A day away from the usual routine
A look back of our Yoga, Art & Nature Day Retreat at Sky Pond on May 10th
The air had a crispness when everyone arrived at Sky Pond on May 10th.
Just cold enough that gathering around the fire with a cup of tea felt like a perfect start to the day.
We slowly got acquainted with each other, talking about what creativity is and how it shows up in our lives.
The smoke drifted sideways every now and then, and there were a few laughs as we all had to move our chairs, everyone with a different theory on how to make the smoke go another direction.
I love a fire, even an imperfect one.
When we moved onto the grass for yoga, it was still wet from the dew. The sun was just starting to warm up the day, cicadas singing in the background, tall pines reflecting in the pond, the smell of smoke still in the air.
You can’t plan for that. You just get lucky sometimes. Everything feels more awake when all the senses are turned on like that.
At lunch, we talked like we were old friends
Funny stories, shared experiences, that easy feeling of connection that a day like this creates.
The Art Experience
Guided by a Real Artist
For this retreat, I invited River, a Japanese American mixed media artist, who lead a beautiful indigo dye + shibori workshop.
She made the process feel simple, fun, and completely doable.
Why Art in a Yoga Retreat?
Art invites us into presence, curiosity, and letting go of perfection, all of which are very much part of the yoga practice too.
Learn more about why I included an indigo art workshop in this retreat.
People got curious, excited, focused.
They encouraged each other, cheering one another on, sharing the joy as each new piece was revealed.
Who our Retreats are For —
Why It Might Be Just What You Need
You're craving a day to slow down and step away from the noise of everyday life
You're feeling overstimulated or disconnected and need space to reset
You're curious, open, and ready to live your life more fully.
Where We Gathered: Sky Pond
The retreat was set at the serene Sky Pond in Apex, just off Hwy 64 near Jordan Lake — this cozy retreat offers nature, movement, stillness, and the kind of quiet that lets you hear yourself again.
A hidden gem made for small groups to slow down, connect, and reflect.
Nestled beneath tall pines beside a rustic tobacco barn cabin
Indoor yoga studio, shady porch, and open grassy field
Meditative walking trail around the pond
It’s a place to step outside your routine — and return to yourself.
Rocking chairs. Quiet air. Honest connection.
You don’t have to go far to feel far away.
Calm & stress relief
Every single person said they left feeling more relaxed, calm, or soothed
If reading this makes you think “I wish I’d been there,” that feeling is your sign.
The next retreat is coming, sign up to the wait list to be the first to know.
Testimonials
"Amazing day! I gifted myself this retreat for Mother's Day and so glad I did ! Tea, yoga, beautiful community and art! Highly recommend Tina and her retreats!"
-Dana Ben
"Today's yoga retreat was the perfect gift to myself. I feel calm, centered and rejuvenated. I am thankful."
-retreat participant
"Yoga Explorer events are always so thoughtful, creative, and authentic. I'm surprised we did all this in only 6 hours!"
-retreat participant
"Peaceful. Relaxing. Joyful. Community. Soulful. "
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" I needed some me time — and that's what I got."
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"A low stress, low stakes environment — far more relaxed and tranquil than when I arrived. "
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