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BEING AT PEACE
Mindfulness and Yoga Retreat

Being At Peace Retreat.webp
Being At Peace Retreat.webp

with Olga Campora and her guest Dave Orton.

October 17-19, 2024
at 
Blue Mountain Retreat Center in Knoxville, Maryland USA

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Join Olga Campora and Dave Orton for an early weekend October 17 through 19th (Thursday through Saturday) for an autumn “BEING at Peace and in Harmony with Yourself" retreat at the beautiful Blue Mountain Retreat Center in Knoxville, MD. 

Welcome to the "Being at Peace and in Harmony with Yourself Retreat," where our primary goal is to help you find internal peace and cultivate a personal sense of calm. Here, the focus shifts from "what do I need to do to be at peace?" to "Who do I need to be to find peace within myself?" Our retreat offers a gentle and joyful gateway to inner transformation, encouraging an internal shift through the practice of kindness, compassion, and self-forgiveness.  You will leave our retreat feeling lighter and more at peace in your heart.

Each year, Olga invites a guest expert in a specific area of physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual growth. This October, Dave Orton will join the retreat. Olga has worked with Dave before, and it was clear to her that his teaching style, joy for life, and genuine nature make him someone she wants to share with all the participants this year. Dave has a remarkable talent for finding the good in people, and you will be amazed at the incredible personal growth you will experience by attending the retreat.

In this retreat, you will...

Discover Profound Peace

Relieve Muscle Tension and Reduce Stress

Restore Your Inner Harmony and Radiance

Transform from Within: Expand and Experience Renewal.

An early weekend like this offers a valuable chance to step back from the routine demands of work, family, and other responsibilities. It's an ideal time to engage deeply with your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, fostering personal growth and transformative self-care.

Location:

 Blue Mountain Retreat Center
1032 Hoffmaster Rd Knoxville Maryland USA 21758

Blue Mountain is convenient to both Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD – about 75 minutes total driving time – yet, after you arrive and settle in, you will feel like you have been transported to the middle of the forest. The secret is the 27 acres of mostly wooded land, just a mile downhill to the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and the C & O Canal. The surrounding woods and water make for a peaceful winter getaway.

If the weather cooperates, you can take a hike on the nearby Appalachian Trail or go next door for a horseback ride. Cozy up to one of the fireplaces, or connect with Blue Mountain owner Beth Ehrhardt, a licensed massage therapist, for some relaxing body work.

The retreat center shares 27 acres of property with Ehrhardt Organic Farm, which has been selling high quality, organic berries, vegetables, herbs and flowers to restaurants, at farmer’s markets and through their CSA (community-supported agriculture) since 1981. Beth prepares delicious, organic home-cooked meals, sourced from her farm as much as possible, to retreat participants. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

Therapeutic massage appointments are available on-site by a licensed massage therapist upon request. Massage cost is $85/hour.  (Appointments made and charged separately).

Registration includes 3 days/2 nights filled with Yoga, Meditation, Fireside Chats, Relaxation, Outdoor Walking, Companionship, and Great Food. The retreat features group classes specifically designed to help you find internal peace and cultivate a personal sense of calm, transitioning from asking "What do I need to do to be at peace?" to exploring "Who do I need to be to find peace within myself?"

 

The retreat serves as a gentle and joyful gateway to inner transformation, promoting an internal shift through the practice of kindness, compassion, and self-forgiveness. You will leave our retreat feeling lighter and more at peace within your heart.

Please note that you will be sharing a room with 1-2 other retreat participants of the same gender.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Day 1: Peace with Ourselves

  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrival and Registration

  • 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Welcome and Introduction to the Retreat Theme

    • Overview of the retreat and setting intentions for inner peace.

  • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Workshop: Exploring Inner Peace

    • Discussion on what inner peace means, including self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional balance.

    • Guided meditation focusing on grounding and self-acceptance.

  • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Afternoon Yoga: Grounding in Inner Peace

    • A yoga session focused on grounding, connecting with breath, and fostering inner calm.

  • 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Tea/Fruit Snack Break

Evening: Cultivating Inner Peace

  • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Journaling Session: Reflecting on Inner Conflicts

    • Participants reflect on personal challenges and obstacles to inner peace.

    • Exercises in self-forgiveness and letting go.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner

  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Group Sharing Circle: Reflections on Inner Peace

  • 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Evening Meditation: Cultivating Inner Stillness

 

Day 2: Peace with Others

Morning: Connection and Compassion

  • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Morning Yoga: Cultivating Compassion

    • A yoga session focused on heart-opening poses and fostering compassion for oneself and others.

  • 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast

  • 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Workshop: The Art of Peaceful Communication

    • Techniques for active listening, empathy, and non-violent communication.

    • Role-playing exercises to practice peaceful dialogue.

  • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Tea Break

Late Morning: Building Interpersonal Peace

  • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Workshop: Healing and Strengthening Relationships

    • Exploring and practicing self-forgiveness

  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch

Afternoon: Practicing Peace with Others

  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Group Activity: Collaborative Peace Building

    • A cooperative project or game emphasizing teamwork, understanding, and shared goals.

  • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Afternoon Yoga: Harmonizing with Others

    • A yoga session with partner poses or group exercises to enhance connection and harmony.

  • 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Guided Relaxation: Deepening Connection

Evening: Reflecting on Interpersonal Peace

  • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Workshop: Integrating Peace in Daily Relationships

    • Practical tips for maintaining peaceful interactions in everyday life.

    • Developing empathy and compassion in challenging situations.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner

  • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Group Sharing Circle: Stories of Peace with Others

  • 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Evening Meditation: Loving-Kindness and Compassion

Day 3: Creating Peace Daily

Morning: Embodying Daily Peace

  • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Morning Yoga: Mindful Movement for Peace

    • A yoga session focused on integrating mindfulness into movement, preparing for a peaceful day.

  • 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast

  • 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Workshop: Creating Peaceful Habits

    • Identifying and cultivating daily habits that promote peace and mindfulness.

    • Techniques for bringing peace into everyday tasks and routines.

Late Morning: Expanding Peace Beyond the Self

  • 11:00 AM - NOON: Closing Ceremony

    • Group sharing of insights and commitments to sustaining peace.

    • Guided meditation to seal the experience and encourage continued practice.

    • Discussing sustainable living, community involvement, and how our choices impact global peace.

    • Activities to foster a deeper connection with nature and society.

  • NOON: Lunch

  • 2:00 PM: Departure

Our Team.

Dave Orton is a seasoned coach with over a decade of experience helping businesses, individuals, and couples. He's honed his skills through training with top coaches and organizations like Landmark Worldwide, the Being Movement, and Empowerment Inc.

With a pre-coaching career in high-tech spanning over 20 years, Dave led teams worldwide. He and his wife, Penny, live in the Boise, Idaho area, and are proud parents of four children.

 

Olga Campopra is trained and certified as a life coach at the worldwide recognized school “The Life Coach School”. She coaches and mentors clients from all over the world. She holds PhD., in Education from the T.G.Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. She is certified as an experienced yoga teacher E-RYT 500+, and has practiced and taught yoga over the last 35 years. She helped hundreds of clients who suffered from back pain. Olga is also certified as the Life Force Yoga Practitioner, a branch of yoga that focuses on helping people with anxiety and depression.

COST : $1090

The retreat cost includes lodging, linens (including towels), three meals per day, and access to all workshops, retreat materials and classes offered at the retreat.  Our refund policy for retreats is designed to provide flexibility while ensuring proper planning for all participants.

Cancellation Policy:

  • 100%  refund for cancellation 30+ days before event.

  • 50%  refund for cancellation 15-29 days before event.

  • 0%  refund for cancellation 0-14 days before event.

 

No refunds are possible after October 3rd. This policy helps us cover the costs of accommodations, preparation, and all the retreat materials, ensuring the best possible experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding. 

COMMON QUESTIONS

OTHER DETAILS

– I don’t want to share a room, what do I do?

Register ASAP.  Please note that you will be sharing a room with 1-3 other participants of the same gender.. There are only 3 Private Rooms, and they go fast every year. If you are open at all to sharing a room, the retreat participants tend to be quiet, and respectful, and it’s only 2 nights! There are white noise machines in each of the rooms.

– I’ve got food allergies and / or specific food needs. Will I be hungry?

Definitely not! You’ll be in heaven. Because all food is made on site and made specifically for our group, we can accommodate almost any needs / gluten or grain free / vegan, and more). Please be in touch with me directly if you have any questions. I’d be happy to have you participate in planning the meals.

– Can I bring my spouse / family to simply stay onsite with me?

Feel free to reach out and ask about your unique circumstances, but right now, this is only possible only if each person staying on site is registered for the retreat and paying for the full retreat. Note: all beds are twin beds, the private rooms are designed for 1 person

– I feel out of shape, will I be able to keep up?

Yes, you’ve got this. The retreat will include a morning yoga class and an afternoon class, both nurturing and suitable for all fitness levels, along with walks (weather permitting). Participate as much or as little as you like, and support those who take a more vigorous approach."

Bring your yoga equipment, including a yoga mat, 2 blankets, a yoga belt, and 2 yoga blocks. If you own a bolster, please bring it as well. If you are traveling from outside of Maryland, let us know, and we will provide the yoga equipment for you.

 

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