There was a time when we all lived a little closer to the earth. We planted, tended and harvested. We moved our bodies and ate nourishing food produced right where we lived. The weather influenced our activities, and we were sensitive to the signs in nature that indicated change. We gazed up at the stars and down at the earth. We shared our supper at a big table with friends and family, sharing all we experienced that day.
Midwest Yoga Retreats and Events
Midwest Yoga brings us back to our roots. The separation we are experiencing from our immediate environment is a separation from ourselves. A Midwest Yoga retreat at Soul Farm takes advantage of a natural, rural, midwest farm environment to help us reconnect to our ecosystem, both outside of us and within; it’s really all the same.
We practice yoga outside, we meditate in the woods. We enjoy food grown by our local farmer friends. We share adventures and experiences. These adventures vary by retreat and may involve connection with a horse, learning about growing food, or creating a piece of art. We may share ceremonies or sound healings in harmony with the natural elements that abound at Soul Farm; air, water, earth and fire. And we gather around a table for our supper, and share again.
While some retreats on our 2023 Schedule are hosted by Ahimsa Yoga Studio, with Ahimsa instructors, Midwest Yoga Retreats are hosted by the owner of Soul Farm, me, Judi Harvin. My family has been the stewards of this 80 acre property for over 50 years. I’m an E-RYT500 registered yoga instructor, and sharing my love of yoga here at my farm is a dream come true. But, even more of a joy is sharing the energy, the buzz, of the farm itself. I’m ever looking for ways to incorporate the magic of this property into the teachings I share during retreats.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
FOR A ONE NIGHT
MIDWEST YOGA RETREAT
Friday
Leave your home or work in the city. Soul Farm is 2 hours west of the Chicago city limits, but as you exit the highway and continue down country roads, passing wide open fields and small, rural towns, you’ll feel the congestion and busyness of the city fade away.
4:00 – 6:00pm
Follow the little gravel road to our grass lane. We are waiting with a cool drink, snacks, farm tour and new friends. Relax for a bit.
6:00pm
Yoga will be either under the big, blue sky near the ponds, or in our Yoga Barn. This first class will work out the kinks from the drive, and release tension from a busy work week
7:30pm
Farm-to-table deliciousness. We set a picture perfect table with retro linens and a mix of vintage china. If the weather cooperates, we’ll dine outside under the trees, by candlelight and lanterns. Our menu features fresh local produce, cheeses, and breads, including salads with fresh homemade dressings and seasonal soups.
8:30pm
Relax on the bunkhouse porch, or by our open campfire, with a drink and a friend. Stargazing is supreme. Soon you’ll head to your bed, close to nature bedded down in our bunkhouse or walled tents, with soft sheets and comforters.
Saturday
7:00am
Wake up, surprisingly refreshed. Come on over to the Soul Farm cottage, because there are light wake-ups snacks waiting, along with coffee and teas.
8:00am
Midwest Yoga. If ground is still a little dewy, we’ll meet in the yoga barn and enjoy a wake-up practice. Maybe there’s a theme this weekend. If so, you can be sure your teacher will reference it here.
9:30am
A Hearty Breakfast. Maybe a vegetable egg bake, with a little fresh greens and homemade muffins?
10am – 2:00pm
This time of your day will vary, depending on retreat themes, featured teachers, and other opportunities. See your retreat package for your core activities during this part of your day. Depending on your event, you may also have time to schedule a massage, take a forest meditation or a groundwork lesson, or just journal and rest.
2:00pm
Regroup for yoga and guided meditation.
3:30pm
If you need to get back to the hustle bustle of life soon, we’ve got you covered with a healthy, portable meal. Or, you can take your time and settle outside to enjoy your meal and the rest of your visit at your pace.
