Yoga Your Way Retreat: Remembering Myself with Mary Carr
Mary Carr, CEO of the Underbelly, reflects on her trip to the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC for the very first Underbelly “Yoga Your Way” Weekend Retreat on October 19, 2023.
Join us this fall, October 18-20, 2024 at Art Of Living for our second in-person retreat with Mary Carr and Jessamyn Stanley. Learn more here.
Last fall, I packed up for what I thought would be just another work trip, but as is often the case, I had no idea what I was getting into. Nestled in the serene embrace of the mountains, I attended a retreat that was more than just work — it was an invitation to return to myself.
Sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains at Art Of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC
The location was pure magic, having grown up in the mountains, I find their specific offering nurturing and soul-soothing. The air is different - crisp and invigorating. The expansiveness demands I take up space and a lot of it! I wake up early on my own up there, seeking out the pinks and oranges of the sunrise.
And the solitude of coffee and journaling in the morning hours - even writing this, I think who is that person? And I think she’s a person that doesn’t give a fuck, she’s listening.
There are 4 sessions of yoga - each one strips back a little more of the infiltrated noise of the outside world. I find that one of the main reasons I need to get on the mat is to simply hear myself. I get swallowed by the chaos swirling around me. I confuse all the different hats and masks I wear, as me. And it’s important to know who I am, to carry a touchstone of self.
Being guided through introspection of mind, of body in a container that has been built specifically for this impossible human experience allowed me to hear myself, to surrender a bit. To come home. I was so inspired by the community I saw around me and all the different shapes all the different bodies made. There was a doula behind me that sat the entire retreat moving her arms - she anchored me and it was a gift to practice in the same room together.
In addition to the solitude and the community - a funny duality that magically fits together on retreat. The retreat center shows up and meets my other greatest need - food!! Art of living offers beautiful, delicious, unique dishes to fill up on. And the best part is - no dishes.
Amidst the activities, there was ample time to rest. There were hiking trails and bonfires and yoga classes if I wanted, but it felt so rejuvenating to listen to my exhaustion and honor her by laying the fuck down.
This retreat was a time of remembering—remembering who I am beneath the layers of responsibilities and roles I play in daily life. It was a time of giving myself permission to slow down, to breathe, and to exist without the constant pull of obligations.
As I left the mountains, I carried with me a renewed sense of self and a deep appreciation for the moments of stillness and joy I had experienced. This retreat was a gentle reminder that taking time for oneself is not a luxury but a necessity. It was a magical time that left an indelible mark on my heart, and I look forward to returning to that beautiful sanctuary in the mountains, where the journey of self-discovery continues.
With love and gratitude,
Mary Carr
Join Mary and Jessamyn at the Art of Living Retreat Center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (Boone) for a weekend of yoga, meditation and self-care. Just like in the classes on our app, Jessamyn offers modifications and alternatives for all body types and sizes.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced practitioner, you are welcome to roll out your mat and move in a way that works for you. Consent cards are used to flag whether you prefer physical or non-physical support.
The weekend schedule includes yoga and meditation sessions, dedicated journaling time with prompts provided, shared meals, quiet time and guided hiking.
Single and shared accommodations available.
We can’t wait to meet you :)
