Women's Summer Retreat
DROP IT ALL RETREAT WEEKEND
This is for you if...
◆ You are tired of holding everything together.
◆ You need space to breathe, think, and feel again.
◆ You are craving quiet, clarity, and realignment.
◆ You want to step out of the noise and return to yourself.
Simplicity. Peace. Spaciousness.
Ease into the Peace that Nature provides...
DROP IT ALL is a weekend of relaxation, sunlight, gentle yoga, deep meditation, and sacred simplicity.
This summer retreat is a grounded escape designed for women who need space to step away from all of life's demands, and remember what ease feels like.
Sacred Simplicity.
Grounding in Nature creates Inner Balance...
Unplug. Drop all responsibility.
Come...enjoy good food, silent sunrises rising over ponds and meadows, long stretches of unstructured time, and settle into a rhythm that restores your nervous system.
Let your whole system unwind.
You’ll return home lighter, clearer, and more connected to yourself — carrying a sense of stillness that lingers long after the weekend ends.
The Experience...
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Step away from the noise of everyday life.
Immerse yourself on 236 acres of woods, streams, gorges, and walking paths, and panoramic views.
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Unplug.
Enjoy a quiet labyrinth stroll, a restorative swim in a clear pond, or simply soaking in the fresh air, this retreat is designed with flexibility in mind. No Stress!
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Guided meditation, daily yoga, and profound teachings.
And plenty of leisure time to walk through sun-dappled trails, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace stillness, you’ll remember the transformational power of presence.
Costs
Retreat Fee
Early Bird Rate $595 >> thru April 30th
◆ $155 deposit holds your SPOT
◆ Balance due by May 20th
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Regular Rate: $725 per person
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Inclusions
Includes EVERYTHING
Accommodations, all meals, instruction and more!
◆ 2 Nights single room lodging.
◆ All healthy meals…let us know your diet requirements
◆ All bedding, linens, towels…etc.
◆ Daily yoga
◆ Daily meditation / mindfulness / pranayama training
◆ Wisdom Teachings
◆ Bonfire and Celebration Ceremony
◆ Deluxe Retreat Packet with all teachings and trainings
◆ Welcome Gift
Retreats are limited to 18 participants.
Accommodations
Guest House with Panoramic Views
Our Retreat Center, Light on the Hill, is perched high in the hills of Van Etten in Central/Upstate New York.
We stay in the Inner Light Lodge, which is a spacious and light-filled dwelling surrounded by nature and glorious views.
The Guest Rooms
Rooms are single! All towels, pillows, and linens are provided, so no need to bring that with you, unless you have a favorite blanket that you can’t live without!
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These are dorm-room / ZEN style rooms designed in simplicity. On mindfulness retreats...less is more.
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Sacred Simplicity is the goal.
The simple rooms have comfortable beds, excellent soundproofing, heat, and ceiling fans, as well as a large window overlooking the beautiful grounds.
Plenty of Space!
For night-owls…the lounges are perfect for break-away for quiet contemplation or afternoon spent alone reading.
We also have a full kitchen so feel free to bring your favorite snacks, beverages and of course marshmallows for so more's.
You are free to join the activities below, or go off on your own to journal, hike, pray, meditate...peace is yours to discover!
Healthy Meals
The kitchen can accommodate any dietary preferences, but expect healthy vegetarian meals, and not having to do any dishes!
Our retreat house also has a large kitchen so feel free to bring your favorite snacks and any treats you would like to enjoy during our bonfire ceremony.
Sample Daily Schedule
Retreat Dates: July 24-26, 2026
Friday
Arrive by 5 pm
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:30 pm – Welcome and Opening Circle
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Saturday
7:00 am- Free time or sunrise yoga
8:30 am – Breakfast
10:00 am- Mindfulness Training
11:00 am – Light Yoga and Meditation
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:15 pm – Free Time
3:30 pm- Mindfulness Nature Hike
5:00 pm – Evening Reflection
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:30 pm – Bonfire and Ceremony
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Sunday
7:00 am- Optional Sunrise Yoga
8:30 am – Breakfast
10:00 am- Light Yoga and Meditation
11:00 am – Spiritual Wisdom Circle and Closing
12:00pm – Lunch
1:15 pm – Depart
Imagine this...
Morning light.
Quiet space.
Nothing to hold.
Just a return to yourself.
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This space is waiting for you...
Meet your Guides
Retreat Leader
Melinda Gaye Johnston, M.Msc.
Melinda is a Spiritual Philosopher, Consciousness Coach, and Founder of Buddhi Institute. For over 30 years, she has guided women through deep inner evolution—helping them shift patterns, reclaim their energy, and live from grounded inner alignment. Her work blends spiritual wisdom and neuroscience to create lasting clarity, direction, and meaningful change.
Your Yoga Instructor
Cheri Scotto
Cheri is a 500+ hour certified Yoga instructor and has taught Hatha Yoga beginner and intermediate levels since September 2011.
Her teachings involving mind, body and spirit bring balance and wholeness to your entire Being.