Drop it All Retreat
WOMEN'S SUMMER YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT
UPSTATE, NY
DATES: July 24-26, 2026
A weekend to breathe again.
A weekend to drop everything you’ve been carrying.
DROP IT ALL is a weekend of rest, sunlight, gentle yoga, deep meditation, and the kind of ease that’s been missing from daily life.
This summer retreat is a grounded escape designed for women who need space to step away from all of lives demands, and remember what ease feels like.
Simplicity. Peace. Spaciousness.
Ease into the Peace that Nature provides
Drop it All...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.
Nature does most of the work here. You simply arrive. 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.
Inclusions
Costs and Inclusions
Early Bird Rate $595 >> thru April 30th
- $55 deposit holds your SPOT
- $150 due by April 1
- Balance due by May 20th
- Solo Room Upgrade $350
Regular Rate: $725 per person
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.
How to Register
You may register below online using Paypal, credit card, or debit card.
Or call the Retreat Host, Melinda Johnston at 585-672-5250 for Venmo or other payment options.
Upon registration, you will be contacted to discuss any dietary requirements you may have. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free diet plans.
What to Expect
Sacred Simplicity. Mind-Heart Balance. Coming into Stillness.
Grounding in Nature creates Inner Balance.
Step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself on 236 acres of woods, streams, gorges, and walking paths, and panoramic views. This retreat is a sacred pause—a chance to release stress, all the roles your play, and expectations from others.
Unplug. Drop all responsibility. Come to Center.
This weekend, you will reconnect with your inner wisdom and nature’s healing energy will restore you.
Guided meditation, daily yoga, and profound teachings in sacred wisdom will help you quiet the mind and open the heart. As you walk through sun-dappled trails, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace stillness, you’ll discover the transformational power of presence.
This is your opportunity to reflect, reset, and reclaim balance. Let stillness and sunshine be your guides.
Surrounded by Nature
Set high on hills south of the Finger Lakes, you can almost touch heaven. Surrounded and hold by Mother Nature herself, her you will "hear" the hidden dancer that moves all of life.
Our retreat property offers the perfect setting for peaceful reflection and mindful movement. Whether you prefer a quiet labyrinth stroll, a restorative swim in a clear pond, or simply soaking in the fresh air, nature is here to support your journey.
Take advantage of the beautiful walking trails for deep relaxation, mindfulness, and renewal. Our retreat is designed with flexibility in mind—follow the suggested schedule, or simply let the day unfold naturally.
This weekend is yours to embrace however you choose.
Craft your own "flow"
Throughout the retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your practice with guided meditation sessions, wisdom workshops, and gentle restorative yoga.
Whether you choose to join in or explore your own path—through hiking, painting, journaling, or quiet contemplation—this space is yours to embrace in whatever way feels right for you.
Meals will be thoughtfully provided by the Center, accommodating all dietary needs—including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options—so you can nourish your body while focusing on renewal.
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.
Rooms are shared, and we’ll happily pair you with a wonderful roommate if you’re coming on your own.
If you prefer your own space, solo room upgrades are available for an additional fee and offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
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! : )
The Rooms
Guest rooms are located in the two wings located directly off the great room. These are dorm-room / ZEN style rooms designed in simplicity. On mindfulness retreats...less is more. 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.
Everyone gets their own room.
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!
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
Dates: July 24-26, 2026
Friday
Arrive by 5 pm
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:30 pm – Welcome and Opening Circle
Saturday
7:00 am- Free time or optional 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
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
Inclusions
* 2 Nights shared room lodging with private bath
* All healthy meals…let us know your diet requirements
* All bedding, linens, towels…etc.
* Daily yoga
* Daily meditation
* Wisdom Teachings
* Life Celebration Ceremony
* Kayaks available for use*
Please call Melinda Johnston for more details or to register: 585-672-5250
Retreat Host
Melinda Johnston, M.Msc.
International Author, Inspirational Speaker, Spiritual Philosopher and Coach, Intuitive Healer, Wellness Consultant
Melinda has over 30 years of study and practice in religious culture, practical philosophical, metaphysical sciences and understanding for the historical “webs” of human history, which have impacted most of our modern religions and spiritual practices.
She has created a variety of alternative methods for celebrating life and seeing the “sacred” in simplicity. Her knowledge offers students and clients a unique insight into mindful inner dialogue, which in turn honors and expands one’s innate wisdom and allows for one’s perfect state of wellness to exist.
Because she is well versed in multiple facets of religious and sacred philosophy, including the Eastern philosophies of Buddhism and Vedanta, Metaphysical consciousness, and the Science of Yoga, her gentle teaching method allows one’s self knowledge to expand to deeper level, naturally.
As owner of the Buddhi Institute her goal is to teach practical methods and programs that incorporate mindfulness, along with other ancient wisdom, for the integration of mind and spirit so a sense of complete wellness arises almost effortlessly into one’s day to day living.
Her teaching process is simple, kind, nurturing, and Absolute. From personal experience, and in years of guiding others, she knows:
“We all have this wisdom within. Each of us have the Inner Guru that is waiting to Awaken
Terms and Conditions
Deposit
The $155 deposit is non‑refundable for any reason.
• All deposits are non‑refundable once paid, but can be used as a credit toward coaching or classes
• 60 days prior to the retreat date, payments are non-refundable. You may hold a $155 credit toward coaching or classes.
Retreats are held in partnership with the retreat center, and our agreements with them are both strict and time‑sensitive. Each reserved spot represents a financial commitment on my end, which means payments must remain tied to the retreat you register for. For this reason, I’m unable to offer transfers or credits toward future retreats for any cancellations, including those due to illness or emergencies. These boundaries allow me to create a stable, grounded experience for everyone who attends.
Credits & Transfers
Retreat payments cannot be transferred to another retreat, or person.
• No credits will be issued for any reason, including illness, schedule changes, or emergencies.
If the retreat is canceled by the organizer, all payments will be refunded in full.