The Meditative Gardener: A Spiritual Living Retreat
With Michael Sullivan, Will and Wendy Page-Echols and Justine Markey
August 1 - 3, 2025
A Spiritual Living Retreat
“Do you realize that within you, in your soul, is a superb garden? a wondrous garden of thoughts, fragrant with love, goodness, understanding, and peace, and more beautiful than any earthly flowers that grow… ”
– Paramahansa Yogananda
Immerse yourself in the fulfilling spiritual aspects of gardening.
Establish a deeper connection with the propagating qualities of the earth as you engage with the beauty and energy of burgeoning plant life.
This is a unique opportunity to practice the principles of vibrant , awake living as introduced by Paramahansa Yogananda. As you participate in a meditative approach to cultivation, food sourcing and communion with the essence of nature, you will feel a deeper relationship with your higher self in a way that will positively benefit you and the garden itself.
Come and experience the peace, joy and uplifting enthusiasm that meditative gardening offers.
Selfless Service
Everyone who signs up for the retreat will select a way to pitch in during the weekend, such as setting tables, washing dishes, or chopping vegetables, as a way to more fully experience life in community.
Spiritual Community
Song of the Morning is much more than just a retreat center – it is an intentional spiritual community! On the property is our Clear Light Community, which was founded under the vision of Paramahansa Yogananda for “plain living and high thinking.” Yoganandaji emphasized the power of coming together in shared spiritual practices and values to uplift individuals and society as a whole. He envisioned these communities as models for a future where people could live in harmony and cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more just and unified world.
The schedule includes joining our community in group meditations and yoga – all friendly for beginners or long-time yogis alike – and Song of the Morning’s weekly Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) Sunday Service and Fellowship Dinner. You are welcome to learn more about this yogic tradition before you arrive, but it isn’t required as we provide guidance along the way!
Registration Details: Prices are all inclusive and show rates for your camping/lodging for two nights, meals for the entire weekend, and access to all retreat programs.
Tentative Weekend Schedule
You’ll receive a full schedule at check-in. Times may vary slightly.
Subject to change
Friday
2:00-3:00 Arrival and registration
5:00 – 6:00 Dinner
6:30-7:25 Welcome & Introduction to Meditative Gardening
7:30 Body Preparations for meditation
8:00 Community Meditation (chanting, prayer, silent meditation, and healing service)
Saturday
8:30-9:45 Greet the Day: Short Garden Yoga & Guided Garden Meditation Practice
10:00 Brunch
11:30-12:30 Session 1 on Meditative Gardening – Hands On Practices
12:30 pm – Snack
2:00 pm – Hatha Yoga Class
3:30 pm Free time, journal, karma yoga
5:00-6:00 Dinner
6:30-7:30 Session 2 on Meditative Gardening – Hands on Practices
7:45-9:00 Kirtan and meditation
9:15 Star gazing on the Platform, weather permitting
Sunday
9:30 – 10:30 Closing Practice & Sharing
11:00-12:15 Sunday Service
1:00 Fellowship Dinner
Click the button on this page to register
About the Program Leaders
Michael Sullivan
Michael Sullivan is the founder of Willder Sage, a nature connected business offering multiple ways to heal, grow and learn from and within nature. Since childhood his happy place has been in the woods, on the water or in the mountains. Michael first came to the Song of the Morning ranch in 1994 and it […]
Learn more about Michael Sullivan
Will and Wendy Page-Echols
Drs. Will and Wendy Page-Echols are graduates of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. They are both Board Certified in Family Practice, the American Board of Integrative Health and Medicine, and certified in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. The Page-Echols received extensive training with the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, with in-depth study in Mind […]
Learn more about Will and Wendy Page-Echols
Justine Markey
Justine is Retreat Manager at Song of The Morning. She has lived and served on staff for ten years. In college she studied community development and, after serving in Americorp she moved to Song of the Morning to pursue a lifestyle aligned with her values of simple living, service and spiritual growth, deeply following the […]
Learn more about Justine MarkeyCategories : Guided Retreats, Retreats