Reflections on the Lakeside Wandering Roots Retreat

Our first retreat of 2019 was a brilliant treat in beautiful Lakeside, Michigan. We stayed in a large beautiful home with a private beach along Lake Michigan, filled ourselves with Abbey’s delicious food, hiked a sand dune, practiced yoga and meditation, and fell asleep to the sound of the waves. To say it was wonderful would be an understatement. We had such a great group of women.

As the third retreat that I’ve hosted, it felt like my best one yet. It feels as though I have found my rhythm (or maybe I’ve made enough mistakes to feel like I’ve worked out all of the kinks ;) Either way, every time I meet new people on these retreats I am reaffirmed that we are all the same. We’re all anxious or scared to push ourselves outside of our comfort zones and we all just want to be loved and accepted for who we are.

I still have no idea how I got so lucky to have the best co-hosts ever. Elise has been on every retreat with me so far. She always captures all of the best moments, everyone’s good side, and always makes everyone laugh and feel comfortable. Who doesn’t love being reminded that their butt looks good? She is insanely talented and always up for anything, no idea is too crazy and I love the hell out of her!

After my first retreat, I said I never wanted to host without my own private chef and man, did I hit the jackpot with Abbey. She always blows everyone away and she makes preparing large quantities of food look good and effortless somehow. She also truly cares about every guest and is one of the kindest and most talented (there’s literally nothing she can’t do) people that I know. I’m so grateful to call her my friend.

Our coaching session was lead by my dear friend and fellow yogi, Abby. This was a first time hosting with Abby and it definitely won’t be the last. Abby is honest, vulnerable, super laid back and down for anything. When she showed up at the park and ride and realized there was no way we were going to be able to fit all of us and our stuff in my car, she instantly offered her SUV and then helped us cram everything into it. She also lead an awesome workshop and gave all of the guests and hosts some tools to live their best lives. Love her so much.

Expressing my sincere gratitude doesn’t seem like enough for these amazing women and I will forever be in their debt. I will support them in any of their current and future work and I hope I never have to host without them!

I am usually exhausted after hosting. I put a lot of energy into making sure everyone has a great time and that my co-hosts are taken care of, too. When Monday came and I felt like a zombie, I wondered why I loved doing this work; why I couldn’t wait for the next one. After pondering these thoughts for a few moments, I realized the answer is this: people that show up for themselves and others inspire the hell out of me. I believe that we all thrive when swimming in a loving community. We are all worthy and deserving of that type of support system, so connecting others is important to me. 

To all of my Lakeside guests: thanks for showing up. You’re worth it (please don’t ever forget that) and I loved getting to know all of you. Hope to see you soon.

Here is behind the scenes video from the retreat.

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 | Travel Designer