MNA Fall Meditation Retreat

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At All Things Elderberry in New Haven, MO — At All Things Elderberry in Berger, MO

What to Expect

All Things Elderberry is a secluded 150 acre farm located between Hermann and New Haven, MO. This property has only changed ownership one time since 1945. It now belongs to co-owners of All Things Elderberry, Emilia Rizzuto and Sue Smith. Approximately 5 acres of this farm are currently in use with structures and rows of Elderberry shrubs. The rest is retired and untouched cattle land the owners are happy to share with those who treasure its history as much as they do.

There will be several opportunities throughout the day to meditate while surrounded by the pristine beauty of autumn. Guests are welcome to explore the property on their own in lieu of group activities. The workshops we have selected are all meant to enrich and deepen your meditative practice yet all are optional.

This is not a silent retreat yet it is an opportunity to go inward. The practice of stillness and pause helps to illuminate what is happening within. MNA facilitators will be there to hold space for you as you explore, resolve and release. It will be a peaceful and restorative day.

What to bring

Most activities will take place outdoors. We are here in reverence of mother earth regardless of what she brings us on this day. In order to be comfortable we ask that you come prepared for any type of weather. Dress in layers. Bringing a pair of easy to remove shoes as well as a pair of waterproof hiking or rain boots in case of rain is advised.

We will be offering light provisions to nourish mind and body throughout the day. In the spirit of the season, foods provided will be organic, whole foods with a holiday influence. Unlike our spring retreat, it will not be all vegan. We encourage you to bring additional foods you wish to have as well as your own water bottle.

Bring your own yoga mat, rain gear, and an extra change of clothes to ensure your comfort.

There will be two indoor restrooms available to guests. Well water is what is accessible from the tap at the farm. Please bring anything else you may require.

What We Really Want You to Know

We are pleased to welcome Barbara Mustone, co-owner of Nutrition Stop in St. Peters. She will be guiding us into an introduction of Kundalini yoga to start the day. The foundations of kundalini offers a compelling key to how we drop in and activate the most magical parts of a meditation practice. We are thrilled to have found a gentle guide to introduce this to you.

Brigitte Factor, MNA co-founder, is a practitioner of many different modalities, Brigitte will be leading us through a guided meditation after yoga. She will be sharing a special stress response technique during this demonstration that you can continue to practice at home to strengthen your own practice.

We have new offerings as well. MNA partner Denise Bischof is an empowerment coach and mentor helping busy leaders and business owners find energy, balance, and focus so they can shine bright without burning out. She will be leading us to Positive Intelligence. Take this PI assessment in advance and take a screen shot of your results to get the most out her workshop.

The culmination of the day will be a sound bath preformed by Doris Guillory. Doris, owner of Catalpa Wellness Center in Jefferson City is a long time student of Pati Pellerito, whom we had with us at our April retreat. Pati will be in Nepal for this retreat but will likely catch up to us in the Spring.

Food is going to be a celebration in honor of the coming holiday season and pending solstice. We have Ashley Berry, a past retreat attendee and owner of Expresso Company 825 from Buffalo providing us with breakfast bites. MNA partner Kimber Dean, owner of Nourish Cafe, from Columbia will be providing provisions for lunch. We also have Horstmann Cattle Company, one if not the only, truly regenerative and biodynamic farm in Missouri bringing us a pop-up market! Place your orders in advance and select “MNA Fall Retreat (November 5th, 2022)” at checkout.

There’s more! Our favorite cooks from the MNA will be demonstrating cast iron cooking! We will be making yummy bites over the stove, in the oven, and even over the fire. Come and taste MNA member, Spiritual Intuitive, and whole foods chef Heather Page’s Cranberry and Apple Crisp while she gives you a free 5 minute reading. We also are sharing authentic Indian/Ayurveda flavors and traditional Americana one pot meals, all in ever versatile cast iron cookware.

Accommodations

For this fall retreat we are scheduling in more integration time and strongly encouraging attendees to stay the night near the farm. We really want you to take it all in! There will be after-dark fun at the farm with fireside chats and full moon rituals meant to inspire us as we shift toward winter.

There are several nearby homes that can be found on Evolve, Airbnb and VRBO. Some examples are linked below but there are many more. Both the town of Hermann and Washington will have plenty of bed and breakfast and hotel options as well.

If you are interested in camping there will be easy to find options near Hermann. Check out Chateau Schepker on Buffalo Trail, and the Hermann Horse RV and Camp Park. Be sure to map the farm address below.

Sunrise Suite (sleeps 2)

Lakeside cottage in wine country (2 beds)

Historical home in Downtown Washington (3 beds)

Restored farmhouse just steps from the Katy Trail (4 beds)

Hermann Barn House (4 beds)