Retreats
Upstate New York

RETREATS 2026 | 2027

Groundworks
Gardiner, New York

“Place and space can inspire.”

Join me in this magical location in Gardiner, New York. The home and retreat space of my co-creator and retreats partner,
homebirth midwife and natural foods chef, Kristen Leonard and her husband Frank. 
Groundworks’ primary goal is to provide cost-free residencies supporting people such as
artists and activists who are working on projects that they value.  

Through the seasons, we explore what each moment in time offers, both in the season of our lives and in that of the world around us.
Please read, as each weekend has its own theme and specificity.  Some have guest co-teachers as well.

Movement for body and soul - through embodied and breath-centered practices. 
We gather. We listen, we pause, we breathe, we move. We texture, we re-member.
And through our movement, through our breath, we unfold into alignment, and in this we make magic happen.
We weave. We create a unique space with the energy and the movement of bodies and souls. It has always been about movement. 
Freeing the body, connecting with the soul, seeking the subtle… the ineffable.
From dancer to bodyworker, these retreats are an embodiment of my journey through movement. 
I am thrilled you are here.

Portions of your room and board fees go towards supporting the Groundworks residencies.
Limited scholarships are available; Please inquire by email for info or donations.

For further info and registration, go to Groundworks
Donate here to support Groundworks further

Register for a Retreat

WINTER WONDERLAND

February 5th - February 7th 2027
Starts Friday, 5 p.m. - ends Sunday after lunch

In the quiet of winter, we pause and listen deeply. To the whispers and dreams in hibernation, to the possibility of what is to be born in spring.  
Practices are a perfect blend of active and warming, and of restorative and restful. 
With just 2 days of practice, the winter retreat is the shorter version of the 4 seasons. The cost is lower, but the practice and community are just as rich and full!!


  • What is included

    - Early morning meditation
    - 2 Mindful Movement practices per day (Mindful Flow in the morning; Flow and Restorative Yoga later in the day)
    - Breath, sound & somatic movement practices
    - Writing workshops
    - Delicious meals 
    - Walk in the labyrinth, along the river, through the fields and the woods
    - Soak in the hot tub
    - Take a sauna
    - Relax around the fire pit
    - Daydream in a hammock

  • All fee and registration information on the Groundworks website.

SPRING INTO SUMMER

May 28th -31st 2027
Starts Friday, May 28th at 5 pm,
Ends Monday, May 31st after lunch

With spring at its peak and summer around the corner, we will dive into the fullness of the season. 
With the studio doors wide open, the outside and inside blend seamlessly into one. Practice deeply, play freely, rest fully.  
This retreat fills up every year! Reserve your spot early. 

  • - Early morning meditation
    - 2 Mindful movement practices per day (Mindful Flow in the morning; Mindful Flow and Restorative Yoga later in the day)
    - Breath, sound & somatic movement practices
    - Writing workshops
    - Delicious meals 
    - Walk in the labyrinth, along the river, through the fields and the woods
    - Soak in the hot tub
    - Take a sauna
    - Relax around the fire pit
    - Daydream in a hammock

  • Registration and fee information on the groundworks website.

AN AUTUMN RETREAT

October 9th - October 12th 2026
Starts Friday, Oct 9th, 5 pm
Ends Monday, Oct 12th, after lunch

With autumn at its peak, the beauty of the land is beyond compare. A retreat to slow down, to deepen your practice, and to feel into the passing of the season.

  • - Early morning meditation
    - 2 Mindful Movement practices per day (Mindful Flow in the morning; Flow and Restorative Yoga later in the day)
    - Breath, sound & somatic movement practices
    -Writing workshops
    - Delicious meals 
    - Walk in the labyrinth, along the river, through the fields and the woods
    - Soak in the hot tub
    - Take a sauna
    - Relax around the fire pit
    - Daydream in a hammock

  • Registration and fee information on the Groundworks website.

    https://www.groundworks.space/event-details/an-autumn-retreat-with-lara-kohn-thompson

Register for a Retreat