Frequently Asked Questions About Repurpose Retreat

Frequently Asked Questions about rePurpose Retreat

1. Where is the retreat held?

We’ll be at the Ananda Center at Laurelwood, in the rolling hills near Gaston, Oregon, about an hour from Salem and Portland. The Ananda spiritual community runs this center on the grounds of a former Seventh Day Adventist boarding school. It’s a lovely quiet location. We’ll be staying in Harmony Hall where you’ll find double and single rooms, each with a sink and a shared bath down the hall. Harmony Hall also has a cozy sitting room and a small shop where you’ll find items like toiletries, flashlights, and meditation cushions. It also houses the dining area.

We’ll use 2 different rooms in the classroom building, one a dedicated yoga and meditation room and the other a craft room. We’ll also have access to a break room.

2. When is the retreat held?

October 7-9. We’ll start with dinner on Friday evening (although you can arrive as early as 3:30) and finish around 2 with lunch on Sunday.

3. What’s the difference between a shared and private room? Can I choose a roommate?

The shared rooms will have 2 beds. You’ll be assigned a roommate unless you specify a roommate who also requests to share a room with you.

Choose a private room if you snore, use a cpap machine, or prefer more privacy. There is an additional fee for the private room.

4. What kind of yoga experience do I need? What style of yoga do you teach?

Classes are appropriate for all levels including those with little or no yoga experience. I teach a gentle style of yoga with lots of instruction and permission to go at your own pace and adapt as needed.

Morning classes will include breath, postures, and some relaxation. Evening classes will be more focused on rejuvenation and meditation.

5. Tell me more about creating a “container?” What kind of art experience do I need?

You don’t need any art experience.

You’ll be creating a unique-to-you paper mache bowl out of repurposed materials, as well as some new art materials. We’ll be focusing on the process and metaphor of creating a container for yourself, not on making a beautiful work of art (although you’ll probably create a beautiful work of art.)

I’ll lead you through the steps to assemble and decorate your bowl using mixed media.

6. What do I need to bring? Do I need a bunch of art supplies?

You won’t need to bring any art supplies. You’ll be sent a complete packing list prior to the retreat. While the art materials are provided, you might want to bring a few supplies like scissors, pencil, markers…

7. How do I get to the facility?

Once you’re registered you’ll be sent directions to the facility. If you’re flying in, Portland is the closest airport. You’ll also get information about ground transportation.

8. Is food provided? Can my special diet be accommodated?

Dinner on Friday, 3 meals on Saturday, and breakfast plus lunch on Sunday as well as snacks are provided. All meals are vegetarian. The chefs at Ananda can accommodate some special diets. If you have any particular needs let me know and I’ll let you know if they can accommodate your requests. They’re used to offering vegan and gluten free.

You can store and prepare your own food in their Community Kitchen if their cafeteria is unable to accommodate your special dietary needs. You may store and eat prepared meats (canned tuna fish, deli meats, etc.) in the Community Kitchen. However, cooking meat in the Community Kitchen is not allowed. You are expected to clean up after yourself if you use the kitchen.

9. What if I have some limitations? What kind of physical ability is needed? How accessible is the facility?

Yoga classes will be on the floor, but there are chairs if you need to adapt. You’ll be able to park near the building where you’ll stay. It is a short walk (couple of minutes) between the two buildings we’ll be using. You’ll need to be able to walk up and down stairs as well.

10. What about Internet access?

Wi-Fi is available in the cafeteria area, the break room, your room, and the classroom area. However, we as a group will set some ground rules for using electronic devices so we don’t all disappear into our phones and laptops during the retreat.

11. Is there a cancellation policy?

If you cancel more than 30-days before the retreat begins your registration fee will be refunded within 2 weeks minus $50. If you cancel with 30-days or less notice your registration won’t be refunded.

More info here. http://practicallyenlightenedyou.com/repurpose-retreat/

If your questions aren’t answered here feel free to email me at or give me a call at 503-362-9344.