NEW! Summer Solstice Hatha Yoga Retreat
9607 East Sturgeon Valley Road, Vanderbilt, MI, USA
Up to 30 in group
June 21 - 23, 2024
Retreat Highlights
- Hatha Yoga Classes
- Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
- Guided Nature Walk
- Introduction to Patanjali’s 8-Fold Path of Yoga
- Prepared Meals
- Variety of accommodations
- Opportunities to explore the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Roy first met J. Oliver Black (Yogacharya) in 1972. Yogacharya was a leading disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and founder of Song of the Morning and the Golden Lotus Teachers Association (GLYTA). Roy was initiated into Kriya Yoga by Yogacharya and joined the SOM staff soon after. While on staff for the next three years, Roy was trained as a GLYTA Yoga teacher and trained to lead group meditations. He continued to live in the area and taught Hatha Yoga Classes in Traverse City, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alpena. He has been an ardent and devoted student of Paramhansa Yogananda’s Self Realization Fellowship teachings ever since and an active GLYTA teacher. He currently teaches seven classes weekly in Grosse Pointe and Wayne County Community College in Detroit, including gentle, meditative mat classes and chair classes. In addition, he and his wife Mary Ann hold a weekly meditation and a Sunday Spiritual Service in their home, as well as facilitate Yoga and meditation workshops in their area.
Mary Ann first discovered Song of the Morning and met Yogacharya in 1973 when she was hired for her first teaching job out of college in Gaylord, MI. She considers Song of the Morning her Spiritual Home where she was blessed to spend time with Yogacharya. He married her and Roy and christened their 3 children, two of which are GLYTA teachers. She received her first Kriya Yoga Initiation from Yogacharya in 1976 and trained to become a yoga teacher shortly after that through GLYTA. She has been a loyal and devoted student of Paramhansa Yogananda’s Self Realization Fellowship teachings and an active GLYTA teacher over the years. She currently teaches eight classes weekly in Grosse Pointe including gentle meditative mat classes, chair classes, and adaptive classes for young adults with Autism. In addition, she and her husband Roy hold a weekly meditation and a Sunday Spiritual Service based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda in their home as well as facilitate yoga and meditation workshops in their area.
Details of this retreat
A Guest Teacher Retreat
“The yogi is deemed greater than body-disciplining ascetics, greater even than the followers of the path of wisdom or of the path of action; be thou, O Arjuna, a yogi!”
~The Bhagavad Gita 6:46
In celebration of the U.N. International Day of Yoga, which also falls on the Summer Solstice, come join Song of the Morning and Golden Lotus Teacher's Association for an enriching Yoga Weekend Retreat!
Guided by some of our most experienced GLYTA Yoga Teachers, this weekend will include deep-dives into yoga postures and meditation, as well as easy-to-learn introductory classes—in other words, ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME!
The weekend includes delicious vegetarian meals, guided nature walks and free time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wonderful friendships that are part and parcel of Song of the Morning retreats.
Lodging Fee: By clicking the Register Now button, you'll be able to pay for your lodging, which includes the cost of meals and the retreat fee.
Retreat Fee: $108 is the suggested amount to help make these programs sustainable far into the future and will be included automatically when you register for your lodging. Please reach out to our office if you need financial assistance to attend.
Tentative Summer Solstice Hatha Yoga Retreat Schedule:
(Check back for details as the teachers finalize the exact offerings!)
Friday
2 – 4 p.m. – Check-in
3:45 - 4:45 - Hatha Yoga - Wheelhouse
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:45 p.m. – Introduction and Welcome
8 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Saturday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga Class followed by "What is Yoga Really? An Introduction to RAJA Yoga –
Patanjali’s 8-Fold Path"
10 a.m. – Brunch
11:30 a.m. – Shrine Trail Guided Walk with Carol and Bruce Malnor
2 p.m. – Go with the Flow - Gentle Hatha Yoga
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. - Free time or part 2 of "What is Yoga Really?" class
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:30 p.m. - Short Hatha Yoga & Spiritual Sharing – How to fit Yoga into your personal life
8:00 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Sunday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga and Closing Session
11 a.m. – Self-Realization Sunday Service Reading (75 min.) – based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda
1 p.m. – Sunday Community Dinner
Click the button on this page to register
“The yogi is deemed greater than body-disciplining ascetics, greater even than the followers of the path of wisdom or of the path of action; be thou, O Arjuna, a yogi!”
~The Bhagavad Gita 6:46
In celebration of the U.N. International Day of Yoga, which also falls on the Summer Solstice, come join Song of the Morning and Golden Lotus Teacher's Association for an enriching Yoga Weekend Retreat!
Guided by some of our most experienced GLYTA Yoga Teachers, this weekend will include deep-dives into yoga postures and meditation, as well as easy-to-learn introductory classes—in other words, ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME!
The weekend includes delicious vegetarian meals, guided nature walks and free time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wonderful friendships that are part and parcel of Song of the Morning retreats.
Lodging Fee: By clicking the Register Now button, you'll be able to pay for your lodging, which includes the cost of meals and the retreat fee.
Retreat Fee: $108 is the suggested amount to help make these programs sustainable far into the future and will be included automatically when you register for your lodging. Please reach out to our office if you need financial assistance to attend.
Tentative Summer Solstice Hatha Yoga Retreat Schedule:
(Check back for details as the teachers finalize the exact offerings!)
Friday
2 – 4 p.m. – Check-in
3:45 - 4:45 - Hatha Yoga - Wheelhouse
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:45 p.m. – Introduction and Welcome
8 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Saturday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga Class followed by "What is Yoga Really? An Introduction to RAJA Yoga –
Patanjali’s 8-Fold Path"
10 a.m. – Brunch
11:30 a.m. – Shrine Trail Guided Walk with Carol and Bruce Malnor
2 p.m. – Go with the Flow - Gentle Hatha Yoga
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. - Free time or part 2 of "What is Yoga Really?" class
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:30 p.m. - Short Hatha Yoga & Spiritual Sharing – How to fit Yoga into your personal life
8:00 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Sunday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga and Closing Session
11 a.m. – Self-Realization Sunday Service Reading (75 min.) – based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda
1 p.m. – Sunday Community Dinner
Click the button on this page to register
Schedule
Friday
2 – 4 p.m. – Check-in
3:45 - 4:45 - Hatha Yoga - Wheelhouse
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:45 p.m. – Introduction and Welcome
8 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Saturday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga Class followed by "What is Yoga Really? An Introduction to RAJA Yoga –
Patanjali’s 8-Fold Path"
10 a.m. – Brunch
11:30 a.m. – Shrine Trail Guided Walk with Carol and Bruce Malnor
2 p.m. – Go with the Flow - Gentle Hatha Yoga
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. - Free time or part 2 of "What is Yoga Really?" class
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:30 p.m. - Short Hatha Yoga & Spiritual Sharing – How to fit Yoga into your personal life
8:00 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Sunday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga and Closing Session
11 a.m. – Self-Realization Sunday Service Reading (75 min.) – based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda
1 p.m. – Sunday Community Dinner
2 – 4 p.m. – Check-in
3:45 - 4:45 - Hatha Yoga - Wheelhouse
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:45 p.m. – Introduction and Welcome
8 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Saturday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga Class followed by "What is Yoga Really? An Introduction to RAJA Yoga –
Patanjali’s 8-Fold Path"
10 a.m. – Brunch
11:30 a.m. – Shrine Trail Guided Walk with Carol and Bruce Malnor
2 p.m. – Go with the Flow - Gentle Hatha Yoga
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. - Free time or part 2 of "What is Yoga Really?" class
5 p.m. – Dinner
6:30 p.m. - Short Hatha Yoga & Spiritual Sharing – How to fit Yoga into your personal life
8:00 p.m. – Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Sunday:
8:45-10:00 a.m. – Hatha Yoga and Closing Session
11 a.m. – Self-Realization Sunday Service Reading (75 min.) – based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda
1 p.m. – Sunday Community Dinner
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Song of the Morning, 9607 East Sturgeon Valley Road, Vanderbilt, MI, USA
Directions
Please Note: Most GPS units are unable to correctly navigate to Song of the Morning; please use the directions below.
Southeast Michigan (Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, Saginaw or Bay City Area):
Take I-75 North to Vanderbilt exit 290, turn right and follow Old US-27 South about half a mile into Vanderbilt. Turn left at the blinking yellow caution light at Main Street, which becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road, and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods. Once you cross the bridge, the office in the Mainhouse will be on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo, Muskegon or Grand Rapids Area):
Take 131 North which will merge into 55 just before Cadillac. Stay on 55 east which will merge with 66 going north then branch off again to go east. Remain on 55 and pick up 127 north near Houghton Lake. 127 north will merge onto I-75 North. Take I-75 North to Vanderbilt exit 290, turn right and follow Old US-27 South about half a mile into Vanderbilt. Turn left at the blinking yellow caution light at Main Street, which becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road, and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods. Once you cross the bridge, the office in the Mainhouse will be on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
Northwest Michigan (Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey):
From Traverse take 31 to 72 east to pick up 131 north over to 32 east into Gaylord. Jump on 75 north to the next exit 290 Vanderbilt and follow the instructions above from Southeast Michigan.
(Charlevoix or Petoskey area) take 31 to 131 south to Thumb Lake Rd. Turn left (east) on Thumb Lake Rd. to US 27. Turn right on US 27 take it across I-75 to the blinking yellow light where you will turn left onto Main Street, (which eventually becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road), and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods. Once you cross the bridge, the office in the Mainhouse will be on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
North (Upper Peninsula, Cheboygan, Wolverine)
Take I-75 South to exit 290 Vanderbilt exit. Turn left and take it across I-75 to the blinking yellow light where you will turn left onto Main Street, (which eventually becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road), and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods cross the bridge and the office is in the Main House on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
Southeast Michigan (Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, Saginaw or Bay City Area):
Take I-75 North to Vanderbilt exit 290, turn right and follow Old US-27 South about half a mile into Vanderbilt. Turn left at the blinking yellow caution light at Main Street, which becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road, and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods. Once you cross the bridge, the office in the Mainhouse will be on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo, Muskegon or Grand Rapids Area):
Take 131 North which will merge into 55 just before Cadillac. Stay on 55 east which will merge with 66 going north then branch off again to go east. Remain on 55 and pick up 127 north near Houghton Lake. 127 north will merge onto I-75 North. Take I-75 North to Vanderbilt exit 290, turn right and follow Old US-27 South about half a mile into Vanderbilt. Turn left at the blinking yellow caution light at Main Street, which becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road, and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods. Once you cross the bridge, the office in the Mainhouse will be on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
Northwest Michigan (Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey):
From Traverse take 31 to 72 east to pick up 131 north over to 32 east into Gaylord. Jump on 75 north to the next exit 290 Vanderbilt and follow the instructions above from Southeast Michigan.
(Charlevoix or Petoskey area) take 31 to 131 south to Thumb Lake Rd. Turn left (east) on Thumb Lake Rd. to US 27. Turn right on US 27 take it across I-75 to the blinking yellow light where you will turn left onto Main Street, (which eventually becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road), and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods. Once you cross the bridge, the office in the Mainhouse will be on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
North (Upper Peninsula, Cheboygan, Wolverine)
Take I-75 South to exit 290 Vanderbilt exit. Turn left and take it across I-75 to the blinking yellow light where you will turn left onto Main Street, (which eventually becomes East Sturgeon Valley Road), and drive east for 9-1/2 miles. When you see the large green fenced in property, not ours, you still have 3 1/2 miles to go. Our driveway is on the right-hand side, marked by a large sign that reads "Song of the Morning Ranch." Drive 1-1/4 miles into the woods cross the bridge and the office is in the Main House on your left. You should see a sign marked "Office."
Accommodation
The Boathouse Apartment overlooks the Pigeon River and surrounding meadow. Its open yet inviting floor plan is just the beginning of what makes this our most sought after accommodation. The Wheelhouse Apartment is a recently renovated apartment with a large kitchen/dining area, full bathroom and bedroom with queen-size bed and sitting area. You'll feel like you're living in nature with all the comforts of home. Offers a peaceful view of the forest, with deer and other wildlife often passing by or feeding right outside the windows. The Lodge sits upon a forested hill overlooking the Pigeon River. It is a comfortable facility that is perfect for those wanting more privacy. The Lodge features a large living room area, used for evening meditations, our Sunday service and occasional workshops. It also has a full kitchen for guests to use. The Mainhouse houses the Ranch dining room, kitchen, office and bookstore. It has a small sitting area, outside deck and low-speed wireless internet. The Mainhouse sits above the Pigeon River with a glorious view of the Pigeon River as well as trumpeter swans, bald eagles and other wildlife. The Domes, comprised of three 40-foot bio-dome structures with skylights, is a beautifully unique facility. It provides a more communal environment with two large shared bathrooms (one each for men & women), refrigerator, tea kettle and microwave. The Center Dome is an open dome often used as a workshop space. Camping Sites are available throughout the property. Enjoy the beautiful Pigeon River Forest in the rustic environment of the outdoors. With the spiritual energy of the land, fresh air, and starry nights like nowhere else, camping here is a must for nature lovers.
No Lodging + All Weekend Meals
This is a full package of weekend meals, including:
Fri. 5 p.m. dinner
Sat. 10 a.m. brunch
Sat. 5 p.m. dinner
Sun. 1 p.m. dinner
Camping
Available during warm season only. Check the weather before arriving and make sure to bring all the appropriate gear necessary for your warmth and comfort. Fires and animals are prohibited.
Domes Communal Women's Dormitory
Our lowest cost indoor accommodations. Please bring your own linens - bed sheets, pillowcase, and towel.
40 foot dome with bunk beds and skylights, and communal bathroom facilities.
The Domes does not have a full kitchen, but does have a microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, and everything you need to make coffee and tea. Nice big practice space is available in the Domes, which you are free to use for meditation, hatha yoga, etc. when it is not being used by any group retreat.
Domes Communal Men's Dormitory
Our lowest cost indoor accommodations. Please bring your own linens - bed sheets, pillowcase, and towel.
40 foot dome with bunk beds and skylights, with a center partition separating Women's and Men's dormitories. Communal bathroom facilities.
The Domes does not have a full kitchen, but does have a microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, and everything you need to make coffee and tea.
Nice big practice space is available in the Domes, which you are free to use for meditation, hatha yoga, etc. when it is not being used by any ongoing group retreat.
Domes Private Twin Room
A simple private room with one twin bed with access to a shared bathroom. May not be insulated against sounds. The Domes does not have a full kitchen, but does have a microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, and everything you need to make coffee and tea. Beautiful large community space is available in the Domes, which you are free to use for meditation, hatha yoga, etc. when it is not being used by any ongoing group retreat.
Domes Private Full Bed Room
A simple private room with a full bed, with access to a shared bathroom. May not be insulated against sounds. The Domes does not have a full kitchen, but does have a microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, and everything you need to make coffee and tea. Nice big practice space is available in the Domes, which you are free to use for meditation, hatha yoga, etc. when it is not being used by any ongoing group retreat.
Domes Private Queen Bed Room
A simple private room with a queen bed, with access to a shared bathroom. May not be insulated against sounds. The Domes does not have a full kitchen, but does have a microwave, refrigerator, electric kettle, and everything you need to make coffee and tea. Nice big practice space (pictured) is available in the Domes, which you are free to use for meditation, hatha yoga, etc. when it is not being used by any ongoing group retreat.
Lodge Full Bed Room
Cozy room with full bed, full bath (shared with one other room), and access to full kitchen & meditation area. It is preferred that guests booking in the Lodge plan to join our nightly meditations and Sunday Service, if applicable.
Lodge Queen Bed Room
Cozy room with queen bed, full bath (shared with one other room), and access to full kitchen & meditation area. Our nightly 8 p.m. meditations and 11 a.m. Sunday Services are located in the Lodge, as well. It is preferred that guests booking in the Lodge plan to join, if applicable.
Lodge Suite with Private Bath (2 Full Beds)
Lodge Suite with Private Bath (4 Twin Beds)
Wheelhouse Apartment Suite
The Wheelhouse Apartment is a full apartment with a large kitchen/dining area, full bathroom, and Queen sized bedroom, sitting area, and futon to sleep a third guest. You'll feel like you're living in nature with all the comforts of home. Offers a peaceful view of the forest, with deer and other wildlife often passing by or feeding right outside the windows. Open communal area above that can be used for meditation and hatha yoga practice, etc. (when not in community use).
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Song of the Morning is a non-profit yoga retreat center located on 800 acres of rolling countryside in Michigan’s northern woodlands that welcomes truth-seekers from all paths and traditions to experience spiritual refreshment and relaxation.
Our wooded sanctuary offers an opportunity to experience oneness in nature. Our hiking trails provide scenic views of the forest. Come ski, snow-shoe, hike or bike; watch for our American bald eagles, Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife; or simply marvel at the majestic beauty of our pristine natural surroundings. Come for an evening, a weekend, a week or longer. We hope to see you soon!
Our wooded sanctuary offers an opportunity to experience oneness in nature. Our hiking trails provide scenic views of the forest. Come ski, snow-shoe, hike or bike; watch for our American bald eagles, Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife; or simply marvel at the majestic beauty of our pristine natural surroundings. Come for an evening, a weekend, a week or longer. We hope to see you soon!
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Our natural foods kitchen serves delicious, balanced, vegetarian meals using many locally produced ingredients and fresh produce from our organic garden in the summer. In our efforts towards sustainability, we purchase organically grown foods from local farmers or from Fair Trade sources as often as possible. Meals are served buffet-style in a community setting -- always cooked with love.
We provide two meals Tuesday through Saturday and one meal on Sunday.
We offer vegan and gluten-free dishes if arrangements are made in advance. Let us know when you book accommodations or meals if you need one of these options, or if you have a food allergy that has resulted in anaphylactic shock.
Accommodations prices include meals for overnight guests. If you would like to come for just
What's Included
- Lodging and Meals (Friday Dinner, Saturday Brunch, Snack, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch)
What's Not Included
- Transportation
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