Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you host Solitude Retreats?
We love to host Solitude Retreats in natural settings - close to the land, the sea, the mountains. We believe that reconnecting with nature is one of the primary elements of a successful retreat. Although we are based in the southeast, we have identified several locations around the U.S. that we are considering for retreat.
I live far away. Can I still attend a Solitude Retreat?
Yes! We have participants who fly in from all over the country.
I 
'm a private person. Am I going to have to share my feelings with other participants?
Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during the retreat. We encourage participants to share thoughts and feelings when appropriate but it is never demanded. We always host at least one teleconference before the retreat so that you can get to know other retreat participants and that helps to build trust among retreatants right away.
Can I have a private room?
At most Solitude Retreats, some private accommodations are available for an extra fee.
I've never been on a retreat before. I don't know what to expect.
We love retreat newbies! There is a natural sense of concern for the unknown whenever we try something new. By the time you attend a Solitude Retreat with us, you will have already taken yourself through a 10 Point Checklist, created a mini-retreat for yourself, and had conversations with us and the group you will be joining. The experience will become part of a continuum which we hope will stay with you as a touch point for the rest of your life. Once you try it, you'll like it, we promise!
I've never done yoga before. Does that mean I can't come on retreat?
The yoga we lead during our retreats is Gentle Yoga and is accessible to anyone. Adjustments can be made for your comfort and to find a sense of ease for your body. Most often this is done by focusing on the breath, letting it soften the body, allowing for deeper stretches and a quieter mind. Geralyn uses the "keep it simple"approach to yoga - you don't need to do more to Be more!
I can't sit still to meditate. How long do you usually meditate? Will it be difficult for me to sit with the group?
Traditional meditation techniques can be demanding for the mind and the body. Often the meditation time we have at a Solitude Retreat may not be identified as such - we will practice contemplation through Breath Walking and walking a labyrinth; we will often relax into the breath during group sessions; as everyone around you becomes quieter, so will you; we typically end each evening with Yoga Nidra which is a guided meditation practiced while laying down comfortably on the floor. All of these sessions are optional.
I have food allergies and eat a special diet. Can my needs be accommodated?
Yes! We are happy to work with you and find out your special dietary needs and convey that to our retreat chef. All meals are served family style so you can make your own selections from the delicious, fresh locally raised and grown seafood and vegetables, whole grains and fruits. We encourage all participants to bring snacks of their own choosing to supplement main meals. When you're on retreat, you want a happy tummy! (side note: Elizabeth eats a gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free diet so she is especially conscious of helping retreat participants feel happy and full.)
We have a group/team/organization that would like to go on retreat. Can you customize something for our group?
Absolutely! This is one of our favorite things to do. We'll meet with you to find out your group's goals and then give you a proposal with our recommendations about what would be an ideal retreat experience for your group. We are happy to customize retreats for rest and relaxation, for stress management, for goal setting and visioning and for communication issues in your organization. We both have a solid business background (Geralyn in the corporate arena, Elizabeth in the entrepreneurial world) and understand the value of a highly functioning team. Please e-mail us info@solituderetreats.com to set up an initial consultation.