Reclaiming The Spirit of Health: A Retreat in the Northwoods

Spending time in nature connects us to better health. The smell of pine or cedar, the feeling of crisp fall air on your cheeks, the soft and soothing sounds of nature, the sun glowing and grounding every living creature in the forest.

By 2050, 66% of the world’s population is projected to live in cities. In Japan, they recognize the consequences of this urban life and created a practice called Shinrin-yoku, otherwise known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy. This is when nature permeates your senses – sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. The health findings around Forest Bathing are many, such as; a decrease in stress and cortisol, decrease in depression and anxiety, decreased risk of heart attacks, and improved function of the immune system.In healthcare, we have lost our connection to the spirit of health. During our – Reclaiming the Spirit of Health Retreat, we will take you back to the origins of health by engaging all 5 of your senses. In Japan, they practice forest bathing on a regular basis and the results are stunning even the medical skeptics. Could this practice be one of the best modern day prescriptions to improve well-being? Those practicing Shinrin-Yoku know the Forest is the perfect antidote to the pressures of the modern world.

In partnership with Minnesota Holistic Medicine Group, we will nurture time to heal in nature – from the ground up. During this retreat, we will learn how to create healthier indoor environments and we will escape into the outdoor environment to reconnect to the roots of our health and well-being. Giving you time to foster your own health in the majestic Northwoods.

We will learn and live alongside, Dr. Suzanne Hackemiller, MD and author of, “The Outdoor Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing.” Doc Suzy, is an OB-Gyn and Integrative Medicine physician who currently resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is board certified by both the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Integrative Medicine. She holds additional certifications in herbal medicine and is a certified forest therapy guide. She currently serves as medical director for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and as medical adviser for the organization, AllTrails.

We will peel back the layers of our indoor environments with Thaddeus Owen as we explore ways to create more health from the inside out. Thaddeus Owen is a chemical engineer and holistic health expert who specializes in researching and speaking on topics related to Lifestyle medicine such as sleep, circadian rhythm, and light. According to a study sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of his or her time indoors. Knowing this, it’s important we know how to optimize our indoor environments and maximize our time outdoors.

Bill Manahan and Carolyn Torkelson, Co- Chairs of the Minnesota Holistic Medicine Group will be leading our tribe of healthcare professionals into the forest and through the woods. Into nature we go to transform our mood and boost our energy among the towering trees of the beautiful northern Minnesota Forests. Join us to reclaim the spirit of health in the Northwoods together.

WEEKEND AGENDA 

Thursday, September 30th – Sunday, October 3rd, 2021

*Please note all activities and presentations are optional, we respect your time and choices

Thursday: 

• 6:00-7:00p Guests arrive and settle into rooms
• 6:00-7:30p Light Appetizers and Beverages in Main Cabin
• 7:30-8:30p Introductions and Introduction to The Point Retreats (Christa)
• 8:30-9:00p Candle light/Fireside meditation (Lisa)

Friday:

• 7:00-8:00a Gym, Fireside Yoga or Walking Meditation with Mr. Kim
• 8:00-8:30a Clean Up/Break
• 8:30-9:30a Breakfast
• 9:30-11:00a Nature and Forest: It’s Big Medicine with Dr. Suzanne
• 11:00-11:15 Break/Stretch
• 11:30-1:30 Group A: Forest Bathing with Dr. Suzanne
• 1:30-2:30p Lunch
• 2:30-4:30p Group B: Forest Bathing with Dr. Suzanne
• 5:00-6:30p Reclaiming a Healthy Indoor Environment with Damon Coyle
• 7:00-8:00p Dinner
• 8:00-9:30p Campfire and Evening Meditation

Saturday:

• 7:00-8:00a Gym, Fireside Yoga or Meditation with Mr. Kim
• 8:00-9:00a Clean Up/Break
• 9:00-10:00a Breakfast
• 10:00-11:30a Building Optimal Health Inside and Out with Thaddeus Owen
• 11:45-12:00 Break/Stretch
• 12:00-1:30p Group A: HealthCare in the Kitchen /Group B: Art in Nature with Heidi
• 1:30-2:30p Lunch
• 2:30-4:30p Break: Read, paddle board, Sauna, kayak, walk, bike, pickle ball, nap
• 4:30-5:30p Qigong for Health and Longevity at Sunset with Thaddeus Owen
• 5:30-7:00p Group A: Art in Nature with Heidi /Group B: HealthCare in the Kitchen
• 7:00-8:00p Dinner
• 8:00-9:30p Campfire and Evening Meditation

Sunday:

• 7:00-8:00a Fireside Yoga or Walking Meditation with Mr. Kim
• 8:00-9:00a Clean Up/Break/Coffee&Tea Bar/Fruit
• 9:00-10:30 Reclaiming Your Health in Healthcare with Dr. Suzanne
• 10:30-11:00 Closing Gratitude Circle
• 11:00-12:00 Brunch