If you are a woman who needs to rediscover your creative, fun loving self, and you’re seeking a quiet, meditative place to find the tools to balance your priorities, join Danna and LeeAnn for 5 days of pampering and replenishment amongst the serene sounds of nature only found near the shores of Lake Superior and the crystal clear Boise Brule River. Prepare yourself to….
Soothe away your stress and tension while visiting beautiful, breath taking waterfalls and the amazing Mayes Ledges
Experience forest bathing, which studies indicate decreases stress hormone production, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion helping your body and mind to create balance
Meditate using techniques our certified instructor practiced while observing Monks at the Seoknamsa Temple in South Korea-- Sessions will emphasize finding your inner balance, as well as provide you with the tools to cultivate balance in all areas of your life
Gain insight, coping mechanisms, and knowledge on how to work through emotions specific to “finding balance in your life” led by our experienced group leader, Dr. Wiese
Practice breath-work techniques that aid in reducing stress, increasing clarity, and altering your state of mind—Special focus on Sampad/Balancing Technique, which is said to help restore balance to the body and mind
This practice is used to balance the two hemispheres of the brain as well as balancing the energies within the body.
Pamper yourself with a healing therapeutic massage and/or Reiki session to release trapped energy
Learn “and experience” ornitherapy and the profound impact birds can have on our “internal” wellbeing
Create a beautiful piece of “mindful art” and experience how finding our creativity can restore our sense of balance and realign our priorities
July 14-18, 2024
This retreat is for you if…
You are ready to be pampered
You are open to reflecting on your current practices
You are open to digital detox during your time with us
You want to set realistic boundaries
You want to say goodbye to self-doubt
You want to experience the power of nature with the comforts of modern amenities
This retreat is not for you if…
You don’t enjoy being outdoors
You are not comfortable sharing both physical space and emotional vulnerabilities
testimonials
“If you are looking for a relaxing, fun, soothing, and rejuvenating retreat, this is the one! Danna and LeeAnn have put together a retreat that focuses on taking care of you. I enjoyed the grounds, the other women, the daily activities and downtime. I especially enjoyed the kayaking. Each activity brought out some sort of lesson that corresponds with life. As women in our daily lives, we rush here and there. This retreat has taught me to slow down and breathe! It is 110% OK to take time for ourselves. Thank you LeeAnn and Danna for your time and knowledge and for the great food!”
Dana Wanner
Summer 2023
“This retreat was the most amazing experience. The friendships that were made with the other women was great. The amount of growth I endured while here was unbelievable. Danna and LeeAnn do an amazing job with this retreat and make you feel comfortable and at home. All the different activities and the meals are all amazing. They give you all the tools you need to continue working on yourself after you leave. I’m so glad I took the time to do this for myself. I am forever grateful for this retreat to put me in the right direction for self healing.”
Diana Obrigewitch
Summer 2023
Photo courtesy of On3design
“The whole experience was very enlightening. I enjoyed all of the food and spices! It was very educational, not just from the hosts, but also from the other women who attended. The group sessions were probably my favorite. We had time to stop and think—and listen, which I’m not always the best at! All the activities were soothing. It was nice to connect with other women and to realize that we are all dealing with many of the same things. It was definitely worth the time and money to rejuvenate and have time for self-reflection. Thank you Lee Ann and Danna for the experience!”
Lori Bendel,
CFO of The Board Store Home Improvements
Photo courtesy of Chad Smith
“I took a huge leap when I signed up for this retreat. I never treat myself to special things—but I decided I needed to, and I’m so glad I did! I have made a conscientious decision to make myself a priority. The meditation, healthy eating, and experiences in nature really helped fill my very depleted cup. I laughed, loved, and took care of me! I know I’ll be a better person because of it. Thank you times a million!”
Heidi Miller,
Art Teacher
Photo courtesy of Brian Jonathan Weddings
“I was so fortunate to be able to attend Awaken’s retreat this past weekend. I have attended the sister’s (Lee Ann and Danna) retreats in the past and just knew I would be filled with joy and grace. And yet, as I drove home, I was amazed at how much positive energy and fortitude I felt. You can’t spend time with these sisters and other women in nature and not heal. Lee Ann and Danna create not only healthy, organic, gluten free and vegan meals (that are so delicious!), they offer creative, reflective and moving activities with time to just be. It felt surreal to be away from phones, computers, work, chores, and demands of others. There was introspection, discussion, laughter, readings, meditation, yoga, snowshoeing, and we even made our own lip balm! All of this, 100% connected to the earth, and filled with the intention of love. I am so grateful to Lee Ann and Danna and want every woman to have this blessed opportunity for wellness and healing.”
Dr. Susan Larson Kidd,
Educational/Behavioral Consultant and Neuroscience Leadership Coach
Photo courtesy of Duluth Visuals
lodging
Your journey will begin among all things mother nature has to offer in beautiful Brule, Wisconsin. While spending your week with us, you will be able to disconnect from the day-to-day stress in your life and practice slow living.
This life changing retreat takes place at the Brule River Barn Wedding and Event Center that has very special ties to Danna and LeeAnn. Before this amazing facility was an event destination, it was one of the many homes where family gatherings were held. Danna and LeeAnn grew up sitting underneath the breathtaking willow tree and admiring the various wildflowers. When Amanda, Danna and LeeAnn’s cousin, got engaged, the 1930s dairy barn was transformed into her childhood wedding day dream location.
This once exclusive family treasure has morphed into a venue where individuals can experience the transformative energy deeply ingrained in the history of this location. The venue hosts align with Awaken’s values by utilizing sustainable practices. They have solar panels providing electricity, rainwater is collected off the barn roof and used to flush toilets, and food scraps are composted or sent to feed the neighbor’s farm animals. Additionally, they are certified through the National Wildlife Foundation as a Wildlife Habitat due to having gardens full of food for pollinators that support diverse bee and insect populations including a large stand of milkweed for Monarch Butterflies.
The grounds have numerous seating areas to engage in self-reflection or gather with friends. There are ponds and water features in both the front and back of the main lodge. The summer kitchen provides a window to the past with the shabby chic decor and antiques displayed within. The creatively renovated barn is often used for group activities if the weather is uncooperative.
The main lodge is a single family home with four bedrooms and two full baths. The original log farmhouse was built in the late 1880s in the traditional Finnish style of square-cut logs. It was extensively renovated with two other additions in the late 1980s, with all the modern amenities you'd expect in a home today, including central air.
Pictures and detailed descriptions of each room are available on the reservation page. Options for private or shared rooms are available.
There is also a one-bedroom cottage across from the main lodge for individuals seeking more privacy. The Cottage has an open living area, a single bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a full bathroom featuring a clawfoot tub/shower combo. The living room has a pull-out sofa that can sleep two. The private porch is great for alone time or catching up with your friends.
All photos below courtesy of Duluth Visuals
Whether your day is spent watching the fish in the pond or sleeping in the breeze under the willow tree, you will feel the peace and deeply rooted love of nature surrounding this space.
There is also a one-bedroom cottage across from the main lodge for individuals seeking more privacy. Pictures and detailed descriptions of the cottage are available on the reservation page.
Our itinerary and activities have been carefully curated to provide our participants with the most meaningful and transformative experience possible, but should you choose to skip an activity you are more than welcome to do so. This week is all about you and your personal empowerment. We do encourage you leave phones and other devices in your rooms during the day to enhance your experience with us.
itinerary
Day One
4:00pm- 5:00pm: Arrival and check-in
5:30pm: Welcome dinner
7:00pm: Tour of the grounds/Campfire
Day Two
Day two is focused on one of Awaken’s three foundational pillars— nutrition. We believe in simple and healthy food choices that nourish your physical and mental wellness. Instead of running through a drive thru during your busy week, you can have quick, healthy, recipes at your fingertips to help you make better choices that will positively affect your overall health. You will leave this retreat with a book of recipes that can go from fridge to table in 30 minutes.
7:30am: Early morning Stretch at Mayes Ledges
8:30am: Breakfast
10:00am-12:00pm: Therapeutic Art-Making
We will use the therapeutic process of art-making to rediscover your creativity. Research states that art-making has been shown to cultivate emotional resilience, promote insights, reduce conflicts and distress, and foster self-esteem and self-awareness. By balancing the aesthetics of your creation you can gain a sense of control and realign your thinking.
12:00pm: Grab and Go Lunch
12:00pm-4:00pm: Personal Reflection Time on Grounds; Therapeutic Massage and Reiki
4:00pm-5:00pm: Forest Bathing/Ornitherapy
This practice originated in Japan. The Japanese word for forest bathing is shinrin-yoku which translates to absorbing the forest atmosphere. After the instructional presentation, we will spend an hour in a near-by forest, silently using our five senses to heal and reflect on our current practices. Research suggests forest bathing can have positive effects on physiological conditions like a reduction in blood pressure and improved immune functions as well as psychological conditions like depression and anxiety.
5:30pm: Dinner
7:00pm-8:00pm: Group Time
The focus of this group is to recognize how food can have such an amazing impact on our overall wellbeing. By carefully reflecting on your relationship with food during your stay, you may identify food related barriers like inflammation, sleeping patterns, or mood disorders that are affecting your ability to live the life you want to live. Research suggests that a healthy diet can benefit you both physically and emotionally.
8:30pm: Campfire (weather permitting)
***Massage and Reiki* will be available throughout the day (times will be reserved in advance)
Day Three
Day three focuses on the pillar-empowerment. We believe empowerment means living in accordance to your long term goals and deepest values. To enhance this transformative experience, the waterfall tour incorporates breath work that will highlight your deepest values and show you how the unencumbered power found in nature can mirror your inner strength.
7:30am: Breath-work/Meditation
8:00am: Breakfast
10:00am-3:00pm: Bois Brule River Kayaking* with picnic lunch
Kayaking is the perfect metaphor for life! The harder you fight against the current, the more difficult the journey becomes. If you stay calm, work with the current, and take in the beautiful scenery, you will navigate the rocks with ease!
3:00pm-6:00pm: Personal Reflection on Grounds; Therapeutic Massage and Reiki
6:00pm: Dinner
7:00pm-8:00pm: Group Time
Unbalanced living is not sustainable. This group will focus on helping you make choices that align with your core values. By focusing on your own needs, you can find harmony among the chaos. Maintaining balance does not mean you are stagnant, but rather you consistently recognize when you need to make an adjustment.
8:00pm: Campfire (weather permitting)
***Massage and Reiki* will be available throughout the day (times will be reserved in advance)
Day Four
Day four focuses on the final pillar—nature. We believe when enjoying the quiet beauty of nature our senses are heightened and balance can be achieved. Research suggests that our focus and productivity can be greatly increased by spending time in nature. Activities planned for day four will help to build physical strength, mental awareness, and harmony in both the mind and body.
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am-4:00pm: Amnicon Falls/Lunch on Your Own/Canal Park Lake Walk
This activity includes transportation to Amnicon Falls State Park for heart stopping views, a short hike, and a breath work workshop. Next, we will travel to the amazing shores of Lake Superior where you will have time to explore local shops. In Canal Park there are a variety of restaurants for food enthusiasts of all kinds. After lunch, we will meet for a guided tour down the beautiful Lake Walk.
4:00pm-6:00pm: Personal Reflection Time on Grounds/Therapeutic Massage and Reiki
6:00pm: Dinner
7:00pm: Campfire (weather permitting)
***Massage and Reiki* will be available throughout the day (times will be reserved in advance)
Day Five
7:30am: Grab and Go Breakfast
8:00am-9:00am: Yoga for all levels
9:30am-10:00am: Group Wrap-Up
10:00am-10:30am: Check Out
*starred activities are optional for an additional fee
Therapeutic Massage: Enjoy an on-site 45 or 60 minute therapeutic massage from a certified masseuse. During this relaxing experience, you can choose from various essential oils. Relax and let your stress melt away!
45 minute massage: $65.00
60 minute massage: $80.00
Reiki: Enjoy an on-site 30 minute Fire Reiki session or a 60 minute Emotional Healing with Fire Reiki session.
30 minute Holy Fire Reiki: $50.00
60 minute Holy Fire Reiki with Emotional Healing: $90.00
Brule River Kayaking ($75.00): On this excursion, you will be picked-up, transported to and from the river, and fitted with your gear by Brule Canoe and Kayak Rental Outfitters. An Awaken guide will assist you down the river and serve a picnic lunch. Enjoy the water, sun, and beauty of the famous Bois Brule River as you float past unforgettable views. (Money will be refunded if unable to attend due to weather)
Cuisine
All meals are carefully selected depending on the season and local availability of ingredients. The menu is meant to be easily replicated once you return home, and all recipes are provided upon request. All different types of meals are available including vegetarian, vegan, and/or gluten free. Mild allergies can be accommodated. Past guests have raved about the quality of the food.
“This retreat was phenomenal! The meals were so delicious and we weren’t allowed to clean anything up-everything is taken care of! I definitely felt pampered the entire week!” -Gina Lenz
“The women’s retreat was so great! The food was amazing—such a relaxing time.” -MaryJo Luostari
what’s included
Accommodations
Meals and snacks as needed
Pre-trip preparation call/group greet and meet
Daily group sessions with Dr. Wiese
Freedom to explore and enjoy grounds–hammocks, campfire, swings, yard games, ponds, screen house, multiple seating areas
WiFi
Daily morning stretch and/or meditation
Transportation to and from scheduled activities
Yoga mat/beach towel/sunscreen (if requested)
Yoga class (all levels)
Breathwork workshop
Therapeutic Art-Work
Ornitherapy
Hikes that include waterfall tours
Guided forest bathing
Folder with all recipes, schedule, information needed for group time
Post-trip follow up video
What’s Not Included
Reiki (fee paid directly to Reiki therapist)
Airport pick up and drop off (can be arranged for a fee)
Duluth International airport is only a short 50 min drive from the Retreat. We can arrange pick-up and drop-off for a small fee. Should you choose to fly into the Minneapolis International Airport, you would need to rent a car and drive the additional three hours or take a shuttle to the Duluth International Airport, where we could arrange pick-up and drop-off for a small fee. If this is something you will be needing, please email us and we can help you arrange what will best meet your needs.
Souvenirs
One lunch on your own to experience local flavors while on the waterfall tour
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Kayaking
Therapeutic massage (fee paid directly to licensed masseuse)
meet your retreat leaders!
Danna and LeeAnn have years of experience running groups, trainings, and retreats. You will eat delicious, home cooked food, laugh at their constant ‘sisterly antics’, smile at the breathtaking views they take you to, and leave feeling accepted, understood, refreshed, and glowing. You will not want to miss this retreat!
DANNA LIVINGSTON-MATHERLY
Danna is certified in meditation, motivational interviewing, and MHFA (Mental Health First Aid). She is also certified as a breath coach, which will allow her to share techniques that will assist you in finding your balance while reducing stress and anxiety. One of her professional roles is to teach college level health and wellness for students entering high stress jobs in law enforcement. Danna has a Master’s of Science in Education and Instruction. Along with serving on several community boards, she has lectured internationally on officer/community safety and positive change.
She is a mother of five amazing girls, a wife, a daughter to two aging parents, and an educator. She knows first hand how easy it is to over-extend herself and deplete her energy. By setting reasonable boundaries and working to integrate the three pillars of Awaken, she is able to continue building balance in her life.
Danna enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and simple, country living.
LEEANN WIESE
Lee Ann is a leader in the field of special education and has years of experience in changing undesired behaviors based on behaviorist theories. She is well versed in Cognitive Learning Theory and believes that behavior is influenced by both internal and external factors. In her role as a PhD candidate, she mentors and coaches future and current special education teachers. LeeAnn has presented material on setting and reaching obtainable goals, is immersed in current behavior research, and is a leader in trauma sensitive instruction. She is a Nationally Board Certified teacher and has recently left her position as a University Instructor to return to her roots in the K-12 system as the Director of Special Education and Student Services.
Lee Ann clearly understands the importance of creating balance in life. While attending graduate school, she raised her children, helped her husband run an organic beef farm, worked full time, assisted her aging parents, and started Awaken.
Lee Ann is a mother of two amazing young men, lives on a farm, and loves spending time training her horses. She is passionate about cooking with organically, locally grown food, using all available ingredients provided in nature, and reconnecting with her spirit through the outdoors.
balance is not something you find…it is something you create. Join Danna and LeeAnn for a well deserved get away. We promise you will be spoiled and leave feeling refreshed.
courtesy of Three Irish Girls photography