Sweet Spirit Yoga LLC

Fall 2022 Itinerary

*We reserve the right to alter the schedule at any time without prior notice and YOU reserve the right to attend or not attend any of these offerings.

Thursday

4-5:30 PM Arrival & Check-in

5:30 PM Welcome Dinner

7-8:30 PM Reiki Slow Flow (Tanya)

Friday

7-8 AM Sun Salutations (Amber)

8 AM Breakfast

9:30-11 AM Clarity Workshop (Tanya)

12 PM Light Lunch

1 PM transport to Silver Sage

1:30-5 PM Silver Sage trail ride + cheese/crackers/wine fireside

5-5:30 PM transport back to Xanadu

6 PM Dinner

7:30 PM Drum Circle (JennieRuth & Tanya)

Saturday

7-8 AM Sun Salutations (JennieRuth)

8 AM Breakfast

9:30-11 AM Clarity Workshop (Amber)

12-6 PM Lunch on your own + Free/Unstructured time (shop in Battle Lake, massage, Reiki, bodywork, quiet time, etc)

6 PM Dinner

7:30 Engaging the Senses: A Blissful Experience (Amber, Tanya, JennieRuth, Amy)

Sunday

7 AM Nature Meditation (Amber)

8 AM Breakfast

9:30-11 AM Clarity & Connections comes to a close (Amber, Tanya, JennieRuth)

Class Descriptions:

Reiki Slow Flow ~ Leave the stress and tension behind as you prepare for self connection in the weekend ahead! Tanya will be guiding this delightful experience of relaxing & releasing through movement and (optional) healing Reiki.

Clarity Workshop with Amber~ Journaling, meditation, and movement combine to help you set clear goals and boundaries. Take a step in your heart’s direction.

Sun Salutations ~ Greet the day with an uplifting practice! Connect breath to movement. Modifications will be offered for all levels.

Clarity Workshop with Tanya ~ Work through the blockages that stand in the way of your dharmic path. Truly a master class!

Drum Circle~ Outdoors around the bonfire if weather permits. Tanya will guide the journey with JennieRuth drumming. “Now you are ready.”

Engaging the Senses: A Blissful Experience~ All our favorite things in one wicked lovely, engaging class: a gong bath from JennieRuth, Tanya’s divine guidance, Amy & Amber offering bodywork

Outdoor Meditation ~ Connect & commune with nature on this quiet stroll amongst the trees overlooking the lake. Optional journal prompts will be offered.

Clarity & Connections Comes to a Close ~ Movement, meditation, optional journaling, & strategies to carry home with you to continue forward movement & growth. We leave you with a “Sound Sprinkle.”

Ready to register? Click here

Fall 2022 Retreat Guides

I am SO honored and grateful to share this space once again with one of my dearest friends and personal mentor, Tanya Rice!

Tanya first practiced yoga in 2010, became certified as an instructor in 2012, and almost immediately began teaching and sharing this transformative passion with family and friends. A few short years later Tanya’s dream of opening a yoga studio to the public was realized. Azitala is now something of a staple in the Elk River community and draws a wide range of bodies. People flock to Tanya’s classes to soak up that yummy energy! From powerfully active classes to deeply moving meditations, her wide range inspires each practitioner to truly feel YOGA — that union between mind and body.

{Tanya is E-RYT 200, E-RYT 500, Module in Kundalini, Module in Yin/Restorative, Module in Yoga Alchemy, Module in Bhakti/Sound Healing, Pranayama, Grief and Trauma yoga, and Certified Reiki Master.}

My dear delightful friend JennieRuth Warren is also joining us again this year!

JennieRuth’s yoga adventure began in 2016. She eventually found a home at Azitala, where she loved going to classes regularly and took her teacher training. The movement, breath, and mind connection helped her not only realize her calling but prepare for the path toward becoming a yoga teacher. She found a way to join her faith to her life. JennieRuth loves to meet students where they’re at and help others shine their light in this world. She can’t wait to meet you on the mat!

{JR is RYT 200, Reiki Master, & has a certificate in Sound Healing.}

I (Amber) began my history with yoga over 15 years ago. I loved that post-yoga high and was inspired to become a teacher once I experienced the possibility of a deeper connection. Teaching yoga feels like both a service to others and a fulfillment of passion and joy for myself. I teach a wide variety of classes and bodies but find that people connect most with my style if they are open to spiritual development and growth.

In January of 2020 I began training in Thai Yoga Bodywork and have been so blessed to share this healing work with a wide variety of people. I work to put my clients at ease and provide sessions that are very grounding and nurturing.

I was inspired to create retreats where folks could experience an immersion of sorts; an all-inclusive experience that could refresh the spirits of caregivers in our community.

In the words of Patanjali, “…with a peaceful mind you can go out into the world and serve well.” Join me as your retreat host and yoga teacher for a weekend of cultivating authentic connection in your life so you may continue to serve those around you.

{Amber is RYT 500, Reiki I & II certified, and has Level I, II, III, & V Certificates in Thai Yoga Bodywork.}

Ready to register for Fall 2022? Click here

Clarity & Connections

Women’s Retreat for Peace & Clarity {Oct 6-9, 2022}

Yoga ~ Massage & Bodywork ~Meditation ~ Horseback Riding ~Rest ~ Community

**The retreat on-site options are currently SOLD OUT. There are 2 commuter spots available (more info here) or add your name to the wait list if interested in an on-site option.**

An all-inclusive getaway in Battle Lake: The Hideaway at Xanadu Island, a charmingly rustic location approx 2.5 hour drive from the Twin Cities area.

Cultivate mind/body connections and sustainable personal practices through yoga classes in the beautifully restored barn: asana, pranayama, meditation, essential oils, sound experiences and journaling.

Experience authentic community connection all weekend long- around the evening bonfire, on the trail ride complete with fireside wine and a light bite at picturesque Silver Sage Guest Ranch, or while enjoying one of the nourishing meals provided for you.

Refresh your spirit and self connection in moments of quiet & solitude- walking the grounds of the island, sipping your favorite hot beverage in a cozy rocking chair, or curling up with a book in front of the fire.

Need a little more help getting into the relaxed and pampered state of mind? Massage, Reiki, and bodywork sessions will also be offered during the retreat.

Reiki sessions with Tanya Rice, Thai Yoga Bodywork with Amber Perry, and massage with Amy Miller-Strand will all be available for booking one month prior to the retreat.

Accomodations: We have the entire island reserved for our group! The Lake House has 6 private bedrooms with queen beds and 1 bedroom with 4 single beds.

All the cabins have a bathroom and fully equipped kitchen (Tiny Cabin has a mini kitchen!). The Front Porch cabin has 1 double bed in a semi-private bedroom, and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds (+ futon on the sun porch that won’t be reserved but is available for use). The Chauffer’s Cottage has 2 bedrooms each with a queen bed, and a queen sleeper sofa and daybed in living room. The Tiny Cabin has 1 queen bed. The Cozy Cabin has 1 queen bed and 1 futon.

What’s Included?

3 night stay at The Hideaway at Xanadu Oct 6-9, 2022
All meals prepared in-house (*lunch Saturday is on your own)
Yoga, meditation, & pranayama classes
Sound experiences
Horseback riding at Silver Sage Guest Ranch
Transportation between Xanadu and Silver Sage
Wine, cheese & crackers at Silver Sage
Hiking, bonfires, journaling & all other guided activities
**Massage, Reiki, and private bodywork NOT included.**

For accommodation & registration please click here

Cancellation policy: In the event of guest cancellation, a full refund will be issued, up to 31 days prior to event. 0-31 days prior to event, no refund will be issued unless your spot is filled.

*Registration is not complete until I have confirmed reception of both your registration form and payment.

Women’s Retreat: Clarity

Yoga for Teachers & School Staff

Self care for teachers who want to finish the school year feeling aligned & intentional.

Gentle movement, meditation, & restoration for teachers & school staff at Azitala with Amber Perry!

4 week series 6-7 PM on Wednesdays from April 27-May 18.

{Class takes place in the ambient room, not the hot room.}

Click the link below to register or by sending $45 via Venmo to sweetspirityoga. Cost is $40 if paying via cash/check in person (contact me to arrange).

*All bodies welcome, no experience necessary.

Yoga for Teachers & School Staff

Experience relief and soothe the senses with 60 minutes of gentle movement, meditation, & restoration, then a cup of tea to close our time together. Bring water and a yoga mat if you have one. Please note I will send a registration form to the email address associated with your payment. Please contact me if there’s a better way to get in touch. 4 week series, 6-7 PM Wednesdays April 27-May 18 at Azitala in Elk River *All bodies welcome, no experience necessary.

$45.00

Click here to purchase.

Amber Perry

a MN native, retreat lover & host, yoga & meditation instructor, Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner, & part-time Special Education assistant

SweetSpiritYoga.com

Fall 2022 Retreat Accommodations

**The Fall 2022 retreat site is SOLD OUT at this time. There are 2 commuter spots available (scroll down for info). Please add yourself to the wait list if you want an on-site spot because life happens & so do cancellations!**

I am so delighted to announce our return to this charmingly rustic retreat location, The Hideaway at Xanadu Island!

October 6-9, 2022 experience the fall colors on a beautiful weekend of self care, yoga, meditation, horseback riding, nourishing from-scratch meals, and more! All in the Battle Lake area, approximately 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities.

The Lake House and four cozy cabins (all ours for the weekend!) each offer a vintage experience with a spectacular view.

For more information on the retreat location or to simply read up on its unique history: http://hideawayatxanadu.com/

Cancellation policy: In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued, up to 31 days prior to event. 0-30 days prior to event, no refund will be issued unless I am able to fill your spot.

Registration is not complete until I have confirmed reception of both your registration form and payment. To pay in full, make your selection below or save 5% by paying cash/check (message me to arrange).

Front Porch Cabin

The Front Porch cabin has 1 double bed, 1 queen, and 2 single beds (+ a double futon on the sun porch that won’t be assigned but is available for use), along with a full kitchen and 3/4 bathroom.

Shared room + Shared bath + Full kitchen

***SOLD OUT*** 3 people share this room with several twin beds (not pictured). Cabin features a full kitchen with basic appliances, 3/4 bath, and a covered front porch that begs you to nap in the afternoon and dig out the board games at night! **each person pays $656 and must register separately. $625 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$656.00

Click here to purchase.

Semi-private room + Shared bath + Full kitchen

***SOLD OUT*** Enjoy the social Front Porch cabin then retreat to your semi-private sleeping quarters! Cabin has spacious covered porch, full kitchen with basic appliances, and 3/4 bath. $675 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange payment). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$709.00

Click here to purchase.

Lakeview Cabin (Chauffeur’s)

The Chauffer’s Cottage has 2 bedrooms each with a queen bed, and a Queen Sleeper Sofa and Daybed in living room. Cabin also has full kitchen & 3/4 bathroom.

Private Room + Shared bath + Full kitchen

***SOLD OUT*** Enjoy the spacious sitting room and lakeshore only steps away! This cabin has 2 bedrooms with a queen bed in each and a full kitchen with basic appliances. **each person pays $839 and registers separately. $799 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange payment). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$839.00

Click here to purchase.

Lake House

The Lake House has 6 bedrooms with 1 queen bed and 3/4 bathroom in each.

Lake House: Private room + Private bath

***SOLD OUT*** Fall in love with the 100 year old Lake House! Several sitting areas both indoors and out will invite you to curl up with a book and a hot beverage. Each unique lodge room features a queen bed and an ensuite 3/4 bath. $829 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$870.00

Click here to purchase.

Tiny House

Private Cabin + Private Bath + Mini Kitchen

***SOLD OUT*** The cabin I wished I lived in! Enjoy the coziness of the charming Tiny House and its mini kitchen, full size memory foam bed, and bathroom with shower. $829 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$870.00

Click here to purchase.

Cozy cabin for 2

***SOLD OUT*** A great option for 2 friends traveling together! This cabin has 1 queen bed, 1 futon, a full kitchen with basic appliances, and bathroom with shower. **each person pays $671 and registers separately. $639 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$671.00

Click here to purchase.

Cozy Cabin for 1

***SOLD OUT*** For the guest seeking true respite from it all- plenty of room for reading, relaxing, and practicing yoga! This cabin has 1 queen, 1 futon, a full kitchen with basic appliances, and a bathroom with shower. $829 if paying via cash/check (contact me to arrange). By submitting payment you agree to the cancellation policy listed above.

$870.00

Click here to purchase.

“Commuter” Option

Stay at an AirBnb or similar option in the area and drive down the road to us for each day of the retreat. Meals, all classes, & horseback riding included in this price ($403 if paying via cash/check, please message me for that option). There’s a glamping site near Glendalough State Park (The Grove Glamping) that looks delightful and several other options within a 10 minute drive (on VRBO or AirBnb). {This option is only available for 3 people so the yoga space remains comfortable yet intimate.}

$423.00

Click here to purchase.

“Commuter” Option

$423.00

Click here to purchase.

Give the Gift of Retreat

All donations are used to provide full or partial scholarships to persons attending Sweet Spirit Yoga retreats that may be experiencing financial hardship or may simply benefit from an act of kindness. Your generous donations help to keep these beautiful MN yoga and wellness experiences affordable and accessible to more people. Scholarships are issued privately and do not require any proof of financial hardship.

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Thai Yoga Bodywork

Please note rates have changed to reflect my certification & experience.

Online Scheduling Now Available!

Arrive in comfortable clothing. Expect an individualized session to include guided breath work, slow pressure, work along the Sen lines, assisted stretches, energy work and more. Recipients can expect a soothing, supportive, grounding experience along with improvements in flexibility, circulation, range of motion, stress relief, pain relief, energy balance, and overall feelings of well-being.

Now offering Thai Herbal Compresses for a soothing aromatherapy experience, relaxation, inflammation reduction, warming/softening stiff areas of the body, and more. Folks with specific illnesses or ailments can request a custom blend unique to their needs. Compresses are also a great option when pressure or hands-on work causes pain or discomfort. **client must request this add-on in advance.

Schedule an Appointment

Questions or interested in hosting bodywork for a group? Let’s chat!

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Sweet Spirit’s First-Ever MN Winter Yoga Retreat

I am still sparkling from the warmth and connection I experienced with a delightful group of humans at my first ever winter yoga retreat right here in Minnesota! The volunteers and staff hosting us at ARC ensured a feeling of safety and comfort from the moment we walked in the door. All meals were prepared and served with a loving touch and all dietary needs in mind.

One of my personal highlights from the weekend was a snowy luminary walk on our first night. The luminaries cast a soft glow to follow the snowy path to the gazebo. The combination of cold night air and a starry sky made for a memorable backdrop as we made our way down the path, carrying our “burn” papers, ready to shed what is no longer welcome in our lives.

Guests loved the generous sprinkling of candles throughout the weekend’s yoga experiences, thanks to the thoughtful and creative touches of my partner yoga teachers! I am so grateful to Brittany and JennieRuth for sharing their time and their talents to help make every yoga class not only heartfelt and impactful but visually appealing!

I loved how everyone felt free to come and go as they pleased, choosing the offerings that were right for them and honoring their bodies with each practice. It’s one thing as a yoga teacher to encourage all those values, but to see folks truly demonstrating self-compassion is life affirming.

Copious amounts of tea were consumed in front of the fire, amazing heartfelt conversations were had, and hugs were shared that will tide me over for many cold days to come.

With every retreat I never fail to be amazed at the Divine intervention that brings each unique group together. The closing circle with this group was one I’ll never forget. Without sharing too much of this precious hour I will just say that this is a remarkable group of women, all destined for greatness. Over the weekend I was blessed to catch a glimpse of their unique gifts. Each one of these lovely humans has such a beautiful bright light I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have basked in.

My heart is full.

Join me in the spring!

Amber Perry

a MN native retreat lover & host, yoga & meditation instructor, & Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner

sweetspirityoga.com

5 Things to Avoid When Attending Your First Women’s Retreat

Feeling like you have to do all the things. One of the first times I went on a retreat I attended every event on the schedule (when will I get to do water aerobics again?!). I stayed up way later than I would have liked (can’t miss any important conversations!). I basically said yes to everyone and everything the entire weekend and left feeling more depleted than when I arrived. I remember walking past one of my cabin mates on my way to another afternoon activity. A more seasoned mom of 2, she was binging Netflix on her laptop, complete with snacks and red wine. “I learned the hard way last year,” she said. I wish I knew the wisdom her words contained at that time, but I have to admit I still may not have listened! Bottom line-boundaries are key. Know your personal social time limits, know what refuels you, and know what you want most out of your time away.

Leaving the snacks behind. Show up with plenty of snacks tucked away to compensate for any less-than-satisfactory meals. At one retreat a friend and I sat for dinner with a woman who was traveling alone. She sent a photo of our meal to her friends and they were very concerned: “Are you in a prison camp?? Do we need to come get you??” The meals at this particular retreat could be best described as “camp food,” and in true camp fashion, if you weren’t one of the first in line it was slim pickings when you came through with your tray. Bring your favorite snacks to keep the “hangries” away and keep your energy up for hiking, yoga, or whatever activities you’d like to enjoy.

Not springing for a private space (when you know you really need it). During one retreat weekend I built what was essentially a sheet and blanket fort around my bunk for privacy and better sleep. Privacy is key for me and as it turns out I’m not a fan of bunk beds for grown-ups. However, I highly recommend a sheet and blanket fort should you find yourself in a similar scenario.

Worrying about the kids (or pets or work or whatever you’re leaving behind). The kids are okay! In fact, they’re more than okay! They’re having a blast with Dad/Grandma/babysitter and eating McDonald’s and whatever else they can get away with. Work, kids, and all the other responsibilities you’re leaving behind will still be waiting for you when you return. One word: unplug. Set up times you plan to check in otherwise embrace this opportunity to completely rest and restore your spirit.

Being afraid to go solo. It can be a little scary to think of embarking on a retreat alone, wondering if it will feel clique-y and you will be the odd one out. The truth is many women travel solo to local retreats, especially the more boutique offerings. Some attend with friends but I have yet to come across anyone who isn’t friendly and interested in meeting more retreat peeps. If a local retreat is something you’ve been wanting to try, go for it!

Amber Perry

a MN native retreat lover & host, yoga & meditation instructor, & Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner

sweetspirityoga.com

About Me

I (Amber) began my history with yoga over 15 years ago. I loved that post-yoga high and was inspired to become a teacher once I experienced the connection between mind/body/higher power. Teaching yoga feels like both a service to others and a fulfillment of passion and joy for myself. I teach a wide variety of classes and bodies but find that people connect most with my style if they are open to spiritual development and growth.

I was inspired to create retreats where folks could experience an immersion of sorts; an all-inclusive experience that could refresh the spirits of caregivers in our community.

{Amber is RYT 500, Reiki I & II certified, and has Level I, II, & III Certificates in Thai Yoga Bodywork.}

Ready to register for Spring (Re)Awakening 2022? Click here