True Nature Retreat
The Great Smoky Mountains, TN
July 31 - August 3, 2025
ALIGN to THRIVE.
YOU'RE INVITED
to our 7th annual True Nature Retreat
This 3 night / 4 day retreat is set away in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, allowing us to disconnect in order to reconnect. The location gives us a chance to immerse ourselves in the simplicity of nature - giving us a break from our hectic lives while restoring and rejuvenating ourselves back to our center in order to rediscover our True Nature.
We will be learning and practicing Vinyasa Krama & Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation techniques, and Ayurvedic studies; how to live your best possible life through routine, healthy habits, and food as medicine. In addition we will spend time journaling, hiking, adventuring, relaxing, and building intentional community; the feeling that life is best when shared.
Getting deeper into the classes you will learn how to discover freedom and discipline in Vinyasa Krama, rejuvenate & re-energize yourself from the inside out with Dynamic Hatha, reconnect to your center through Breathwork and Meditation, find peace and calmness within the simplicity of nature, practice gratitude for the food that nourishes you, and discover how to align yourself with Ayurveda's approaches to healthy living in order to truly thrive within your day.
This yoga retreat is a great opportunity to remind yourself that YOU MATTER, and you ADD VALUE to this world. You cannot give what you do not have, therefore this retreat will enable you to refill your cup so you can be the best version of yourself for you, your family, friends, community, and this world. You are worthy of creating and developing a path of ultimate health, happiness, abundance and whatever else you deeply desire - allow your journey to begin or continue with this True Nature Retreat.
True Nature Yoga Retreat 2019
"Carole is an absolute angel and amazing host/teacher. I couldn’t have asked for a better first yoga retreat. During her classes she gives options for all yoga levels, assists you in postures & is always willing to help if needed. I can’t wait to return to another one of her retreats!"
Lexi G. | Georgia
"The yoga retreat was everything I wanted plus some. Beautiful atmosphere with an aurora of great people. Perfect place to clear the mind, learn new routines and meet new friends. I love how this yoga retreat brings everyone together no matter how long you've been practicing."
Jessica E. | North Carolina
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything you see here is included in the prices listed under accommodations.
3 NIGHT / 4 DAY ACCOMMODATIONS
Choose from 3 accommodation options below, ranging from BYO Tent to Private or Shared Yurts.
ALL MEALS
All meals are holistic vegetarians foods prepared with love and intention. Learn more in the"about the food" section below.
DAILY
YOGA CLASSES
Yoga practices will consist of Vinyasa, Hatha, or Core, Strengthen & Stretch. All classes included Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation.
OFF THE MAT WORKSHOPS
Let's go beyond the Asana with some 'Off The Mat' Workshops. We will dive deeper into Yoga Philosophy, Ayurveda, The Purushartas, and more. These workshops are intended to give you better understanding of yourself so you can live a life of true meaning and fulfillment.
CACAO CEREMONY
2 hour Cacao Ceremony including ceremonial grade cacao and personalized ceremony. *This is led by the owners of Seven Springs, Jesse & Zach who are well versed in the traditions of this ceremony and lead it from a place of honor and love. It is a retreat favorite!!
FIRE CEREMONY
The element of fire is responsible for Transformation; as we allow the old to burn away, we provide a space for something new to blossom, and transform into who we desire to become. This ceremony will include meditation, journaling, and connection.
DAY HIKE
Abrams Creek hike is the closest National Park trailhead to Seven Springs. It provides many beautiful trails filled with lush vegetation and classic hiking along streams through Hemlock forests. *This trail has become a favorite of past retreat participants!
FREE TIME
Free time for whatever your heart desires & your soul is craving!
NOT INCLUDED:
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Transportation to and the from the center.
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Additional food or drinks
A NOTE FROM CAROLE:
Welcome!
This will be my 7th retreat with Seven Springs - I just can't stay away! It has become a favorite amongst my students due to its unique and special atmosphere. It is the perfect place to retreat if you are looking to get off the grid for a few days and reconnect with yourself, as well as some other incredible human beings.
True Nature Retreat will consist of a variety of yoga practices, Ayurveda's approach to healthy living, workshops on and off the mat, intuitive dance, a cacao ceremony, hiking, healthy vegetarian meals, and ample free time. All of this is here to help you live your best life!
I am here to remind you through the teachings of Yoga & Ayurveda that you are powerful beyond all measure; you are the creator and director of your life, therefore you have the capacity to make changes when needed and become the version of yourself that you truly desire to become. This weekend will help you gain the tools and wisdom to return to this incredible power you already hold within.
Much love,
Carole the freespiritedwanderer
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU:
The wanderer, wonderer, adventurer, explorer and yogi / yogini looking for some space to reset, renew, and restore yourself in order to reconnect with your True Nature.
You seek to live a life that is in alignment with your values, beliefs, and intentions so you can thrive within your days.
You love nature, being outside, exploring new places, diving deeper into the practice of yoga as a whole, meeting other like-minded people, and having time to yourself where you can reflect on how to live your most balanced, healthy, and happy life!
3 THINGS YOU WILL GET OUT OF THIS RETREAT:
1. An opportunity to deepen and expand your yoga practice on and off the mat, enabling you to live life with more authenticity, meaning, and fulfillment.
2. A chance to disconnect from the outside world, and reconnect with your inner-world. When you are provided with a space to become still & silent, you are able to access your own inner-wisdom which guides you towards living a life in alignment with who you truly are.
3. A deeper understanding of Ayurvedic studies and how to honor and support your own true individual nature so you can live a long, happy, healthy, balanced, and thriving life!
ABOUT SEVEN SPRINGS:
Seven Springs is a retreat center featuring seven natural springs on 126 acres of family owned land in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. near Maryville, Tennessee, Nestled deep in a hollow with trees all around it's easy to forget that we're just 20 minutes away from the Knoxville airport. The land Seven Springs rests on is also some of the most ecologically diverse in the country. The high elevations of the Smoky Mountains are a temperate rain forest with over 17,000 species of plants and animals. The incredible biodiversity of the region adds to the abundant richness of Seven Springs.
Vision: Seven Springs Holistic Retreats is a place of natural abundance and cultural diversity where people learn how to create holistic sustenance for themselves and their communities.
Mission: To provide an innovative and transformative space for local and global communities to experience high quality holistic education and experiences.
What's on the land: Eight residential yurts, open air yoga shala, outdoor fully equipped kitchen, fire circle, bathrooms with water-saving toilets, sinks and showers, camping, a 7 course Labyrinth , Natural Springs, Oma's Tea Garden and ample on-site parking.
ABOUT THE FOOD:
FRESH FROM THE FARM. ORGANIC. VEGETARIAN.
We understand that we are what we eat, literally. We value providing organic, clean and local foods that nourish our bodies, minds and spirits. At Seven Springs you will enjoy three meals a day, lovingly prepared, with plenty of nutrients and proteins. Examples of meals may be a breakfast of organic oatmeal or pancakes with fruit, nuts, seeds, and sweet toppings of your choice; a lunch of build your own burritos with all the fixings, and a dinner of a nourishing soup or coconut cashew curry with rice and salad,
We also provide teas made with our homegrown herbs, as well as organic, fair trade coffee.
You are always welcome to bring snacks if you like. We ask that the snacks be kept in a special place in our kitchen and no food eaten in the yurts. If you enjoy animal proteins, we suggest bringing jerky or bone broth. We ask that you do not bring meat that needs to be cooked. The food we provide is well balanced with various protein sources to keep you full and energized throughout your stay!
Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate.
Wade N., North Carolina
Carole’s retreats are AMAZING, I have participated in two. She brings her PASSION, PURPOSE and MESSAGE much wider and deeper. Everybody gets filled and leaves feeling renewed and perhaps knowing themselves a little better. In addition friendships are made. I highly recommend experiencing Carole’s retreats!
Rachel S., New York
This retreat, unlike the others, was a challenge to go outside of my comfort zone. I’ve never been one to enjoy or spend a lot of time in nature. This retreat helped me appreciate the beauty of silence, and of being unplugged. The food was delicious, the conversations were intriguing and waking up surrounded by the beauty of East Tennessee will not be forgotten.
Thank you, Carole.
Nate T., North Carolina
I am so grateful for the True Nature 3.0 Retreat at the beautiful Seven Springs in Tennessee. Carole's energy and presence is magic in and of itself and her knowledge of the body, mind and spirit is greatly appreciated. I bought my first tongue scraper after the retreat and also love how she explained that our evening rituals affect our morning ritual. I want to thank Carole for her openness and opportunities to play. I always feel like I can be open and myself in her presence. It is a quality of holding space for others that not everyone has and thankful to know her and have her in my life.
CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Each yurt is decorated with traditional textiles and artwork from the countries that our family frequents. The yurts are fully furnished including electricity and outlets. We use 100% organic cotton sheets and towels. Each yurt has fans for the heat and extra blankets for the cool nights.
All accommodations have shared bathrooms with hot showers and water saving sinks and toilets.
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PRIVATE YURTS sleeps one in a queen bed.
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SHARED YURTS sleeps 2-4. One queen is provided for couples, or single beds for solo travelers / friends. This option is great for couples, friends, family members, or solo travelers who do not mind sharing with others. *Please note in your registration the name(s) of who you desire to share with, otherwise you will be placed with other solo traveler(s). *Prices are per person
A Few Things To Note:
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Early Bird Pricing (saves $200); Pay in full by April 30, 2025 to be eligible for early bird pricing.
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Regular Pricing; Pay in full by May 31, 2025.
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Any sign ups after May 31 will be required to pay in full upon registration.
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The following prices reflect "What's Included" from above.
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All Pricing is per person.
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Payments plans available upon request, please click HERE to inquire.
EXPLORE ALL FSW RETREAT:
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FSW RETREAT
CANCELLATION POLICY & TERMS
All deposits and payments made are non-refundable.
Any cancellations done 91 days or more prior to retreat start date: Participants are allowed a single transfer of their deposit to another FSW Retreat within the same calendar year.
Any cancellations done 61-90 days prior to retreat start date: The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. The balance (total cost minus the deposit) is not refundable, however, participants are allowed a single transferable to a future Free Spirited Wanderer Retreat within one year.
Any cancellations done 0-60 days prior to retreat start date: All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Free Spirited Wanderer is not responsible for any of the following, and there will be no refunds nor discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, injury, or illness. For additional protection due to any unforeseen circumstances, it is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance at the time of booking the retreat.
Retreat Final Balance Late Payments: If your invoice is Early Bird Pricing and your payment is not received within 48 hours of your original due date, your invoice will move to Regular Pricing and be updated with your new due date plus the dollar difference between the pricing. If your invoice is Regular Pricing, and your payment is not received within 48 hours of your original due date, a $200 late fee will be added. **Any final balance payments not received within 120 hours of your original due date may result in a forfeiture of your booking.
