Program Tuition & Basic Accommodations: $2495
*Invite a friend(s) new to the Feathered Pipe and you both save $100!
How do we know when we are fully in the flow of life? When there is no resistance impeding the ease of our thoughts and actions. Mindfulness is a practice of becoming consciously aware of our internal and external sensations, without judgement. Only when this state of mind is achieved can we begin to chip away at the resistance to change that often blocks our ability to allow ourselves to fully experience the joyful flow of life.
This retreat week is designed to lovingly look at what we may be ‘resisting’ and blocking our ability to fully experience this joyous flow, which is our birthright. Practicing self-awareness increases our capacity to see and honor everyone’s full humanity, by letting go of any judgements we hold against ourselves and others.
Yoga therapists and senior teachers, Lanita Varshell and Diane Ambrosini, are known for their inclusive style of teaching and love sharing their skills with people of all ages, sizes, genders, backgrounds, and physical abilities. Everyone, whether new or experienced in yoga, will take away something special from this life-changing week on the enchanting grounds of Feathered Pipe Ranch.
Classes and workshops are designed and customized as attendees register, to create spaces where everyone is able to feel welcomed, seen and heard. Physical (asana) classes are taught at very do-able, enjoyable levels for those who may be larger, less flexible, or live in limited movement bodies. Sessions are designed so no one ever feels they need to “keep up”. Additionally, all sessions and activities available throughout the week are offered as options, meaning you get to decide what is best for you over the entire week and a schedule with plenty of time built in for solo contemplation, reading and napping.
This week at Feathered Pipe is a sweet invitation to slow down and become intimately present with what is: without judgement or distraction. Stepping away from everyday obligations and following the rhythms of the land to explore the joys of simply being.
In addition to three exquisitely prepared, locally sourced meals per day, this special week at the Ranch will also offer guided hikes, artistic journaling sessions and group story-sharing gatherings focused on listening with open hearts to the wisdom of nature, our inner-guides, and to each other – the true power of mindfulness and inclusivity.
Daily Schedule:
7am — Early Yoga/Meditation Practice
8-9am — Breakfast
9-10am — Morning Walk – Meditation
10-12pm — Wellness/Yoga Workshop
12-1pm — Lunch
1:00-3:30pm — Free Time for bodywork*, napping, Art, Sound and/or Breath Therapy
4:00-6:30pm — Wellness/Yoga Workshop or Wisdom Circles
6:45-7:45pm — Dinner
8:00pm — Meditation ~ Yoga Nidra ~ Storytime ~ Restorative Yoga ~ Breath-work
*Bodywork is not included in registration fee
This amazing week at the Ranch is a time for transformation on an individual level and then to wholeheartedly connect as a collective. We’ll celebrate our unique differences and find joy in our similarities. Everyone will be reminded that each of us is more than a small part of this Earth and humanity – together, we are everything!
Learn more about Feathered Pipe Ranch’s COVID-19 safety protocol.
WHAT LANITA & DIANE’S PAST RETREAT, TRAINING & CLASSES ATTENDEES SAY:
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Lanita for choosing to teach yoga as her life’s journey. She is an exceptional yoga teacher, guide, and mentor for so many.”
“Dear Diane – How you communicate such respect for yoga while inspiring ‘just sayin’ laughter is a gift that changed yoga for me. Thank you for leading me into a transformation with so many smiles.”
“I am celebrating my 60th birthday! I met you in Feathered Pipe 10 years ago this month. One of the best experiences of my life! I had studied Iyengar Yoga for years but had quit teaching thinking I was too fat. That Retreat changed my life. Thank you for giving me the confidence to teach and let my light shine”
“What can I say about our Retreat at Feathered Pipe with Diane and Lanita? My cup is full again, and my heart is open, and my body is so happy! I laughed, cried, danced, sang, got the best massages, ate the most delicious food, and met the most amazing people. This is my retreat home. These teachers are warm and wonderful.”
“When I broke my back, my doctor said it would never heal. Because my first teacher trained with A Gentle Way Yoga, and then I followed and received my A Gentle Way Yoga certificate, I refused to believe that my back could not heal. I was guided to reach out to Diane and work with her one-on-one on Zoom. The healing of my back has been a true miracle. “
Summer Vacation Tip! Extend your time in peace and beauty while savoring Western hospitality by spending some time exploring the great West’s National Park treasures either before or after your retreat with Lanita Varshell & Diane Ambrosini at Feathered Pipe Ranch. Glacier National Park is a glorious and scenic 3.5-hour drive north and west of Feathered Pipe, while Yellowstone is just a 4.5 hour drive south and east of the Ranch through some of the prettiest Western territory you’ll ever see.
ABOUT LANITA VARSHELL:
Lanita Varshell is a soft, kind, mystic earth mother. She emanates love and compassion. Lanita is one of the oldest and most respected plus-size, gentle and therapeutic yoga teachers in the United States. She has been a pioneer in the world of body positive, accessible and adaptive yoga.
Owner of A Gentle Way Yoga and Joyful Movement, she has taught yoga and trained teachers full time since 1996, and owned a busy yoga studio for over 20 years, all while living with chronic health, weight, and life challenges. She has inspired thousands of students and teachers to look at themselves and others through the eyes of kindness and love. In addition, she is an inspiring writer, public speaker, and yoga life coach.
Learn more about Lanita: agentleway.com
ABOUT DIANE AMBROSINI:
Diane Ambrosini, MA, is the author of the highly acclaimed Instructing Hatha Yoga: A Guide for Teachers and Students. An anatomy geek, Diane earned a Masters Degree in Exercise Science, with an emphasis on Kinesiology and shares her knowledge with her yoga clients as well as those studying to be yoga teachers. She is a certified yoga therapist (IAYT) and Reiki practitioner who uses both Eastern and Western modalities to guide clients deep into self-healing.
Diane strives to improve the art and science of teaching yoga and to help others enjoy the myriad benefits of yoga as a lifestyle. She is an outdoor enthusiast, and her students love that she presents knowledge from her heart with a sense of humor, inquiry, and humbleness.
Learn more about Diane: di4yoga.com
PRICING & REGISTRATION:
Program Tuition & Basic Accommodations: $2495
*Invite a friend(s) new to the Feathered Pipe and you both save $100!
Registration deposit required: A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure online registration. Full payment is due eight weeks before the start of the program.
Tuition fee includes: Triple Occupancy Main Lodge, Shared Yurt/Deluxe Wall Tent/Sai Condo, or Single Tipi/Tent, plus meals and use of all amenities – our bathhouse, sauna, hot tub, as well as all the Feathered Pipe Ranch facilities and grounds. Upgraded accommodation are available.
Additional lodging upgrade pricing: Click here
Full description of accommodations options: Click here
The retreat will include:
— 7-nights indoor or outdoor accommodations (upgraded accommodations require an additional fee)
— All daily classes and group sessions, suitable for all
— Delicious and lovingly prepared international cuisine
— Shuttle service from/to Helena Regional Airport on arrival/departure day
— Full access to the extensive Feathered Pipe grounds (including the hot tub and sauna)
Not included:
— Airfare
— Any/all excursions off-campus
— Bodywork & Massage
— Montana Accommodation Tax $25
— Staff gratuities
— Laundry
Shuttle service: Shuttle service from/to Helena Regional Airport on arrival/departure day is complimentary (free) for all registered guests. Please note that if you are needing pick-up or drop-off on any other day, that there will be a $35 one-way charge.
Arrival and departure: Please plan to arrive at the Feathered Pipe Ranch no later than 5pm on the arrival day (Saturday, 24 August) of your retreat so you can join us for a tour of the grounds before dinner at 6:30pm and our group evening orientation following dinner. Please arrange to leave the Ranch in the morning or early afternoon of departure day (Saturday, 31 August). Checkout is at 9am, and guests are welcome to stay at the Ranch until their flight leaves that day.
Interested, but still need more information? Visit our FAQ page, drop us a message including your contact details here, or give us a ring at (406) 442-8196.
Thanks and look forward to seeing you!