RETREATS
Metamorphosis: A Nature Based Meditation Program & Silent Retreat
Meditation Program: August 10, 17, 24,
6:30–8:30 PM @ Studio 200, 400 W Rich Street, Columbus, OH
Silent Retreat Weekend: August 28-30 @ Fruitdale Farms, Bainbridge, OH
“Late summer itself is a short season, but it can be a time of intense metamorphosis in nature and within ourselves.”
- Elson M. Haas
Step away from the noise and fast pace of daily life and into nature’s embrace for a transformative three-week journey of meditation, grounding, and self-reflection, culminating in a three-day silent camping retreat. This experience is an opportunity to unplug, slow down, and realign with the rhythms of the earth while being supported in community.
Through meditation, mindful movement, and deep immersion in nature, you’ll reconnect with your inner self while honoring the Earth’s natural cycles. Days will be spent in quiet contemplation, among the trees and under open skies, while evenings invite you to sit by the fire, gaze at the stars, and soak in the stillness of the late summer night.
To help you fully embrace the experience, we will gather three times before the retreat for two hour in-person sessions, where we will explore meditation and grounding practices, set intentions, and prepare for the retreat. These sessions will provide you with the tools and resources to support your experience, both during the retreat and beyond. You’ll also have the opportunity to create your own individualized flower essence and explore the wisdom of herbs to deepen your meditation practice and strengthen your connection with intuition.
This retreat is an invitation to return to simplicity, silence, and the sacredness of the season, all within the supportive embrace of nature and community. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or new to meditation and nature immersion, this journey is designed to meet you where you are and guide you deeper into presence.
Come as you are. Depart with a renewed sense of clarity and connection.
Meditation Program Experience
WHEN
August 10th, 17th, 24th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
WHERE
Studio 200, 400 W Rich Street, Columbus OH 43215
DETAILS
During our 3 pre-retreat meetings we will gather in community to set intentions, deepen into our meditation practices and prepare for the silent meditation retreat. The wisdom of the seasons, the elements and the cardinal directions will be woven through the program. The program will include:
Introduction to supportive meditation practices
Creation of your own individualized flower essence
Connecting with plant allies to support your meditation practice
Intention setting, journaling prompts, reflection
Creating community
Retreat Experience
WHEN
August 28th - 30th
DETAILS
You’ll arrive at the property on Friday afternoon, select your campsite, and settle in before transitioning into silence. That evening, we will take a sacred vow of silence, which we will hold until late morning Sunday. Throughout the retreat, your guides will offer optional practices to support your journey, including:
Guided Meditation & Yoga
Sensory Nature Walk (Forest Bathing)
Ceremonial Fire Gatherings
Herbal medicines to support your practice
Sauna
Ample Free Time for Solitude & Exploration
Nourishing, organic, vegetarian meals & snacks, as well as organic coffee and tea will be provided during the retreat.
This is a technology-free, cell-phone-free experience, allowing you to fully immerse and be fully present. (A designated contact number will be available for emergencies.)
WHERE
Fruitdale Farms, Bainbridge, OH
Fruitdale Farms
Fruitdale Farms
Nestled in southern Ohio, just over an hour from Columbus, Fruitdale Farms is a private,20-acre sustainable farmstead and campground. With lush woodlands, wild meadows, gardens, nature trails, a sauna, and a tranquil pond, it offers the perfect sanctuary for deep rest and renewal.
Additional InformatioN
-
Early Bird, $1,350 (paid in full by May 31)
Full Program Cost, $1500 (paid in full by July 24th)
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot, due upon registration.
Please don’t allow financial barriers to prohibit your participation in this experience. For pay-what-you-can options, please email us at programs@liveayayoga.com.
A brief retreat application is required to make sure this retreat experience is a good fit for you and to ensure we can support you in the best way possible. If you are interested in this program, please complete the application below.
-
Camping gear: You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, head lamp, pillow etc.
Lunch on Friday 28th August.
Come explore the profound stillness within and around you. Are you ready to listen?
A brief retreat application is required to make sure this retreat experience is a good fit for you and to ensure we can support you in the best way possible. If you are interested in this program, please complete the application below.
Meet Your Retreat Guides
Alex
Caplinger
Alex Caplinger is a co-owner of AYA Yoga and a dedicated student of meditation, yoga, and Buddhism. After experiencing her first silent retreat in 2021, she became deeply inspired by the wisdom of silence as a teacher. Alex completed a 100-hour Untamed Wisdom meditation teacher training in the fall of 2024.
Kiran
Khaira
Kiran Khaira, naturopathic doctor at Roots Whole Health, is passionate about holistic healing, nature cure, mindfulness and environmental stewardship. She experienced her first silent meditation retreat in Thailand in 2005 and since then has regularly carved out time for the healing she finds in silence. Kiran completed a 100-hour Untamed Wisdom meditation teacher training in the fall of 2024.
