This year would have been a milestone birthday for my father….. his 70th.

When I realized that, I automatically knew I wanted to do something special to honor him. I had already blocked off time at work & when Yoga Soullective announced they were hosting a retreat in the mountains, I immediately knew that I was going!

What I didn’t realize was how much courage it would take for me to actually get here.

This was my first time driving to the mountains by myself. I didn’t realize how brave I was until I was actually on the road. Instead of music, I listened to an audiobook, took my time, and enjoyed the scenery.

When I arrived at this beautiful manor on top of the mountain, I took it all in. I explored the house, found my room, and thanked God for getting me there safely.

That first evening, we gathered outside around the fire pit, introduced ourselves, and shared what brought us to yoga and to the retreat. As I listened, I thought about how different we all were- different backgrounds, different stories, and different walks of life yet yoga was the common thread that brought all of us to the same place.

The word yoga speaks to union and connection, and sitting around that fire felt like a beautiful example of that. Yoga doesn’t have a race, gender, age, body type, or title. You don’t have to look a certain way or come from a certain background to belong.

Yoga is for everyone.

For one weekend, it created community among people who may never have crossed paths otherwise.

When it was my turn to share, I talked about my dad and how I came here to recharge, be in nature, and quiet the noise enough to hear from God.

Jolene, our host, went over the weekend and encouraged us to set our intentions. We ended our first night stargazing while one attendee played guitar. It was such a peaceful way to begin.

The next morning started with coffee, journaling, meditation, and yoga, during which Jolene shared the story about the Golden Buddha- it's very profound & I highly recommend you read about it. Afterward, we hiked down to a beautiful waterfall. Some people actually got in the water. I wasn’t THAT brave 😂, but I did put my feet in. The water was cold, clean, and crisp, and I’m so glad I got to experience it.

Now getting back UP that mountain was another story. 😂 That incline won, and I happily accepted a ride back to the house.

Later that day, we had a relaxing meditation and Yin practice. And then something happened that I still can’t stop thinking about. A little ring-necked snake crawled toward me and my yoga mat & surprisingly, I was calm.

I watched this little creature with more curiosity than fear. Later, I read about some of the symbolism associated with snakes….. transformation, renewal, shedding old layers, and moving into a new season.

I don’t have to make the snake into something mystical or claim to know why it crossed my path, but I can appreciate the timing.

Here I was on a mountain, honoring my father’s 70th birthday, asking God for clarity, and trying to quiet the static in my life, when this tiny creature associated with transformation appeared right after meditation. Maybe the most meaningful part wasn’t the snake at all; I believe it was realizing how calm I reacted to his presence.

The next morning brought another lesson: that rest is productive too.

While some of the group went hiking, another attendee and I stayed behind. We read, got in the pool, explored the hot tub, and I even slipped in a nap. There was no agenda and, for once, I wasn’t worried about what time it was & I needed that!

Later, it was time for my plant workshop. 🌱

I lit incense, played my music, laid out the supplies, and created the same kind of atmosphere I would at home. Everyone got to repot a new plant baby, ask questions, and learn a little more about caring for their plants.

Watching everyone become so excited and inquisitive filled me up. It also reminded me how much plants can teach us about ourselves.

Sometimes we need more room to grow. Sometimes our environment needs to change. Sometimes we need nourishment. And sometimes we need to learn how to better care for what’s already alive.

I came to the mountains looking to be replenished, and somewhere in the middle of it all, I got an opportunity to pour something back into other people too- how special is that?

That evening we had hibachi and y’all- somehow this lady convinced me to let her shoot sake into my mouth with a water gun. 😂 Apparently, Mountain Retreat Ranata said YOLO.

We ended the evening with a sound bath and Yoga Nidra meditation, and it was right on time.

Sometimes you don’t realize how much you needed something until after you’ve received it.

Now I’m sitting here on departure morning, writing while everything is still fresh in my mind.

I’m leaving with some reminders I don’t want to forget:

Make room for silence. Breathe. Meditate. Quiet the static long enough to hear from God. Pay attention to your mind and your body and give them what they need.

Rest when you need rest. Seek help when you need help. Take accountability for your choices and for the life you’re creating. No one else is responsible for your growth.

Take care of your plants.
Take care of your body.
Take care of your mind.

You only get one.

And keep growing.

I thought about my dad throughout this weekend. I imagined calling him from the mountains and telling him everything I had experienced. I can almost hear the excitement in his voice and imagine the wisdom he would pour into me.

I know he would be proud of me.

Maybe honoring his 70th birthday didn’t have to mean spending the day consumed by his absence; part of honoring him was continuing to live the life I still have.

Driving up the mountain by myself.

Trying something new.

Sitting beside a waterfall.

Teaching people about plants.

Resting without guilt.

Laughing.

Listening.

Growing.

This weekend also reminded me that yoga has always been about so much more than what happens on the mat. It’s connection & community. It’s making space to listen to yourself, to others, to nature and, for me, to God.

I came here to honor my father, recharge, and hear from God.

I’m leaving refreshed, grateful, and a little more aware of the woman I’m becoming.

And for that, I’m thankful.

Happy 70th birthday, Dad. 🌻