Graybear Lodge

Yoga Retreat with Laura Jane Mellencamp

Thursday, April 13, 2023 – Sunday, April 16, 2023

An April delight awaits you…

The dogwoods at Gray Bear Lodge are in full, tender bloom. A floating ocean of white dogwood blossoms hovers throughout the awakening forests. Winter has surrendered to spring; whippoorwills and tree frogs are calling, the fresh air has a welcome stillness, and the nighttime sky displays a starry blanket.

Join Laura Jane and welcome spring’s promise of new growth at Gray Bear Lodge in Hohenwald, TN. Gray Bear Lodge is a rustic retreat center dedicated to keeping the spirit of fun and inspiration alive. Stone hot tubs, steaming Watsu pools, and wood-fired saunas erase the lingering winter.....we look forward to sharing this time with you!

“Let’s celebrate spring and the renewal of the spirit in the beauty of the Tennessee woods. Join me on this special time to celebrate the sacred in being together as we breathe in the wonders of healing life. Gray Bear is my happy place, and I’m thrilled to be returning this April.”- LAURA JANE MELLENCAMP

A Refreshing Renewal Yoga Experience

Experience and commune with the simple beauty of nature as you connect with yourself through dedicated daily yoga asana, meditation, and sangha (community) with Laura Jane's teachings from the heart! Explore the teachings of going deeper into the gifts of yoga and meditation using asana and linking breath as a whole body, mind experience.

Not only will you enjoy the rejuvenating daily yoga sessions, but there will also be plenty of free time for exploring and experiencing the beauty of Gray Bear! Take a hike to the local waterfall, soak in the hot tubs, or enjoy relaxation from Gray Bear's expert therapeutic massage staff (including Watsu, Reiki, and Thai massage). Enjoy healthy nourishment through great food, the laughter of the community, and the best healing nature can offer as we feed the soul.

This retreat is a perfect balance between rest and play. Through leading and attending many retreats, Laura has discovered that traveling together and saying yes to life and its opportunities create lasting friendships and gratitude for life’s abundance that will last forever.

This yoga retreat is for all ages and all life experiences. Perfect for all levels of practitioners, yoga teachers, and bodywork therapists.

Private yoga sessions will also be available.

Sample Daily Schedule*

(Optional to meet each student’s needs)
Morning walk
Breakfast
Meditation and yoga practice
Free Time to explore this beautiful and healing environment
Lunch
Free Time
Afternoon yoga and meditation practice
Late afternoon yoga Nidra
Dinner
Evening shared Sanga
*Schedule is subject to change.

Shared Occupancy - Dorm
$876 Credit (PayPal)
$850 Cash or Check

Double Occupancy - Limited Availability
$1031 Credit (PayPal)
$1000 Cash or Check

Single Occupancy - Limited Availability
$1237 Credit (PayPal)
$1200 Cash or Check

The cost of the retreat includes all yoga sessions, 3 nights lodging, 3 gourmet meals a day starting with dinner on Thursday evening and ending with breakfast on Sunday, and full use of the facilities.

The retreat DOES NOT include transportation to Gray Bear Lodge, spa treatments, travel insurance, or gratuities.

Workshop Sign-up Form

We'll begin with guests arriving Thursday (4-6pm arrival). Dinner is served at 6:00pm; followed by orientation and opening circle. We finish our retreat on Sunday with closing circle, lunch, and checkout at 2:00pm. (*) Gray Bear is a two hour drive from the Nashville airport, so please plan arrival time/ departure time with this in mind.

Laura Jane Mellencamp-Murphy, C-IYAT, E-RYT 500, MA, Certified Yoga Therapist

Laura Jane, founder and director of Yoga Among Friends, has been changing people’s lives for 3 decades. She has led classes, seminars, and workshops throughout the world for leading organizations and individuals. Laura is known for her depth of knowledge, practical wisdom, and unique ability to transmit yogic teachings and practices to students from all walks of life. She enjoys blending her clinical and counseling training in psychology with her yoga therapy certification to provide her clients with a holistic approach to psychological and emotional imbalances that affect the immune system.

Her background includes the following:

Yoga Therapist, Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation, Chennai, India
Certified Yoga Teacher, The White Lotus Foundation, Santa Barbara, CA
Certified Yoga Therapist & Member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
MA in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Antioch University
25+ years of Yoga Teaching Experience
35+ years of Yoga Practice

Gray Bear is home to 400 acres of rolling hills, thick forest, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna; hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket; and revel in clear air and water while using shower outdoors.

With all of this nature we have some suggestions to consider when packing:

Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!
A bathing suit ... good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool
Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the Yoga Room
A bath robe/sarong
House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...no shoes inside please
Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike
Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool
Comfortable clothes for exercising/yoga

Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or pets. Gray Bear is a non-smoking, pet-free and alcohol-free facility.