Rolling Meadows Retreat
Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork retreats
Retreat Basics
What is the maximum number of participants?
We welcome up to eleven participants per retreat at Casa Portal, nine in Cushing and twelve at Willow in Vermont. This small group size keeps the experience intimate, quiet, and deeply supported.
Are the retreats co‑ed?
Yes. All retreats are co‑ed.
Are the retreats suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our retreats are suitable for anyone 20 years or older, with or without prior experience in yoga or meditation. Participants come with many different backgrounds and reasons for attending. The teaching is primarily about guiding each person back to their own intuitive knowing, so each retreat is unique to the individual.
What should I expect during a typical day on retreat
A typical day includes morning yoga, guided meditation, breathwork sessions, meals, and free time in nature — all held in silence between sessions. The schedule is spacious and unhurried, designed to help you release daily pressures and settle into a deeper sense of presence and ease.
The yoga offered is a gentle, mindful synthesis of many influences, including Iyengar, the Viniyoga of Desikachar, and the Vanda Scaravelli breath and subtle sensing approach. Over more than 25 years of study and practice, this has evolved into a supportive, exploratory style that emphasizes breath, awareness, and ease rather than performance.
What style of yoga is taught?
What is Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra — or yogic sleep — is a guided meditation practice rooted in ancient Tantric yoga. You lie still, close your eyes, and follow a teacher's voice through a structured relaxation. No poses, no movement, no effort.
The goal is to hover at the threshold between sleeping and waking. In this state, the brain shifts into slower alpha and theta waves associated with deep rest and healing. Research suggests a single 45-minute session can be as restorative as several hours of ordinary sleep — the body rests deeply while the mind stays gently aware.
A session typically guides you through a body scan to release tension, breath awareness to calm the nervous system, and visualization to reach deeper layers of the mind. Most sessions close with a sankalpa — a short personal intention planted into the receptive subconscious.
No prior yoga experience or flexibility needed. It's widely used for stress relief, better sleep, trauma recovery, and creative focus.
What is self‑inquiry?
The practice of aligning with our true nature beyond the habitual patterns of conditioning.
Food & Special Diets
Can you accommodate a special diet?
The two most often presented special needs are for gluten and lactose free meals. We are able to accommodate people who have those food issues. We are a small center and unfortunately we are unable to address other more involved food allergies that seem to be on the increase each year. The meals are vegetarian with legumes, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of grains and vegetables. Please let us know if you have a need for gluten or lactose free meals at the time you register.​
What to Bring
We have blankets, mats and sitting cushions so no need to bring them unless you want to use your own mat. Linens and bath towels are provided.
Layered relaxed clothing for yoga and meditation. Warm outdoor clothing and/or rain gear for walking. Meditation shawl or blanket. Personal toiletries.
A watch or time piece as all cell phones will be stored in the office. A bathrobe to wear to and from the sauna or to bathrooms and “slippers.” A journal if you would like.
In Winter: cross-country skis or snowshoes. In Summer: sun block, a hat, bathing suit. All seasons: good walking shoes or boots.
What not to bring:
We request that guests do not bring cell phones (we will store cell phones in the office), personal computers, books, pets, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, or wear scented body products, as we want to provide a fragrance-free environment for all. Smoking is not permitted at the Center, or on the grounds.
Weather
Fall and Spring: 20’s to 50’s – mid-weight jacket, hat, gloves, waterproof boots.
Summer: 70’s to mid-80’s with cooler nights – walking sandals, light jacket, light sweater or sweatshirt for cooler nights.
Winter: 0 to low 30’s – very warm jacket, hat, gloves, warm boots.
Communication & Emergencies
What if someone needs to contact me?
The emergency contact number is 207-323-5858.
Schedule & Payments
When should we arrive?
Between 4 and 6 pm on the first day of the retreat.
When is the retreat over?
After the morning session and breakfast the last day of the retreat by about 10 AM.
When are balances due?
60 days before the start of the retreat.
When should I plan to arrive?
Please make your travel plans so that you arrive between 4 and 6 pm the first day of the retreat and leave after breakfast the last morning of the retreat (about 10 am). We require all participants to remain on retreat until after the morning session the last day of retreat (about 9:30).
What about ride sharing?
We will attempt to coordinate this when there is interest and it is feasible. Please let us know if you would like to participate in some sort of ride share – either by personal car or from the airport in a cab, limo or rental car.