Next Retreat: October 4-6th 2024!
Experience Wellness, Yoga, Astrology, Healing, Nourishment & Connection Submersed In Nature
Co-Hosted by Josh & Deanna + Facillitators Casey & Sarah!
Other room options/prices at bottom
After both feeling deeply called at the last retreat I hosted, Josh and I decided it was time for us to lead our own retreat together. And from there, the magic began to unfold...
Josh quickly reached out to Casey about being heavily involved in our retreat, he didn't have a plan on what was going to be offered, or even much of a vision for the retreat itself, besides the fact he felt the universal nudge to make sure he did this with Casey.
As they sat down and began to explore the astrology of October 4th-6th, Casey's general "wow"s and head nodding "interesting"s while he looked at what the planets were doing, definitely captured everyone's attention.
Casey began to explain about the Libra moon and Mars in Cancer- which as you get to the next section, Casey's Astrological Forecast, will make more sense... We could try to explain it, and as tempted as we are to play the role of audacious night-sky prophets, we think that's the very reason it's best to leave that to the professional.
So why don't you take a moment to read through Casey's Forecast, we'll pick it back up after to explain how we're going to work with these energies to craft a truly transformative retreat for you.
Oct 2*
Libra season kicks off the Autumn equinox and prime harvest time. The time of year where we collect the fruits of our creation and return into ourselves for reflection and rejuvenation.
Solar Eclipse in Libra rings bells for a grand new beginning in the areas of balance and fairness in our lives. Libra is the Tropical Yang Air sign of the zodiac, and having a new moon Solar Eclipse here, in conjunction with Mercury, creates the newborn expression of what we need for ourselves to experience fairness, a sense of justice, or beauty in this Libran area of our charts. A brand new vitality of Libra will set the stage for our nurturing weekend with Mars’ long stay in Cancer.
Oct 4-6
As the planetary bodies commune during this season of harvest, we notice the depths of what we need to feel valued for our efforts, in work, relationships, family, or where ever these planets are influencing our particular lives. Libra is known for being the sign of relationship, because balance cannot exist without the other. So this weekend we take a deep dive into the lovers, Venus and Mars, taking time to learn what they are emphasizing for us to share. Venus is the ruler of the two day old Solar Eclipse that will unfold over the next 6 months, and she will be in Scorpio through the weekend.
Scorpio is the Solid, Yin, water sign of the zodiac that brings deep intense emotion and expression. Venus here can become sharp and blunt if necessary for her to express her values, ideals and what she wants to feel love. Venus is considered to be in detriment here in Mars’ home sign of Scorpio because of its conflicted orientation.
Oct 5
Saturday, Mars in Cancer will be coming into a superior trine with Venus and the Moon, both who are in detriment in Scorpio. Trines carry the energy of Jupiter, making this an expansive positive connection between the three planetary bodies. Mars, the domicile(home) ruler of Scorpio, is spending plenty of time in Cancer over the next 6 months. So this weekend we will bring awareness to the healing of familial patterns, motherly connections, and a new realization of our foundational origins. Mars in Cancer is emotionally charged and can be aggressive if provoked, so this is the perfect time to rest, relax, and express in a way that can be accepted and cared for.
The Moon rules Cancer and can be correlated with the body, plus it has mutual reception with Mars, making this trine a beneficial experience for self care. We will provide plenty of space for self expression, self care, and nurturing of the body.
Oct 6
With our weekend coming to a close Sunday morning, we find a reflective state of recap taking note of the grand water trine between the lovers, Venus and Mars, along with the great teacher Saturn. Saturn is the boundary setter of the zodiac, bringing a state of maturity and contemplation around the awareness of feelings and emotions. Saturn in Pisces can bring about redemption and union of any separateness that was created for safety and security, opening the doors for true expression and bringing clear visions into reality. Pisces can be the sign of dreams and delusions, but with Saturn in the mix , we can see what action steps are necessary to be true to ourselves.
Back to our intention for this retreat. Because of what is happening in the cosmos, our collective energy at this time is going to be most supported by an extra loving, safe, comfortable, familial atmosphere.
When we discovered the energy was going to be so soft and sweet, Casey and Josh looked at each other and said, "looks like power yoga is off the menu", as anything overly strenuous is not going to be supportive for growth, healing, and self-transformation this weekend.
Insteadm, imagine love-filled hugs, deep conversations, life-updates, and being able to let go and just breathe in the presence of others. That's the vibe, and that's what inspired all our activities for the weekend.
Cacao Ceremonies influenced by Josh's study with Guatemalan Shamans will encourage deep heart opening.
Yin Yoga will soften tension, promote the release of unhelpful influences, open energy channels, and safely inspire a deep reconnection with yourself in body/mind/breath.
Restorative Yoga offers a space to refill and restore your deep pools of energy with fresh, calm, nourishment.
Sound Baths give you a chance to experience the ineffable benefits of sound therapy. As you're cast into surprising and often forgotten places in your subconscious mind, you are held in the safe and enchanting world of sound, coming out the other side with wisdom and relief.
Guided Meditations take you on a journey deep into yourself, encouraging resolution, and calling you back to your sense of wholeness. Carrying your full self into this next season is the recipe to leave behind old patterns and call in fresh opportunities that suit your current self best.
Mantra Chanting opens up the throat chakra, enhancing our ability to communicate (both express and listen). Given the cosmology, communication is going to be very important as we feel an immediacy around expressing repressed emotions.
Seasonal Eating and Nutrition education is going to be the ethos around all of our meals. Not only are we going to be nourished with the proper foods to support us this harvest season, but we will also practice creating a right relationship with food- ergo, with all life on earth. Preparations will be made by a certified holistic nutritional therapist.
Individual Astrological Readings will be given to each participant, giving insight into how the individual can best engage with this upcoming season of life. This is also a great opportunity to ask specific questions and get helpful answers as provided by the planetary motions.
Other Lovely Happenings include Bonfires, Ecstatic Dance Party, Optional Lake Plunge, Talent Show, a Snuggly Movie Night, Games, Social Hours with Prompts for Connection, Group Art Time, and all of this done in the much needed spirit of closeness, togetherness, and love for one another.
Plus,
Josh and I have had concurrently unfolding visions of hosting retreats and providing people a space to practice spirituality for nearly a decade. Josh primarily had been hosting yoga retreats, mushroom foraging retreats, and popping in to offer cacao ceremonies at retreats around the USA. It was my fateful call to Josh inquiring about his cacao ceremony facilitation for my first retreat that started our years long co-facilitation relationship. This inaugural gathering was nothing short of pure magic for everyone- participants and facilitators alike. It still glows in our memories with such an inspiring warmth.
Since that first phone call to Josh 4 years ago, we've been nurturing this dream of collective healing together, and with each passing year, we've watched the demand for it grow, and grow. We've watched the needs of participants and our society change and evolve over the years as well. Offerings have ranged from power yoga to money manifestation to virtual retreats to cold plunges to breathwork to deep meditation, just to scratch the surface...and still the avenues are changing!
Josh & I have taken the developing interests of our ever changing world as a welcome challenge and always begin the planning process of a retreat by studying the intersections between: what people need to heal + what they're excited to engage with at the time. We take those two color palettes and creatively blend the two for an immersive experience capable of teasing out the participants' total involvement. You might think of Josh & I like locksmiths when planning a retreat- working in experiences like keys with the capacity to unlock what lies at the core of a truly meaningful retreat experience: Openness, unconditional love, deep healing and honest connection.
We have agreed that something feels different about this retreat than the others. It has a certain momentum behind it that is beyond us, as if there were a higher power using us for the creation of it. Maybe that sounds crazy. Maybe it's actually true. We just know that after hosting over 15 retreats between us, this one is feeling uniquely and divinely guided.
To speak simply to that feeling before glazing past it...we notice the need for real and honest social connection. It's a deep deficiency in our society. The kind that takes courage and vulnerability. The kind that necessitates trust in one another. The kind that takes a risk on love...a risk on being our true selves. It's time we put down the cheap substitutes for the real thing and embed the principles of Heart deep into our daily operating systems. Together, we will.
Josh & I sincerely, and passionately welcome you to this year's "Connect to Love" retreat.
We're deeply happy to say: You're part of the family now.
And you are in for a real TREAT.
Sarah will be our cook for the weekend and you can expect intentionally curated and sure to be absolutely scrumptious meals to be provided every day!
*Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light snacks are included with your stay.
You will have access to the kitchen & a fridge so please feel free to bring any other snacks or treats that you know you might be craving!
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Welcome to our Autumn Retreat Menu, where each dish is a celebration of fall's rich bounty and the unique flavors of our local landscape.
Our menu is thoughtfully crafted to honor the season’s essence, using ingredients that are either locally sourced or organically grown.
As the crisp autumn air ushers in a new season, our culinary offerings embrace the warmth and comfort of fall. From hearty root vegetables and succulent apples to warming spices and artisanal treats, each meal reflects the vibrant colors and tastes of the season. We take pride in highlighting the freshest produce and handcrafted goods that capture the spirit of autumn.
Our dishes are designed to nourish both body and soul, connecting you with the land and its seasonal abundance. Enjoy a retreat where every bite is a tribute to the fall harvest, a nod to local craftsmanship, and a step towards holistic well-being. Experience the essence of autumn in every delicious, seasonal creation.
BONUS:
Kitchen Medicine Workshop: Crafting Fire Cider for Fall Immunity
Join our hands-on Kitchen Medicine Workshop and learn to create your own immune-boosting Fire Cider. This traditional remedy combines organic apple cider vinegar with garlic, ginger, horseradish, and other potent herbs and spices.
Guided by our expert, you'll prepare and infuse your own batch of Fire Cider, discovering the health benefits of each ingredient. Leave with a jar of your homemade tonic, ready to support your immune system throughout the fall season. Embrace natural wellness and seasonal vitality with this empowering workshop.
- Optional Add On:
1:1 Nutrition Response Testing Consultation
Immerse yourself in a transformative experience with our 1:1 Nutrition Response Testing Consultation, available during our Autumn Retreat. This personalized session offers you a deep dive into your unique health needs, guided by our holistic nutrition expert.
During your consultation, Sarah will use advanced Nutrition Response Testing to assess your body's specific needs and identify any imbalances. This non-invasive technique taps into your body's vital energy to pinpoint areas that may benefit from targeted support.
You'll leave with a comprehensive, individualized plan designed to enhance your well-being, featuring tailored nutrition and supplement recommendations that align with your body’s needs. This personalized guidance will empower you to address the root causes of any health concerns and embrace a holistic approach to healing.
Experience the season of fall with a renewed sense of vitality and clarity, equipped with practical tools and insights to support your journey towards optimal health.
Listen to the babbling stream and birds chirping playfully outside of your window, as you wake up in a cozy ski lodge surrounded by lively and calming woods. Feel the warming sun on your face while hiking on private trails around the lush property. Smell the crisp piney air while spending time in a hand-built cedar pavilion feeding your mind, body and soul!
There are 3 large chalets on the property built for big parties. Each chalet can fit 10-30 people with some available private rooms and bathrooms, as well as shared bunk rooms and bathrooms. There are common living areas where people can relax and have a cup of coffee or tea, and chat with other retreat attendees. Each chalet also as 1-2 kitchens available for use with all utensils needed.
If you are needing to come to stay an extra night or two depending on your drive or flight, we can accommodate you for an extra $200 a night as well.
*Flights are not included in the pricing!
As the proud co-owner and operator of the hand-built property my Dad left behind, I carry on his legacy with my own twist and humbly hosts my retreats right on this sacred family land.
This cozy, rustic lodging in the woodsy hills near Ellicottville NY provides the perfect environment to escape away in nature for some adventure, soul searching, and coming back home to who we really are.
Come discover the quaint 11-acre private Country Estate here in Great Valley, NY. Stone Mountain Chalets offers premium lodging rentals near Holiday Valley Ski Resort for group rental up to 59 people!
Airport transfer
Travel insurance
Flights costs
Private coaching/healing sessions, available as optional add on
Massage & Facials- available as optional add on
"I'M IN!"
We are intuitively led, subject to change!
FRIDAY:
Arrival 1-3
OPENING CIRCLE
CACAO
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
DINNER
ASTROLOGY READING
NIGHT YOGA
COMMUNITY MOVIE
BONFIRE
SATURDAY:
CACAO & ECSTATIC DANCE
BREAKFAST
HIKE
LUNCH
FREE TIME
ANGEL HEALING
BREATHWORK/COLD PLUNGE
DINNER/ MEDITATION
BONFIRE & COMMUNITY MOVIE
SUNDAY:
YOGA
BREAKFAST
SOUND BATH/REIKI
CLOSING
Healer, Energetics, Soundbath
Deanna prides herself in being a committed wife, present momma & multi-passionate entrepreneur offering all-encompassing healing & expansion.
Affectionately referred to as “The Empowered Coach”, Deanna is a keynote motivational speaker, best selling published author, host of the EmpowereD w/ Deanna Merlino podcast, an Intuitive Life Coach & Healer, as well as a Quantum Energetics Mentor to professionals & entrepreneurs. Her calling is to help people awaken to & live their lives as their highest selves.
She is the Creator & CEO of The Empowered Academy, a globally recognized training provider of transformational accredited online courses, The Empowered Emporium, an online healing membership & community. And Co owner/Creator of The Empowered Collective, providing in person spiritual retreats. In her free time you can find her proudly tending to her late father’s hand built business, carrying on her family’s vacation rentals & newly launched retreat rental space as well.
Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation
Yogi Josh is a 200 HR YTT that earned his certification in India, nestled between the Himalayan Mountains and Ganges River. His life and his teachings are highly influenced by the time he spent learning from the Swamis, Yogis, Vedas, and Rishis. This deep ancestral wisdom mixes with his fitness background to create a fun, lighthearted, class that is noticeably charged with an undertone of reverence. Yogi Josh has also spent the past 8 years studying medicinal herbs, mushrooms, and foods, which has led him to start a business sharing his findings. The business is called "Life Itself".
Prepare for a fun, highly charismatic, and deeply transformational experience with Yogi Josh.
Yoga, Meditation, Astrology
Casey Sampson is a 200hr Certified Yoga Instructor, Meditation Facilitator, and Professional Astrologer. Drawing from each of these disciplines he wishes to help others find joy through a realization of the connection with the inner-self. Guiding people to find their paths to success, in every aspect of life, with the insight of the cosmos. Casey’s goal as a yoga teacher is to create an authentic space that allows for a full expression of one’s truth during practice and is taken into the world.
Clinical Nutritionist, Hormone & Gut Specialist, Chef
I am a passionate Holistic Nutritionist specializing in Nutrition Response Testing, dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their vitality and health. My expertise lies in addressing gut issues and hormonal imbalances by targeting the root causes and fostering a lifestyle that promotes profound healing. Through a comprehensive, holistic approach, I help transform every aspect of your well-being—from nutrition and movement to sleep, mental health, and your relationship with your body.
My journey began in healthcare as a nursing student, where I immersed myself in the practices of conventional Western medicine, focusing on symptom management within a disease-centric framework. However, my own health challenges—ranging from GI distress and bloating to irregular periods and anxiety—revealed the limitations of this approach and highlighted the need for a more integrative perspective.
These personal struggles were a catalyst for my exploration of holistic health. By embracing practices such as yoga, mastering Nutrition Response Testing, tracking menstrual cycles, adopting a whole foods diet, and prioritizing self-empowerment, I have not only healed but continue to thrive through the challenges of life.
Nutrition Response Testing is a powerful, non-invasive method that taps into the body’s vital force or energy to identify and address imbalances. Known also as muscle testing, this technique allows me to connect with your body’s innate intelligence and pinpoint areas that require detoxification and nutritional support. Through this process, I guide you towards lasting wellness and a renewed sense of vitality.
A FINAL NOTE
Autumn is a season of letting go and sometimes...most times the process of letting go can be uncomfortable or even downright scary. Not only is it neurologically hard to part with familiar energy, even if it is harming us, it also leaves us with a void of spaciousness or groundlessness. As facilitators, we are there to help you, support you, and lovingly be there with you through the rawness of transformation. That's what we're here for. And beyond that, everyone at the retreat...that's what they're here for too. For this weekend, you will be a part of a truly supportive community that encourages real conversations about life, who will hear you, and will love you through. And when you make a bond like that, those people become your tribe. We hope you join our tribe October 4th-6th and experience the transformative power of an intentionally curated gathering.
I just wanted to thank you again for such an incredible retreat! I've been digesting the evening & have had so many realizations, breakthroughs and beyond excited to put into practice. It was everything I needed + MORE. And I'm excited to keep doing the work now more than ever! I am now more clear than ever and know that I'm about to trail-blaze this year. I can absolutely see THIS is your calling your passion & energy is everything and I was honored to be apart of it this weekend and am SO excited for more!!! So Beyond grateful for you!
I cannot thank you enough for this weekend!! I literally got teary eyed when I got in my car because of the gratitude I felt for the profound experience I had, being in everyone's presences, and being able to live this abundant life. The healing I experienced is everything I needed an so much more! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us and being a part of my journey!
Okay, no really...
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