Things We Love – A Restful Getaway

A Refreshing Getaway at Retreat in the Pines

The main cabin and gathering area.

How many times a week do you think, I just want to get away from it all? We’ve all been there, right? Last year, I was also looking for a respite. As I had recently graduated from yoga teacher training, I wanted someplace to go where I could be still in my practice and connect to nature. I asked my two girlfriends, Lisa and Nicole, to go with me. We piled in the car and headed out to Mineola, TX, a town east of Dallas. As the roads turned rural and winding, the trees waved hello as we drove deeper into the shady woods. We rolled up to the welcome sign for the Retreat in the Pines, and we immediately knew we were in for a special experience.

The yoga studio

We were welcomed at the door and shown to our room, where the three of us were able to stay together. Slumber party! As women, we love these kinds of opportunities to stay up all night talking, laughing and making new memories. We freshened up and headed out to meet the other arrivals. It was a wonderful mix of friends, moms and daughters and solo adventurers. Over some welcome wine, we met Theresa Polley, the owner and founder of the retreat. We met our yoga teachers for the weekend and sat down for a delicious meal of healthy, home-grown and home-baked foods.

My lovely Nicole with me behind her.

Over the next few days, we walked in the forest, did yoga outside and inside the yoga studio onsite, told stories, roamed around the area, solved all the world’s problems and enjoyed the company of our fellow retreaters. It was a relaxing, refreshing time with my friends I brought with me, and with the new friends I made. Read this to hear the story of my new friend Chantel’s experience on that same weekend trip.

You don’t have to go somewhere expensive or far away to take the time to be quiet and connect with nature. Sit outside in the sun, take a walk, or a drive, and really pay attention to what you are seeing. Turn off the outside noise, and you might find something that resonates inside you that you forgot you once knew. I’m so grateful for that weekend away with ladies I love, and giving myself the opportunity to practice stillness. I need about a hundred more of those.

If you are interested in a yoga retreat, please do yourself a favor and check out Retreat in the Pines. It’s on the “Best of” lists of yoga retreats worldwide, and that’s how I found it as I was searching the internet for a place to go. Theresa and her team offer a truly welcoming and replenishing experience. Taking care of yourself is a gift you give to others, so find a way to make some time for stillness. Namaste!

Doesn’t this look inviting? It’s there for you!

Retreat in the Pines is located at 431 Co Rd 2487, Mineola, TX  75773. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram.