoga*
*tapering from slow, gentle movements to restorative yoga and relaxation or guided meditation
- 7pm Dinner
- 8pm Talk storyAvalanche Creek, G.N.P.
Day 3
- 6:30-8am Vinyasa Krama Yoga & Meditation
- 8am Breakfast
- 9am Departure for Glacier National Park
- 6pm Depart Glacier National Park; return to Walking Lightly Ranch
- 7pm Dinner at Walking Lightly Ranch
- 8pm Restorative Yoga & Yoga Nidra
Day 4
- 7am MeditationWalking Lightly Ranch’s hiking trail
- 8am Breakfast
- 10am-12pmVinyasa Krama Yoga (all levels)
- 12:30pm Lunch
- 1-5pm Free time (optional excursion to Whitefish)
- 5-6:45pm Yang Yin Yoga*
*tapering from slow, gentle movements to restorative yoga and relaxation or guided meditation
- 7pm Dinner
- 8pm Talk story
Day 5
- 7am Meditation
- 8am Breakfast
- 9:30-11:30am Vinyasa Krama Yoga (all levels)
- 12pm Lunch
- 1-5pm Free time (on-site hike?)
- 5-6:45pm Yang Yin Yoga*
*tapering from slow, gentle movements to restorative yoga and relaxation or guided meditation
- 7pm Dinner
- 8pm Talk story
Day 6
- 7-8:30am Yoga
- 9am Brunch & Closing circle
- 11am Check-out and departure for airport
Packing Checklist:
| Yoga mats: may borrow free ones on-site | Camera | ||
| Hiking shoes | Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner and soap | ||
| Rain jacket | Sun protection | ||
| Heavy sweater or jacket | Water bottle | ||
| Flashlight or head lamp | Yoga clothing will be sufficient for all activities; no need to dress up for meals. | ||
| Swimwear & beach towel | Yoga Tune-Up Balls, if you have them |
Lodging Choices:
Craftsman-style Guest Barn: These rooms are quiet and comfortable. All rooms have a queen-sized bed, as pictured. Private baths will be assigned based upon order of registration.
Cozy lodge with stunning mountain views: The lodge rooms are also quiet and comfortable, although they are slightly smaller and have unique features, such as a window seat. One of the rooms has a private bathroom with a claw-foot tub and king bed; all others include a queen bed with shared bathroom.
Additional Information:
Once full payment is made, NO refunds will be provided due to a change of mind…I rely on your word to make the required minimum set forth by retreat centers and cancellations can cost me thousands of dollars, which becomes an energetic and financial burden that I am not willing to carry. I offer retreats because taking this time out to slow down, practice, connect and be in nature has the power to radically shift our perspectives and rejuvenate us so completely that we can go back into our normal routines with more energy, enthusiasm and health. They also provide an awesome opportunity to reconnect to people you have met within the yoga community and to establish the kind of friendships that go beyond the surface mundane quality of our lives, to feed us on a much deeper level. This is why I LOVE leading them! If you commit to the retreat and have to cancel because of unforeseen health or family reasons, I will work with you to refund IF the minimum number of participants has been met; if unable to refund in the full amount, I will gladly apply your registration fees towards future classes, workshops or retreats of your choice. Mahalo for understanding.