Member for

5 years 7 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
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Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Wed, 11/06/2019 - 14:30

This wintertime retreat will offer quiet and togetherness through yoga practices, hiking, a creative project, and community dinners. Reflection is encouraged in solitude, as well as with one another. Sometimes winter inspires one to seek refuge in solitude and quiet, which can be rejuvenating, and other times togetherness is a balm for the cold. This retreat provides space for hibernating in togetherness. The intent is to create a warm atmosphere of choice between solitude or an activity together and reflect on the energies each experience inspires.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, February 28
4:00pm – Arrival and check-in
5:30pm – Evening yoga practice with community dinner to follow

Saturday, February 29
10:15am-11:45am – Morning yoga practice and creativity project
4:00pm – Restorative yoga practice with community dinner to follow

Sunday, March 1
10:15am-11:45am – Morning yoga practice
1:00pm – Clean cabins and check out

About the Facilitator: Marne Johnson Apolo, M.A. RYT

Marne's inspiration for learning and healing through yoga began with her first yoga class with Yolanda Bain in 1996, in San Francisco, CA. With a Master's degree in Communication from Western Michigan University and an intensive 200-hour RYT training with Karina Ayn Mirsky at Sangha Yoga, Marne strives to cultivate creative ways to integrate communication studies with yoga philosophy and practice.
She holds a second-degree certification in Reiki and is a certified Relax and Renew Trainer (Restorative Yoga w/ Judith Hanson Lasater). She continues her study of yoga with Angela Farmer, as well as Loving Kindness meditation with Sharon Salzberg.

Registration and Lodging Details

The cost for the retreat is $215 for early bird registration, and $240 after December 15. To register for this retreat, contact Marne Apolo at Marnejo23@aol.com, or (269) 270-8513.
After you have reserved your spot in the retreat, contact GilChrist to reserve your cabin by calling (269) 244-1130 or submitting an online reservation request form. Lodging is $50 per night per person in addition to the program fee, payable by cash or check upon checkout. Space is limited.

Event Type
Retreat
Start Date
End Date
Topics
Southwest Michigan
Spiritual Formation
Wellness and Healthcare
Slideshow
snow on windhill with sun
Join
On
Event Category
GilChrist
Location

GilChrist Retreat Center
56265 Day Road
Three Rivers, MI 49093
United States

Geolocation
41.9797685, -85.7404811