Reflections on the August Wander Whole Retreat

This past weekend was the first ever Wander Whole Retreat. Though my expectations for nearly everything in my life certainly ride on the high side, it was a sweet surprise when even I was blown away by how wonderful it was. Each of us got along so well that I am blessed to say that I now have some new best friends. We connected on multiple levels and laughed a lot. Everyone felt comfortable to choose their own adventure and to either join or skip any of the suggested activities when they preferred a nap or some quiet time. We had an epic time stand-up paddle boarding, hiking and hanging out at the pool! We also had plenty of time for inner work through yoga, meditation and personal growth workshops.

It’s incredible to see people show up to invest in themselves while simultaneously holding space for others. I can’t say enough positive things about this group of badass women. I was so inspired by all of them in their own unique way.

Hosting a retreat has been a dream of mine for a long time and I definitely talked myself out of doing it for quite awhile. The time we shared together was invaluable and I can’t wait to do it again in Banff.  

I’d like to give some praise and gratitude for all of the vendors that donated items for our gift bags, for my co-host and my favorite photographer:

Lauren Zulli was my co-host for the retreat. This badass babe is not only the founder of Holos Coaching & Consulting but she’s also one of the most intelligent and passionate people that I have the pleasure of knowing. I was grateful to have her as a partner for this retreat and I’m honored that she was willing to co-host with me. The workshops she created for the guests were remarkably insightful and inspiring (and I got to participate too, yay!)

Elise Kutt of Mod Bettie Portraits captured many of our special moments that we shared all weekend long. Elise is one of the most positive people I know and definitely the most energetic. She’s allowed me to lean on her considerably for both of my businesses; I will never be able to fully repay her for all that she does for me. She’s the most talented photographer I know and I’m so grateful to have all of these amazing images to share with our guests, several to be found at the bottom of this blog!

A huge thank you to all vendors that donated gifts: 

Fox Naturals: sacred (bath) salts
Grand Rapids Popcorn: delicious popcorn
Fleurology Designs: lavender satchels
Sydney Marie Soaps: eucalyptus mint soaps
Emily Bode of Brave Girl Spirit: Brave Girl Spirit 8x10 print
Moondrop Herbals: heart chakra pulse point oils and crystal
GR Massage Life: massage cream and coupon
Happy Cat Cafe: coupon
 

On our final day together, I asked for feedback on activities, food, locations, yoga, price ranges, and amount of notice needed to make the commitment to join. Based on that feedback I’m going to plan a variety of retreats for 2019 and launch them by the end of this year. I’m hoping to put four together, with at least one being local (in Michigan). The ultimate goal is to make it easier and more accessible for our future guests. 
 

I hope you’ll join us on a retreat!

My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.

I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things. Though we desire adventure and authentic experiences, naturally our fear holds us back.

My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.

Anna VanAgtmael | Yoga Enthusiast | Trip Planning Wizard