Mindful Life Retreat

From the beginner to those experienced in mindfulness, all will walk away rejuvenated and imbued with the powerful knowledge of how to use mindfulness and related skills to be more calm, focused, and joyful at work and at play.

As a licensed psychotherapist, my retreats are known for a unique blend of both relaxation and transformation. Starting at the opening session, the retreat will begin to create a safe haven to relax your mind and entire nervous system. As the weekend unfolds you will gain the tools to begin gently shifting habits that are no longer serving you. These habits may include one’s relationship to stress, anxiety, distraction, or specific relationship dynamics. I will be teaching evidence-based techniques and guiding you in my signature exercises and visualizations, all to help you practice and feel confident with your new skills. Expect a healthy dose of humor and consistent reminders to be kind to yourself as self-compassion has been proven to be a hallmark in making successful and lasting  changes.

While surrounded by stunning natural views and the profound serenity that Elohee Center provides, you will have ample opportunity to simply relax and process your transformation. Additionally, you will enjoy chef-curated meals, beautifully appointed lodging, and the welcoming spirit that Elohee embodies. **Regarding the retreat schedule, each activity is completely optional as participants should feel free to make their experience what they would like.**

Feel free to check out the reviews below to see what others have said about the retreat!

I hope you will join me!

– Amanda

Included in the retreat:

• Multiple learning sessions each day with Amanda, including guided relaxation and visualization exercises
• Plenty of free time to soak up the relaxing and transformative qualities of Elohee’s grounds and facilities
• Enriching (and sometimes lively!) discussions on how to apply mindfulness and related skills in real life
• Optional 20-minute consultation with Amanda
• Optional Massage/ Spa services *not included in program fee*
• Optional yoga classes on Friday and Sunday
• Healthy, chef-curated meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, accommodating a variety of diets including vegetarian, vegan, omnivore, and pescatarian, gluten-free options are available as well
• Guided nature walk through Elohee’s diverse ecosystems featuring a 100-foot mountainside waterfall
• Lodging in Elohee’s beautiful and serene cottages

This retreat will be especially helpful to you if you:

– Find that your mind is often not in the present moment

– Are often stressed and/or anxious

– Have difficulty focusing on tasks at times

– Have difficulty falling or staying asleep at night

– Would like to experience more enjoyment with friends and loved ones

– Are interested in how to use mindfulness-related techniques to overcome blocks in order to be your best self

The outcomes you can expect from this retreat are:

– Rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit

– A significantly more relaxed nervous system

– Improved ability to fall asleep at night

– A foundational understanding of mindfulness as well as a working plan for integrating the practices into daily life

– Confidence in your ability to cope with life’s challenges with more ease

– Newfound connections with other like-minded individuals

Retreat Schedule

**Each activity is completely optional as participants should feel free to make their experience what they would like**

Thursday

• 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Check-in with Elohee staff
• 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Finding Awareness. Shifting our Relationship to Thought.
• 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
• 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Lightening our Load. Techniques for Finding Calm at Any Time. Ending with a 15-minute exercise for full-body/mind relaxation.

Friday

• 8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast
• 9:00 am – 9:30 am – Breathing Techniques for Improved Focus
• 9:30 am – 10:30 am – Formal vs. Informal Mindfulness. How to incorporate both into your day.
• 10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Restorative Yoga with Charlene Hammerson
• 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
• 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Break Time for optional massage and spa appointments, naps, individual consults with Amanda, etc.
• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Staying Focused Using Mindfulness in Everyday Life – navigating schedules, responsibilities, relationships, etc with more energy and ease **includes 15-minute break**
• 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
• 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Bonfire – Mindfulness for Peace and Contentment

Saturday

• 8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast
• 9:00 am – 9:15 am – Morning meditation
• 9:15 am – 10:30 am – Putting it all Together/ Guided exercises to help with integration of what you have learned so far
• 10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Guided Nature Walk
• 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
• 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Break Time for optional massage and spa appointments, naps, individual consults with Amanda, etc.
• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Mindful Communication and Boundaries in Relationships *Includes 15-minute break*
• 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
• *Free evening to relax

Sunday

• 8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast
• 9:00 am – 9:15 am – Morning meditation
• 9:15 am – 10:00 am – Closing session with final notes from Amanda and encouragements for going forward
• 10:00 am – 11:00 am  – Time for packing up to leave
• 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Hatha Yoga with Charlene Hammerson
• 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch and Goodbyes

Here is what retreat participants are saying:

“I was so relaxed. All your teachings really resonated with me-Mindfulness and self-compassion. I liked how interactive the sessions were too.” – Candace, Alpharetta, GA

“Amanda- It was a wonderful experience. Loved how personable and knowledgeable and energetic you are! It was a pleasure!!” – Lisa A.

“I had no idea what to expect and had never been to a retreat before. It was an exceptional experience. I did not engage with my phone the entire time and did not feel anxious about it. When the weekend was over, my overwhelming feeling was I had allowed myself to calm my overstimulated nervous system for 2 days straight and that was incredibly beneficial. The schedule helped me to feel like I was still accomplishing things and it helped me with my anxiety but I still didn’t feel restricted by it. You could not have chosen a better place to hold the retreat. It was a gift to be there alone. You did a wonderful job at making me feel comfortable and safe with me and I thank you for the goody bag! It was very wonderful, and this will not be my last retreat for sure, or my last time at Elohee. Thank you for an amazing weekend.” – Keri, Acworth, Georgia

“Well planned/organized, giving options/choices of what works best for each individual.”

“The food was AMAZING! So healthy and delicious!” – Anonymous

“Thank you for your energy, enthusiasm, and gifts of wisdom.”

“I have been to Elohee many times, and this retreat was so exactly what I needed! I would like to attend your next one.” – Amy, Atlanta, GA

“Wonderful experience at Amanda’s mindful life retreat at Elohee Center! It truly was a chance to unplug, enjoy nature, and learn some valuable mindfulness techniques to incorporate into my life. It is so grounding to see many others struggling with similar worries and issues in their everyday lives. This retreat gave me a chance to remember I am not alone in any of this! And reminded me how powerful gratitude and kindness can be. I loved being able to share this experience with my mom and also meet so many other wonderful people, including Amanda!” – Delanie L., Georgia

“This weekend was amazing- this is the first retreat I have done, but it will not be the last”. You are engaging and informed on the topics and provide an interactive experience, allowing participants time to ask questions and respond to you and each other.” – Colleen, South Carolina

For more information, contact Amanda at amanda@amanda-mccall.com.

Check out Elohee’s Guest Information FAQs here.