News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz Traci Boyle, yoga instructor at Joshua Tree Studio and Spa, is seen holding a singing bowl that is used in sound baths. Boyle will host a retreat experience on Sunday at the studio in Alpena.

ALPENA — Joshua Tree Studio is hosting a Half Day Retreat Experience on Sunday.

From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, retreat participants will engage in activities that encourage them to be “present in their bodies,” according to event organizer Traci Boyle.

Boyle, with the help of Punky Mahler, Joshua Tree yoga instructor, will lead retreat participants through Yin Yoga, breath work, and creative activities such as creating vision boards.

“I feel like we are so busy in our lives and everything kind of mushes together,” Boyle said. “This is kind of an opportunity to just slow down … we’re incorporating all the senses.”

Boyle said exercises like yoga can help people be more in tune to and accepting of their own bodies.

“This is really something that teaches people to feel valuable and to treasure themselves the way they are,” Boyle said.

Through the activities, Boyle said that she hopes participants also find community and camaraderie.

In addition to the “nourishing” activities, participants will taste homemade soups and “rustic breads” to celebrate and recognize the changing of the seasons. The retreat, according to Boyle, “is about nourishing and self-care and about letting people take themselves and put them in the place that they would normally put other people.”

Boyle added that self-care is important so that a person is able to show up present in all their areas of life.

“You’re no good to anybody if you’re burnt out and tired and crabby,” Boyle said. “Like putting your own oxygen mask on first, so to speak.”

Boyle said that the half-day retreat is the first one Joshua Tree Studio has hosted. She added that she’s been wanting to host a retreat for the past two years.

“Actually, it was on my New Year’s Eve list this year,” Boyle added.

Boyle said that they are currently expecting 12 participants and have room for 16 in total. Those who participate in the retreat will receive “swag bags” that include homemade vanilla and seeds to plant.

“This is giving a little bit of ourselves, too,” Boyle said.

Boyle and Mahler will be giving tarot card readings at the retreat, and angel card readings as an alternative.

Boyle added that if individuals are interested in the retreat but are hesitant, they should come with an open mind. She said individuals can choose which activities they feel comfortable participating in at the retreat.

“Anything that we’re doing, if they don’t feel comfortable with it, it’s not a requirement,” Boyle said. “They can take and leave what they want. But also, I think it can open people’s minds up to things that maybe they’re not aware of … I think that if people came and experienced it, they would realize that it’s just about celebrating the changes of the seasons, celebrating ourselves as human beings, and just learning how to slow down and nourish our bodies.”

Registration costs $100 and those interested in participating can text Boyle at 989-657-9472.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.