Member for

5 years 5 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
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Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Mon, 08/05/2024 - 16:03

Underneath the routine of tasks and expectation, a gracious joy for simply being awaits. Fall is a glorious time to slow down and revel in the beauty of GilChrist. Yoga, poetry, nature, and reflection will cocoon this day of stretching and rest to bask in your inner light.

A Day Away Schedule

  • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Gentle beginnings with soft, awakening stretches and loving kindness meditation to settle in with grounded and spacious self-presence.
  • Lunch provided.
  • 12:30 p.m. – A guided meditation walk through the labyrinth to soak in the beauty of nature and make a promise to yourself (and say hi to the goats).
  • 2:00 p.m. – Journaling and/or collaging to remember and note the goodness of you.
  • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Restorative yoga practice.

Registration

To ask questions or to register, contact Marne Apolo via email or call (269) 270-8513.

Cost: $125 if paid by August 25; $150 after August 26. Payment can be made with Venmo or check.

About the Facilitator: Marne Apolo, M.A. E-RYT

With a master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University and an intensive 200-hour RYT training with Sangha Yoga, Marne strives to cultivate creative ways to integrate communication studies with yoga philosophy and practice. She has studied yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater and Angela Farmer, as well as Loving Kindness meditation with Sharon Salzberg and is a student of Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers.

Event Type
Retreat
Partner
GilChrist Retreat Center
Start Date
End Date
Topics
Southwest Michigan
Spiritual Formation
Slideshow
Marne Apolo image fall.jpg
Join
On
Event Category
GilChrist
Location

GilChrist Retreat Center
56265 Day Rd
Three Rivers, MI 49093-9535
United States