Workshops & Retreats
Throughout the year we offer retreats and workshops focused on teaching the science of yoga in its many practical applications. Our programs help participants to achieve the highest levels of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being as they progress on the path toward Self-realization.
To see a current schedule of our programs, click here.
Host a Workshop or Retreat
We are often looking for facilitators to organize and lead programs. If you are interested in offering a program at Song of the Morning to be listed on our website, click here to learn more and/or apply. For Private Group Information click here.
Create your own custom yoga retreat
|
General Retreat Discounts
Many of our retreats are available by "Donation" or "Suggested Donation." We encourage participants to give what they can, whatever that may be. If you would like to give a different amount than the suggested amount, please call our office to register for a program.
In addition to donation-based programs, we offer these discounts:
Early registration discounts of 10% off the retreat fee are given to participants who register at least two weeks in advance.
Student discounts of 25% off are available for lodging and meals, but not for programs.
Scholarships are available for some of our programs. If you feel you might be eligible for a scholarship, give us a call to discuss options. Scholarships are not available for lodging. If you would like to experience Song of the Morning lodging at a reduced rate, please consider our work exchange program
Helpful Information for Planning Your Trip
Need a ride or interested in sharing a ride? Check out our rideshare group on RideBuzz.org.
In order to make sure your visit with us is enjoyable on every level, below are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip:
• Do not use a GPS, MapQuest, Google Maps, etc. They will most likely get you lost. Directions can be found here.
• Meals are served at 10:00am and 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00pm on Sunday. If you think you may be hungry between meals, you may want to bring snacks. There is a refrigerator in the domes and a full kitchen in the lodge you are welcome to use. Coffee is served in the morning, and Sunday until 2pm. Hot tea is available throughout the day.
• There is no cell phone coverage on site (for most providers), but guests may use the phone in the Mainhouse. Our number is 989-983-4107 in case you need to use it as an emergency contact number.
• Room check in is between 2pm and 11pm, although guests are encouraged to get here in time for dinner at 5pm. Feel free to arrive prior to check in time and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If attending a program, please check your program schedule on our workshops page.
Things to bring:
• Depending on the season, you may want to bring hiking/tennis shoes/boots, or mountain bike/ski’s as there are many trails.
• Yoga mat and any other yoga props you would like
• Slippers or indoor shoes (All outdoor shoes will be left at the entrance to all facilities.)
• Toiletries
• If you are staying in the women’s dome, please bring linens and a towel. Pillows will be provided.
• If you are staying in a room in the dome, please bring a towel.
• All other rooms have sheets, blankets, and towels provided.
• It can get really dark out here at night you may consider a flash light and a natural bug spray and sun block in the summer.
Please check in at the office when you arrive. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Workshop & Retreat List:
---May---June---July---August---September---October---
--May--
May 4, 4:30pm
Golden Lotus Yoga Teachers Association Annual Spring Banquet, at The Inn at St Johns in Plymouth, MI
Please join us for an evening of meditation, entertainment, & fellowship, while we benefit and celebrate Golden Lotus & Song of the Morning!!! Our special guest speaker will be Carol Armour, one of Yogacharya Oliver's long time personal assistants.
Fee: $80/person, $55 for Students
May 10-12
A Course in Miracles Spring Weekend!, with James A. White, Jr.
Learn how to use Jesus’ teachings in A Course in Miracles to bring more love, peace, joy and happiness to your life. You will be amazed and delighted by this life-changing spiritual experience!
Fee: $199
May 10-12
Honoring the Sacred Feminine: A Mother’s Day Retreat, with Tatianah Thunberg & Beth Tobin
Join us this Mother’s Day weekend to honor the power of the sacred feminine through ancient spiritual practices in the heart of a contemporary women's community.
Fee: $130
May 15-19
Spring Mindfulness Retreat, with the Bluewater Community of Mindful Living
The Mindfulness Retreat offers up to five days of mindfulness practice in the tradition of Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Enjoy meditation, early morning walks, group dharma discussions, silent meals of gratitude, connecting with nature, and more.
Fee: None
May 24-26/27
Heart-Based Meditation and Yoga Retreat, with Katherine Austin & Dave Lesinski
Join us for a powerful weekend of meditation, yoga and subtle body knowledge that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and blissful!
Fee: $175 (Fri-Sun), $225 (Fri-Mon)
--June--
June 1-2
Sadhana Saturday: The Deeper Aspects of Yoga, with Brother Jayananda and Brahmachari Martin, Ministers of Self Realization Fellowship
It is our privilege to welcome Brother Jayananda and Brahmachari Martin of Self-Realization Fellowship, the worldwide organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. Join us for this retreat focused on the deeper aspects of Yoga, including recharging exercises, meditations, satsang, a Kriya review class for Kriyabans (Kriyaban card required), kirtan, and a movie of Yogananda’s trip to India.
Fee: Donation
June 7-9
Hatha Workshop Weekend, with Stephanie Shepard
A weekend of workshop-style hatha yoga classes featuring backbends, twists, arm balancing postures, forward bends, standing and balancing postures and pranayama, focusing on proper alignment and safely moving into a fun and more challenging practice.
Fee: $125
June 8
Keys to the Kingdom Within: Opening the Doors to Spiritual Awakening through Meditation, with Jessica Vendetti
Enjoy a spiritually transformative, in-depth study of the Chakras, Medulla and Spiritual Eye. Participants will journey inward, delving into the fascinating mysteries of infinite consciousness. Program covers basic & advanced principles & techniques of meditation.
Fee: $100 Suggested Donation
June 14-16
Movement Exploration with Feldenkrais ATM, with Judith Dila
Participants will take part in Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement sessions, resulting in more efficient movement, reduction of aches and pains, and increased sense of awareness. Program will include one-on-one sessions, integrating Feldenkrais, energy and massage.
Fee: $100
June 15
Synchronizing your Spiritual Growth with your Daily Activity, with Dr. Eldridge Huntington
Learn ways to determine your progress on the path to Enlightenment, while positively influencing your quality of life and facilitating the expansion of your spirituality.
Fee: $75, $50 for early registrations
June 28-30
Christianity’s Lost Inner Tradition, with Alexander Riegel
This workshop will help those with a Christian background understand that this innate spiritual longing may be satisfied within the context of one's own Christian tradition. We will explore this lost esoteric tradition and consider how reclaiming it might place Christianity back among the other esoteric traditions that still thrive today: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sufism.
Fee: $125
June 29, 11am
Clear Light Community Annual Meeting
Take a closer look at life in a spiritual community, meet community members, ask questions, and tour the community. Open to all.
--July--
July 4, 12pm
4th of July Picnic
Join us for community fun and delicious food!
Meal: $8
July 6
Sadhana Saturday: Awaken to the Presence, Led by members of Song of the Morning
Join us for this day-long retreat dedicated to fostering an ever-deepening experience of the Divine through hatha yoga, pranayama, discussion of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, a 3-hour meditation, kirtan and fellowship.
Fee: $35 Suggested Donation
July 8-11
Tipi Construction, Raising & Living, with Alan Frank
A practical workshop in which you will learn how to construct the framework, raise a tipi cover and learn tips on tipi living. Experience the ambience of tipi living through story, song and group meditation.
Fee: $100 Suggested Donation
July 11-14
Mid-Summer Teen Retreat for ages 13-16, with Pamela Linn and Friends
This 4-day retreat is for teens who want to explore more fully who they are through yoga, mindfulness practice, service learning, walking and/or dancing meditations, drumming, vision boards, biking, swimming, team building, art, and more.
Fee: $175 All-Inclusive
July 12-14
Babaji’s Kriya Yoga, with Alan Frank
A synthesis of Shaiva Siddhantha and Classical Yoga emphasizing a balanced approach to sadhana (yoga discipline), consisting of asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), dhyana (mastery of the mind), mantras (repetition of sacred words), and bhakti (devotion).
Fee: $250 Suggested Donation
July 19-21
Creative Expression, Yoga & Meditation to Soothe the Soul, with Judy Lyon
Discover a variety of creative and relaxing practices to reduce stress and develop a happier outlook on life. Learn to live in the present moment with more joy and less worry.
Fee: $135
July 19-21
Vibrant Vegan Vinyasa, with Tiffany Lenau
Experience the transformation of stepping away from the hustle and bustle of life and treating yourself to total nourishment of mind, body and spirit. Enjoy delicious peaceful vegan meals and vinyasa flow classes to sink into meditation in motion.
Fee: $108
July 26-28
Yoga, Hiking, Picnic & Swimming, with Sam Cornelius
Hike through the Pigeon River Forest, swim in the cool, clear waters of Pickerel Lake, and enjoy a sumptuous picnic. Top the weekend off with revitalizing yoga classes and gentle shrine walks.
Fee: $60
July 26-28
Partner Yoga & Thai Massage, with Tatianah Thunberg & Kelly Kempter
Expand your capacity to touch the universe deeply, surrendering to loving kindness and compassion through the practices of partner yoga and Thai yoga massage.
Fee: $130
--August--
Aug. 3
Spirituality 4 Results, with Narendra Kumar
Learn simple and effective methods to move your spiritual life forward immediately. This workshop includes individual measurements of spiritual consciousness and interactive sessions on practical topics that advance spiritual development.
Fee: Donation
Aug. 3, 1-4pm
Three-Hour Meditation
Meditate with us on The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda. Stay for all three hours or come and go on the hour.
Aug. 9-11
Silent Illumination: An Active Zen Retreat, with Venerable Deok Wun
Silent Illumination is an ancient Chinese Ch’an (Zen) practice that explores the nature of the mind, how to clear it, and how to abide with clarity and intention. Experience what Master Hongzhi, the first teacher of this practice, calls the “Circle of Wonder”.
Fee: Donation
Aug. 16-18
YOGA FEST 2013: Let’s Glow Together!
Our third annual Yoga Fest promises to be better than ever. A new festival layout, opening and closing ceremonies, a body workers’ dome, and vendor alley are among some of the obvious changes you’ll experience. Enjoy a variety of yoga classes, workshops, live music, vendors, healthy food, speakers, group meditations, and kids’ events, including Jump for Joy. Yogic fun for the whole family! Come for a day or stay for the weekend. Limited indoor facilities available, ample wooded campsites, showers and restrooms provided. Please visit www.yogafestmi.com for more information.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Yogacharya Birthday Weekend
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of our founder, Yogacharya J. Oliver Black, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. Enjoy stories, music, group meditation, and laughter.
--September--
Sept. 2, 12pm
Labor Day Picnic
Join us for community fun and delicious food!
Meal: $8
Sept. 7
River Restoration Trail Run
If you love scenic trail runs and nature, join us for a half/full marathon, 60k, or 80K ultra marathon. Help raise funds to remove the dam and restore the area to a natural habitat that supports local wildlife. 100% of the proceeds will go to the River Restoration Project. Enjoy yoga classes, body work, environmental talks, entertainment, a kids’ activity center, and fun for the whole family. Explore the benefits of barefoot minimalist running (shoes welcome, of course). Volunteers needed. Please visit www.wh80.org for more information.
Sept. 11-15
Fall Mindfulness Retreat, with the Bluewater Community of Mindful Living
The Mindfulness Retreat offers up to five days of mindfulness practice in the tradition of Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Enjoy meditation, early morning walks, group dharma discussions, silent meals of gratitude, connecting with nature, and more.
Fee: None
Sept. 27-29
Women’s Wellness Weekend Retreat, with Stephanie Shepard
Embrace and nurture inner peace and comfort. Explore the benefits of yoga during this weekend retreat that offers deep relaxation with a focus on wellness for women.
Fee: $95
Sept. 27-29
Yoga, Hiking & Fall Colors, with Sam Cornelius
Join us for our popular yoga and hiking weekend with an amazing splash of fall colors. If you haven’t experienced autumn up north, you’ve been missing what we look forward to all year!
Fee: $50
--October--
Oct. 4-6
Kirtan Weekend, with Dave Tomaszewski, Abby Becheck Hoot, Atmaram Chaitanya & Prem Lancaster
Come on this journey into the heart of the kirtan experience. Dive into the history of kirtan, explore the meanings and methods of mantra, discover your own unique voice, singing and chanting into the depths of your heart and soul.
Fee: $108
Oct. 4-6
A Course in Miracles Autumn Retreat, with James A. White, Jr.
Learn how to use Jesus’ teachings in A Course in Miracles to bring more love, peace, joy and happiness to your life. You will be amazed and delighted by this life-changing spiritual experience!
Fee: $199
Oct. 4-6
Mountain Biking & Yoga Retreat, with Jim Pero
Treat yourself to the splendor of Northern Michigan’s fall colors tour by mountain bike. Explore the similarities of single-track riding through nature on the High Country Pathway and the spiritual journey of your life.
Fee: $60 Suggested Donation
Oct. 4-6
Nature Portals, with Carol & Bruce Malnor
Tap into Divine inspiration as you walk, reflect and renew your spirit in the vibrant fall colors of the north woods. As John Muir said, “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine into trees.”
Fee: $75 Suggested Donation
Oct. 11-13
Heart-Based Meditation & Yoga Retreat, with Katherine Austin & Dave Lesinski
Join us for a powerful weekend of meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic-based health knowledge that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and empowered!
Fee: $195
Oct. 12, 1-4pm
Three-Hour Meditation
Meditate with us on The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda. Stay for all three hours or come and go on the hour.
Oct. 18-20
Nada Yoga: The Yoga of Sound, with Mark Handler
Experience ancient sounds and Amrit Yoga, including Tibetan singing bowls, Tibetan-style chant, mantra, and Peruvian whistling vessels to develop and/or deepen your practice of yoga, healing methods and pleasure.
Fee: $108
Oct. 18-20
In the Flow with Yoga
The Golden Lotus Yoga Teachers Association invites all to dive deep into the science of yoga through meditation, postures, and discovery of how the energy flow in one's practice heightens spiritual awareness. Enjoy the company of fellow yogis, the crispness of autumn, and the unforgettable energy of the Ranch.
Fee: $45, $35 for GLYTA Teachers
Oct. 19
Keys to the Kingdom Within: Opening the Doors to Spiritual Awakening through Meditation, with Jessica Vendetti
Enjoy a spiritually transformative, in-depth study of the Chakras, Medulla, and Spiritual Eye. Together participants will journey inward delving into the fascinating mysteries of infinite consciousness. Program covers basic & advanced principles & techniques of meditation.
Fee: $100 Suggested Donation
Oct. 25-27
Journey to Wholeness: Balancing the Feminine . & Masculine in Times of Change, with Tatianah Thunberg & David M. Hall
To co-create sanctuary, we are being called to balance masculine and feminine energies within ourselves and in our daily relationships with loved ones, our planet and the Divine.
Fee: $130
Oct. 26
Synchronizing your Spiritual Growth with your Daily Activity, with Dr. Eldridge Huntington
Learn ways to determine your progress on the path to Enlightenment, while positively influencing your quality of life and facilitating the expansion of your spirituality.
Fee: $75, $50 for early registrations
Oct. 26 & 27
Reiki I & Reiki II
with Sharon Baker
These highly interactive classes focus on the oldest and most fascinating healing method known to humankind. Access Golden Tools for life: self-healing, healing others, chakra balancing, laws of physics/nano medicine, breath and grounding, sacred symbology and distance healing.
Fee: $140-Reiki I, $180-Reiki II