ENCOUNTER STILLNESS

FALL YOGA RETREAT

November 7-9, 2025
Jefferson, Maryland

Fall is a season of transition.

In Ayurveda and many ancestral traditions, this is the time to slow down, find balance, and prepare for the inward journey of winter.

Encounter Stillness is your chance to

✓ step out of the noise

✓ reset your body and mind

✓ create space for the clarity and wisdom that comes in stillness.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

During these 3 days, you’ll experience:

Daily yoga and guided meditation
Nourishing, healthy meals
Sound healing + community sharing
Earth offering ceremony
Traditional sweatlodge ceremonies
Nature immersion and time for reflection

"So much was affirmed in my heart through this retreat. It reminded me of the importance of community, connection, and sharing from a place of sincerity and love."

WHAT YOU’LL TAKE HOME

A renewed sense of balance and calm

Tools to navigate seasonal transitions with ease
Deep clarity and insights for the months ahead
Connection with a supportive community
A lighter body, clearer mind, and open heart

MEET YOUR RETREAT LEADERS

Sara VanderGoot

Sara holds an an impressive blend of qualifications and expertise in holistic wellness. She is the co-founder of Mind the Mat Pilates and Yoga, and holds international recognition as an e-RYT 500 and RPYT through Yoga Alliance. She is nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing, with 20 years of experience in massage therapy and Thai Yoga massage. As a doula, Sara supports mothers during and after pregnancy. Sara's teachings encompass Prenatal Yoga, Post-pregnancy Yoga, Hot Flow Yoga, Slow Flow Yoga and Deep Stretch. With a Juris Doctorate, B.A. in English Literature, and an M.A. in Creative Writing, Sara brings a rich background to her healing practices.

Alex Preciado & Laura Hoyos

Alex & Laura bring over two decades of experience walking the path of ancestral wisdom, ceremony, and holistic healing. Together, they have spent long stretches of time living, learning, and sitting in ceremony with indigenous elders across the Americas. Alex has lived for years immersed in the rainforest with the Cofan people of Colombia. As a pipe carrier in the Sacred Fire of Itzachilatlan tradition, he leads sweatlodge ceremonies, earth offerings, and prayer circles with humility and humor. Laura weaves her background in psychology and holistic wellness with her experience guiding women in womb healing, emotional balance, and spiritual empowerment.

The Power of Community

The retreat may only last a few days, but the connections live on.

Our community continues to share, laugh, and support one another long after the retreat ends—through group chats filled with recipes, reflections, encouragement, and even a few good jokes.