Question 1

How do I get to Harmony Ridge Lodge?

Accepted Answer

Harmony Ridge Lodge (NOT Resort) Google Map Link: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjtcjufHt487Cbb2A(https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjtcjufHt487Cbb2A)
1 hour from Sacramento
1.5 hours from Reno
3 hours from San Francisco	
Driving Directions from Sacramento:
1. From Sacramento, take I‑80 East toward Reno — drive about 45 miles.
2. Take the exit for CA‑49 North toward Grass Valley/Nevada City — continue for about 25 miles.
3. In Nevada City, merge onto CA‑20 East.
4. Drive about 6 miles on CA‑20 East — 18883 CA‑20 will be on your right.
Driving Directions from Reno:
1. Start in Reno, NV and get on I‑80 West toward Sacramento.
2. Drive about 62 miles on I‑80 W.
3. Take the exit for CA‑20 West toward Nevada City/Grass Valley.
4. Continue on CA‑20 West for approximately 26 miles.
5. Turn right onto Harmony Ridge Road.
6. Drive about 1 mile — Harmony Ridge Resort will be on your right at 10492 Harmony Ridge Road.

Question 2

What will the agenda look like including start and end times?

Accepted Answer

Soul Sanctuary Retreat Agenda

This is a loose overview (that will definitely change) to give you an idea of the flow of our time together. While every experience will be thoughtfully curated, your presence in each part is always an invitation — not a  requirement.

Day 1: Thursday – Arrival + Opening
 • Arrive & Settle 
 • Dinner 
 • Opening Circle & Group Agreements 
 • Evening Integration 
 • Sound bath to soften and settle
Day 2: Friday 
 • Breakfast 
 • Sharing circle, guided activity, or embodied inquiry
 • Yoga or Meditation Practice
 • Lunch 
 • Afternoon Nature Immersion
 • Dinner 
 • Evening Wind-Down for spacious integration, journaling, rest, or group activity 
Day 3: Saturday 
 • Breakfast 
 • Connection circle 
 • Abundant free time for integration. For you this might be an explorative trip to downtown Nevada City to poke around, enjoying quiet time in your room, napping, hiking off the property, indulging in Reiki, acupuncture or other holistic offerings onsite brought in by various providers. 
 • Lunch | Guests are on their own for this meal 
 • Dinner 
 • Evening Activity 
Day 4: Sunday – Integration + Farewell
 • Nature Immersion 
 • Breakfast 
 • Closing  Circle
 • Lunch 
 • Farewells with full hearts and softened edges

Question 3

❌ What is the retreat cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that life can shift in unexpected ways. Below is the cancellation policy for the Soul Sanctuary Retreat at Harmony Ridge Lodge, happening in April 2026:
 • 100% refund for cancellations made on or before December 15, 2025
 • 50% refund for cancellations made between December 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026
 • No refunds for cancellations made on or after January 16, 2026

Other options if you’re unable to attend:
 • You may transfer your spot to another participant at any time.
 • If we’re able to fill your space from the waitlist, we’ll do our best to process a refund, even after the deadline.

Thank you for honoring the time,  energy, and sacred preparation that goes into creating this retreat  experience. Every spot holds deep intention.

Question 4

What is the weather like in April in Nevada City?

Accepted Answer

Nevada City Average April Weather: 
High of 62, low of 39
https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/nevada-city/95959/april-weather/332016?year=2026(https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/nevada-city/95959/april-weather/332016?year=2026)

Question 5

Property Map of Harmony Ridge Lodge

Accepted Answer

View sitemap here: 
https://harmonyridgelodge.com/lodge-sitemap/(https://harmonyridgelodge.com/lodge-sitemap/)

Question 6

Where can I view more information on the lodge and its suites?

Accepted Answer

https://harmonyridgelodge.com/galleries/suites-gallery/ (https://harmonyridgelodge.com/galleries/suites-gallery/)

Question 7

What should I bring to the retreat?

Accepted Answer

A suggested packing list will be shared with all participants well in advance to the retreat date.

Question 8

What additional services are available for guests to choose from?

Accepted Answer

We will bring practitioners onsite to offer Reiki  (energy healing) and other holistic and spiritual offerings for guests to  choose from. Three to 4 weeks prior to the retreat, guests will be  invited (in the order which they registered) to secure specific  appointment dates and times for services. Payment will be handled directly through the practitioners for 1:1 sessions. On the registration form guests may select the options they are interested in.

Note: this page will change as we identify additional providers looking to share their gifts to retreat guests.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6420cb_c7d33bfbcc964c54a9653e719a109739~mv2.jpg
Meet Lore Ross

Lore Ross is a renowned Channel & Healer. Not only will she be leading a session at the retreat, but she will also be available to book for 1:1 sessions. Lore guides healers, coaches and entrepreneurs to activate their unique connection to Source, enabling them to transform trauma and grief through the power of ancient healing, so that they can deliver profound healing and messages to their communities and clients during these uncertain times.

As both a trance and conscious Channel, Lore brings through healing, information, sound, and the ancient languages of the ancestors to support personal, generational, and global transformation. In addition to being a Channel, Lore is an herbalist, author, speaker, mother to an awesome human and two wild kittens, and loves sunflowers. Learn more about Lore and connect with her via her website: rewritethebody.org (https://rewritethebody.org/)or via email hello@rewritethebody.org.(mailto:hello@rewritethebody.org?subject=Lore%2C%20Soul%20Sanctuary%20Retreat%20Question)

Question 9

Do I need to bring snacks?

Accepted Answer

Nut butter spreads and fresh fruit will be offered to guests, however, guests are invited to  supplement with their favorite snacks.

Question 10

Can you tell me about the meals and beverages and what I can expect?

Accepted Answer

Mealtimes at Harmony Ridge Lodge
Meals are nourishing, vegetarian, and  served buffet-style. Dishes may include dairy and eggs, with vegan and  gluten-free options generally available.

Mealtimes are as follows:

Breakfast – Roughly 7 am - 8 am 
Lunch – Roughly 12 pm - 1 pm 
Dinner – Roughly 6 pm - 7 pm

If you or anyone in your group has  food allergies, please notify us in advance—our team will do our best to  accommodate within our capacity. While we cannot offer access to the  kitchen for personal cooking, we aim to provide thoughtful, inclusive  meals for all guests.

Which meals are included? 
Friday: Dinner 
Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
Sunday: Breakfast and Dinner (Guests are on their own for lunch during "free time." Guests might go into town and enjoy lunch there. Additionally, two dining options are within walking distance from the retreat venue including the Old 5 Mile House and Harmony Ridge Market and Deli. 
Monday: Breakfast and Lunch

Beverages: 
Tea, juice and milk are available all day. Coffee is served with breakfast in the mornings.

Question 11

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Ample, no-cost parking is available onsite at Harmony Ridge Lodge.

Question 12

Where will we gather?

Accepted Answer

Our retreat will take place across the beautiful grounds of Harmony Ridge Lodge and the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.
We'll use a variety of spaces, each chosen to enhance our experience:
 • Dining and Connection: We will gather for shared meals and casual connection in the main lodge dining area.
 • Group Activities: For structured programming like yoga, sound baths, circle discussions, and group meditation, we will meet inside a spacious, bright 1,000+ square foot building with tall ceilings.
 • Nature Immersion: For our deepest nature experiences and meditations, we will venture out into the beauty just beyond the lodge, utilizing the onsite wooded areas, nearby Tahoe National Forest, or the scenic shores of Scotts Flat Lake (unless the weather prevents us).
 • Quiet Reflection: You are welcome to use the lodge's garden paths, yoga deck, and your own private room for personal rest and reflection.

Question 13

Can I gift this to a friend?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! This makes for a deeply heartfelt and generous gift to offer a loved one. If purchased for a friend, a beautiful and personalized digital gift certificate will be made and emailed to you so you can give it to the lucky recipient. Or, I can send your friend an email with it included. Simply email heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com (mailto:heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com)to connect with me and put in your request.

Question 14

Is participation in all activities required?

Accepted Answer

You are highly encouraged to participate in all the activities however if other activities better align with your needs at the time, you will be celebrated for heeding your inner wisdom and doing what is right for you.

Question 15

How many people will be at this retreat?

Accepted Answer

We anticipate 20 guests and will cap the event at 22 participants, contingent upon available lodging options.

Question 16

Can I participate for only one night or part of a day?

Accepted Answer

To preserve a sense of cohesiveness and sacredness of the group container we co-create from when we first join together and when we say our farewells, we are limiting this experience to folks who are committing to attend the entire retreat. If your arrival to the retreat is delayed or you need to leave early, that is fine, however, we are not offering partial day or partial weekend passes. Thank you for your understanding!

Question 17

How experienced of a yoga practitioner do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Zero experience is required. Any yoga asana (poses) classes that are led will be all-levels and include modifications and variations to meet most people's needs.

Question 18

Can I park and stay in my RV at Harmony Ridge Lodge?

Accepted Answer

Harmony Ridge Lodge may accommodate folks who wish to sleep in their vehicles. If interested, please email Suzanna.(mailto:heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com)

Question 19

Is there a commuter option?

Accepted Answer

Although being fully immersed in the experience (which includes staying overnight in one of Harmony Ridge Lodge's accommodations), a commuter option exists for those stay offsite and commute in and out. If interested, please email Suzanna.(mailto:heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com)

Question 20

Carpooling Information

Accepted Answer

There is ample parking at the venue however carpooling might be of interest to some folks.  If you're interested in offering a ride or you need a ride, get in touch with me and I can connect you to others. Email Suzanna.(mailto:mannionsuz@gmail.com)

Question 21

Drug/alcohol policy

Accepted Answer

This retreat promotes holistic well-being, focusing on rejuvenation and self-discovery. We respectfully ask our guests to refrain from alcohol and drugs. By embracing sobriety, we hope to elicit clarity, deeper connections and the opportunity to fully engage in enriching experiences that nurture mind, body and spirit.

Question 22

What phase will the moon be in and when is sunrise/sunset?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise and Sunset average) Times: 
6:45 am and 7:45 pm
Moon Phase:  
https://theskylive.com/moon/2026-04-10(https://theskylive.com/moon/2026-04-10)
 • April 10: Third quarter 
 • April 11-13: Waning Crescent

Question 23

Who were the indigenous ancestors on the land where our retreat is hosted?

Accepted Answer

The land where our retreat is hosted is the ancestral home of the Nisenan people. They were the original stewards of this land, with a rich history and culture that has been tied to this area for thousands of years. Acknowledging the Nisenan people honors their history, their deep connection to the land, and their enduring presence. We recognize the profound impact that colonial history has had on their community and pay respect to their elders, past and present.

Learn more about the Nisenan here.(https://share.google/GCydqdf0aburrtmWg)
.

Question 24

Why should I go on retreat?

Accepted Answer

So many reasons!   Check out this blog post "Unlocking the Transformative Power of Going on Retreat.(https://www.heartsaliveyoga.com/post/transformative-power-of-going-on-a-retreat)"

Question 25

Can you tell me about past retreats?

Accepted Answer

Here's a blog post about the Hearts Alive Fall 2023 Reclaiming Joy Women's Retreat which will provide insights: https://www.heartsaliveyoga.com/post/unleashing-play-a-glimpse-into-the-reclaiming-joy-women-s-retreat-fall-2023

Question 26

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat and props?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will need to bring your own yoga mat and props. Ideally bring: a strap, yoga mat, meditation cushion or bolster and yoga blocks.

Question 27

What will the agenda look like including start and end times?

Accepted Answer

The agenda details will continue to be refined leading up to the retreat date however this rough overview will offer a sense of what to expect. Important: while participating in all activities is highly encouraged, consider the scheduled activities more of an invitation than a requirement.

Day 1: Thursday 
Arrival to the property starts at 4pm 
Dinner is at 6:00pm (first 10-15 minutes are in silence)
Welcome/introductions/group agreements start around 7 pm 
Meditation or gentle movement 
Circle discussion
Sound Bath 
Bedtime

Day 2: Friday 
Daily meditation offered in Zendo 
Breakfast / coffee / tea is at 7:20am (an entirely silent meal)
Circle discussions/activity 
Yoga 
Lunch - 12:30pm (first 10-15 minutes of the meal are in silence)
Guided Nature Immersion/free time 
Dinner is at 6:00pm (first 10-15 minutes are in silence)
Bedtime

Day 3: Saturday 
Daily meditation offered in Zendo 
Breakfast / coffee / tea is at 7:20am (an entirely silent meal)
Circle discussions/activity/yoga/free time 
Lunch - 12:30pm (first 10-15 minutes of the meal are in silence)
Part I Experiential dance 
Dinner is at 6:00pm (first 10-15 minutes are in silence)
Part II Evening Letting-Go Fire Ceremony 
Day 4: Sunday 
Daily meditation offered in Zendo 
Breakfast / coffee / tea is at 7:20am (an entirely silent meal)
Circle discussions/activity 
Lunch - 12:30pm (first 10-15 minutes of the meal are in silence)
Closing circle + farewells

Question 28

Where will we gather?

Accepted Answer

At mealtimes we will gather in the dining hall at Green Gulch. For our nature immersion experience we will gather outdoors unless the weather is abysmal. For circle discussions, yoga, retreat-group meditation (outside Green Gulch's daily meditation offerings), the fire-letting-go ceremony and our dance experience, we will gather inside a 30' diameter yurt heated by a wood burning stove.

Question 29

What is the retreat cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation Policy:

* 100% refund for cancellations before December 15, 2024.
* 50% refund for cancellations before January 15, 2025.
* 0 refund for cancellations after January 16, 2025
Other possibilities should you need to cancel: 
* Your registration can be transferred to another attendee if you're unable to make it. 
* If your spot can be filled by someone on a wait list, a refund may be granted.

Question 30

Can I gift this retreat to a friend?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! This makes for a deeply heartfelt and generous gift to offer a loved one. If purchased for a friend, a beautiful and personalized digital gift certificate will be made and emailed to you so you can give it to the lucky recipient. Or, I can send your friend an email with it included. Simply email heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com (mailto:heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com)to connect with me and put in your request. All gift recipients will need to complete the registration form.(https://forms.gle/d6H3j4QXzudxadJz5)

Question 31

What is the six month post-retreat integration group all about?

Accepted Answer

Are you interested in more fully integrating learnings from this transformative retreat experience via participation in a six online group monthly meetups starting late March-August to support you with achieving new year's goals for the first half of 2025?

The invitation to join this group is exclusive to this retreat's attendees and intended to support:

* ongoing integration (or, how you process your experience from the retreat and fold the insights gained from the retreat into your daily life) 
* community-building / continued connection with retreat participants
* accountability / support as you work towards your goals 
What to expect: 
All retreat participants are invited to attend the first session which will serve as an opportunity for us to see each other again and debrief our post-retreat experience. All sessions will start with a short grounding ritual and candle lighting (from wherever we are "calling" in from). Following the initial gathering, those who commit to the remainder of the meetups will continue meeting online once monthly.

During each session we will set goals,  report on our progress, discuss obstacles we might be bumping up against, share reflections gained from each other and celebrate one another's wins!

There will also be "homework" (or fun-work? :) like answering journal prompts or activities that take us out in nature to name a couple. 
Where:
Google Meet (like Zoom)

Details: 
* Early Bird Cost: $175 when paid by January 15, 2025 
* Regular Cost: $200 when commiting after January 15, 2025.
* Minimum six women must commit by March 7. 
* Payment due by March 15.

Timing: 
TBD and will be confirmed by the retreat dates. Sessions will most likely be 60-90 minutes on a Sunday afternoon or weekday evening once-monthly.

Question 32

What is the food like and how are dietary restrictions handled?

Accepted Answer

Mealtimes are:
 • Breakfast - 7:20am, and is an entirely silent meal
 • Lunch - 12:30pm, and the first 10-15 minutes of the meal are in silence
 • Dinner - 6:00pm, , and the first 10-15 minutes of the meal are in silence

"Meals  are vegetarian, served buffet style, and may include dairy and eggs.  Vegan and gluten-free options are generally available. If there are  participants in your retreat with food allergies, alternatives may be  arranged with advance notice and we will try to accommodate requests as  best we can. The kitchen is not available for private cooking.  Please  remember that we are a small monastic community and have limited  capacity to accommodate strict dietary requests." (from Green Gulch)

Question 33

Is participation in all activities required?

Accepted Answer

You are highly encouraged to participate in all the activities however if other activities better align with your needs at the time, you will be celebrated for heeding your inner wisdom and doing what is right for you.

Question 34

Is there wifi or cell reception?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is wifi in the whole central area, including the guest house.

Question 35

How experienced of a yoga practitioner do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Zero experience is required. Any yoga asana (poses) classes that are led will be all-levels and include modifications and variations to meet most people's needs.

Question 36

How do I get to Green Gulch?

Accepted Answer

Learn more here: 
https://www.sfzc.org/locations/green-gulch-farm/getting-green-gulch-farm

Question 37

What is the average forecast for this time of year in Muir Beach, California?

Accepted Answer

Find more info on this here.(https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/muir-beach/94965/may-weather/2189763)

Roughly, the temperature can range from high 30s to low 70s F.

Question 38

Carpooling information

Accepted Answer

There is ample parking at the venue however carpooling might be of interest to some folks.  If you're interested in offering a ride or you need a ride, get in touch with me and I can connect you to others. Email Suzanna.(mailto:mannionsuz@gmail.com)

Question 39

Can I participate for only one night or part of a day?

Accepted Answer

To preserve a sense of cohesiveness and sacredness of the group container we co-create from Thursday when we first join together and Sunday when we say our farewells, we are limiting this experience to folks who are committing to attend the entire retreat. If your arrival to the retreat is delayed or you need to leave early, that is fine, however, we are not offering partial day or partial weekend passes. Thank you for your understanding!

Question 40

When is daily meditation in the Zendo?

Accepted Answer

We will share this information at the retreat but you can get a glimpse here in the meantime: 
https://www.sfzc.org/locations/green-gulch-farm/zen-meditation-practice-green-gulch/daily-schedule-green-gulch

Question 41

Drug/alcohol policy

Accepted Answer

This retreat promotes holistic well-being, focusing on rejuvenation and self-discovery. We respectfully ask our guests to refrain from alcohol and drugs. By embracing sobriety, we hope to elicit clarity, deeper connections and the opportunity to fully engage in enriching experiences that nurture mind, body and spirit.

Question 42

What is Experiential dance?

Accepted Answer

A movement session led by Sylvie Minot of Syzygy Dance Project will use dance and music to support us in reconnecting to our body in a safe way and expressing ourselves while releasing what we no longer need.

We will find ways to embody what we want to create in our lives and express in the world, reconnecting to the things that bring us joy and make us smile. The dance will integrate mind, body and spirit to support our health and well-being while having fun!

No dancing experience is required and simply observing is okay too!

Question 43

What is a Fire Letting Go Ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Using movement, ceremony and drumming, we will integrate what we worked with in the afternoon embodied release movement portion in manifesting our desire (intention/goal).  We will then  have a fire ritual to release the things we no longer need.  Ritual and ceremony is a very important aspect of healing in these  times. They allow us to witness and be witnessed and support each other  in community and spirit. Manifesting our vision together strengthens each other and the world around us.

Question 44

How many people will be at this retreat?

Accepted Answer

We anticipate 20 guests and will cap the event at 22 participants, contingent upon available lodging options.

Question 45

Can I park and stay in my RV at Green Gulch?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Green Gulch is unable to accommodate folks who wish to sleep in their vehicles.

Question 46

Is there a commuter option?

Accepted Answer

Although being fully immersed in the experience (which includes staying overnight in one of Green Gulch's accommodations), a commuter option exists for those stay offsite and commute in and out. If interested, please email Suzanna.(mailto:heartsalivecoaching@gmail.com)

Question 47

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

A thorough packing list will be shared with retreat guests via email well in advance to the retreat date.

Question 48

Why should I go on retreat?

Accepted Answer

So many reasons!

Check out this blog post "Unlocking the Transformative Power of Going on Retreat.(https://www.heartsaliveyoga.com/post/transformative-power-of-going-on-a-retreat)"

Question 49

Can you tell me about past retreats?

Accepted Answer

Here's a blog post about the Hearts Alive Fall 2023 Reclaiming Joy Women's Retreat which will provide insights:
https://www.heartsaliveyoga.com/post/unleashing-play-a-glimpse-into-the-reclaiming-joy-women-s-retreat-fall-2023

Question 50

Are yoga props provided?

Accepted Answer

Green Gulch has numerous yoga mats, blocks, backjack "chairs" and bolsters for us to use.

Question 51

Are any spa services going to be available?

SOUL SANCTUARY RETREAT NEVADA CITY, CA
BERKELEY CONNECTION CIRCLE 2/22

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SOUL SANCTUARY RETREAT NEVADA CITY, CA BERKELEY CONNECTION CIRCLE 2/22

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SOUL SANCTUARY RETREAT NEVADA CITY, CA
BERKELEY CONNECTION CIRCLE 2/22