I’ve been at Stony Lake for 2 1/2 weeks now, which means I’m more than halfway through our summer stay. As usual, time is moving too quickly.
I’m in stealth mode this summer. After a spring book launch and tour, I haven’t wanted to make plans or schedule activities more than a few days—or hours—in advance. Instead I wake in the morning morning and let my mind and mood, the weather, wind and waves, show me what I want to do.
This doesn’t mean I’m lying around all day, doing nothing (though I do lie on the dock a lot, reading). In fact, I’m actually doing more than usual this summer than in past summers—writng a new book (a novel) and training for the Leadville 100 bike race—I’m just doing it differently.
I’m recharging my batteries, resetting my mind, rejunvenating my spirit. I didn’t know I needed it until I got here. Daily life requires enormous reserves of energetic, emotional, mental, and creative output. When the output is greater than input, we feel tired, unmotivated, burned out. We second-guess ourselves and waffle over routine decisions. We procrastinate. We become paralzyed by choice.
Simplifying our days, even for a few days, brings us back to ourselves. When we remove the pressure to perform, when we strip away unnecessary distractions, we slow down on the inside. We see the flashings all around. We’re energized to be our most creative, imaginative selves. We’re in flow.
For most of us, it’s not possible to live like this all the time. We have work deadlines, family life, school, appointments, plans with friends. But we can step away and do our days differently for a little while, and then bring the ease and energy, joy and inspiration we experienced on retreat home with us.
I’d love for you to join me to experience this for yourself at Mountain Flow Camp, September 5-8, at High Camp Hut outside Telluride, Colorado. This is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been, and I keep returning year after year, for the alpine quiet, the dazzling night skies, the open meadows that afford persepctive and peace, and the boundless opportunities for exploration right out the door.
Set at 11,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, High Camp is a traditional alpine lodge with comfortable twin accommodations, shared meals in the wood-stove heated dining room, and miles of trails just outside.
We have a saying in our family, from our years spent at High Camp on winter ski trips, and I know past flow campers would agree: High Camp always delivers.
We’ll spend our mornings on the trails, moving at a mindful pace that’s right for you, and return to the lodge for a hearty, healthy lunch on the porch overlooking Sheep Mountain. Afternoons are for writing and creativity, personal time, resting, reading, practicing yoga, soaking in the wood-fired hot tub, or gathering to share writing and conversation with new friends.
Our days at Flow Camp are both full and spacious, with ample time to slow down and savor the High Camp magic, and always unplugged. There is no wifi or cell service at High Camp—a true, rare luxury that allows our minds and spirits to rest and recharge.
Your time is always your own at High Camp, and I encourage you to do what moves you, literally. This is flow.
I invite you to come experience the flashings with me at Mountain Flow Camp. I know without a doubt that you will leave renewed, restored, and profoundly changed.
What’s Included:
• Daily guided hiking and running in a pristine, high alpine environment. 3-4 hours at a pace that suits you.
• Guided morning meditation and afternoon writing +practice, including the zen of memoir, how physical practices feed our imagination; inside the writer’s mind; the power of journal-keeping, and daily habits of flow
• Three nourishing, healthful meals a day, prepared by local, organic chef; snacks for staying fueled on the go and at rest
• Afternoon yoga
• Forest bathing, wood-fired hot tub, fireside gatherings
• Time and space to reconnect with yourself and the natural world
• Meaningful community and conversation in an intimate setting (guests limited to 12)
• Curated gift bags that include a few of Katie’s favorite writing and trail goodies
Retreat cost is $2,600 per person. Register now with a friend and receive $100 off.
About our chef, Chelsey Rajavuori: Chelsey is the owner of beloved Fireweed Cafe, just down the pass in Rico, Colorado. An ultra runner, mountain athlete, and yogi, she brings intentionality, love, and creativity to every meal. She cooks and eats a largely plant-based diet and works with local farmers and ranchers to prepare healthy, delicious, and sustainable nourishment. You’ll be absolutely amazed by what she can make at in a beautiful backcountry setting at 11,000 feet! Chelsey brings wondeful energy and flow to our days; she also our yoga guide.
Please reach out below to secure your spot or with questions. I can’t wait to experience the magic of Mountain Flow Camp with you!
sending you smiles from Stony Lake
xo katie
Cant wait