Ladies, come to Montana and fill yourself up with time in nature, nourishing mindfullness practices, and local plant-based food among other women who “get it”. Give back as you fundraise the cost to attend, which helps subsidize the cost of Riding On Insulin camps for kids with T1D. Return home a brighter version of yourself.
Ever heard the saying: "You can't pour from an empty cup?" Yeah, I've been there, too.
I know that feeling of overwhelm when you start your day staring at an insurmountable list of responsibilities that keeps getting longer.
I know that listless glance out the window, wondering how much longer you can last at your current capacity.
I know that fleeting desire to throw up your hands, quit, and book a one-way ticket to a far-away place just to escape it all.
I also know that feeling of Type 1 diabetes knocking on the door of your life at the most inopportune moments, leaving you wishing you could take it away from someone you love.
Although I don’t live with T1D myself, my family is no stranger to it. And the one thing I know for sure?
Regardless of our connection to T1D, we are all stronger together.
Hi, I'm Mollie Busby. In addition to serving as ROI's Operations Director, I'm a yoga instructor and teacher trainer, owner of three yoga studios, and loving supporter of my husband, Sean (founder of Riding On Insulin), who lives with T1D.
I’m proud to introduce you to Riding On Insulin's newest fundraise-for-a-cause event: Sweet Retreat. Whether you’re a mom of a child with type 1 in need of a serious reset, a woman living with T1D on the brink of burnout, or a gal with a vision to change the world (minus the motivation to actually get started): I feel ya, sister.There comes a time when we need to stop, take a hard look at our life, and reboot.
After one weekend in Montana at Sweet Retreat 2020, you’ll be able to think clearer, better manage your family's (or your own) relationship with T1D, and best of all? No lectures. No keynote speakers. No medical jargon. Sweet Retreats are intimate, boutique gatherings that use yoga and mindfulness, hiking, good food and like-minded company in the most incredible places to help you fill yourself up, give back and shine bright.
Ladies, it’s time to fill that empty cup — this Sweet Retreat is for you.
ON THE AGENDA
Imagine having the time to meditate daily — and real-time instruction on how to do it!
Afterward, you cozy up in a comfy chair outdoors, enjoying a cup of piping hot, locally roasted organic coffee while you journal your intentions for the day.
You have the space to notice the warm sun and a gentle Montana breeze on your face. You look out at sweeping views of the Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park and beyond, awaiting the day’s transformational morning yoga class in a magical ranch setting with all the creature comforts you need, and then some.
Oh... and the incredible quiet, without city noise pollution.
And you don’t need to take a week off work to make this happen. Simply leave Thursday morning, arrive home Sunday night.
During our 4 days and 3 nights together, you’ll be challenged (in the best way!) by interactive and incredibly fun deep-dive inquiry sessions to get to the core of how you want to feel on a day to day basis— regardless of your circumstances with T1D.
You’ll laugh, dream, learn and plan in the company of other women who are working through the same discovery process alongside you, and who understand you from that deeper level of shared human experience. There's no experience with yoga or mindfulness to attend — we teach to every ability level, and we meet you where you're at.
We’ll spend time hiking around the Flathead Valley, taking in the views and experiencing radical aliveness away from the distractions of cell phones and computers.
Discussion sessions and hikes are balanced out with ample freedom to chill, roam the massive, magical property with majestic views, abundant wildlife, and sacred sites.
Although you’ll be close to nature at Dancing Spirit Ranch, you’re also just 10 minutes away from Whitefish by car, and 10 minutes from Glacier Park international airport by car, so if you arrive or depart with time to spare, you can easily explore our quaint downtown to your heart’s content. Evenings at the ranch feature a more restorative, gentle yoga practice, designed to reset your nervous system and fill your cup till it runneth over.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll fuel up with nourishing, locally-sourced plant-based cuisine, custom crafted to give your body the most balanced fuel so you can think, see and move clearly for the weekend.
Sometimes all it takes is a few days in nature to give you the boost you need — but this isn’t a “vacation from your life” where you’re sad to leave after 4 blissful days in Montana. Oh no. You’ll leave this retreat with the best gift of all: A brighter version of yourself, with the tools to change your life for the better.
You’ll be excited to get home and get in the driver’s seat of your own life, and tackle whatever T1D throws your way, whether you have it yourself, or you’re supporting others with T1D.
To support you beyond our time together, you’ll be connected to a new sisterhood of women that you’ve spent this time with.
And most of all, you’ll get your life back with a full cup — and the knowledge to keep it that way.
THE LOCATION
Dancing Spirit Ranch is a magical spot nestled 10 minutes outside Whitefish, Montana and 10 minutes from Glacier Park International Airport.
It's a peaceful yet dynamic place of conscious co-creation between man and nature, where the earth elements and the natural cycles of life are given center stage in the incredible beauty of Montana.
The stillness and simplicity we will experience here cannot be found elsewhere. Come feel the rhythm of your heart while breathing deeply in connection with nature.
This family-owned ranch has a rich history going way back before the Cross Family bought it over 25 years ago. Previously home to the Half Moon Mill, remnants of the past are often found throughout the property. From antique dinner plates, to railroad artifacts surfacing in the tilled crops, to the barn that we now congregate in today, this ranch is constantly merging the past with the present. Not only does each building hold a story, but many of the details scattered throughout hold one as well. There are many present day creations that you will find on the land that also hold great significance. With nature being their greatest inspiration, this family has dedicated their lives to the well being of this land. They grew organic crops for nearly 20 years; now only a couple alfalfa fields remain, while the rest of the land dances with forests, tall grasses, a gentle river and ponds.
Meet some of the places you'll call home for our 4 days together...
The Schoolhouse
This is where we'll gather, practice yoga, and do our meditation and inquiry sessions together.
This re-creation of a traditional one-room schoolhouse was carefully crafted in 2012. The dimensions were taken from one of the last existing original schoolhouses in the Flathead Valley. As usual, each element of detail carries its own story. The bell in the tower came from the Midwest, the native wall hangings are baby blankets from Pendleton Woolen Mills, and the gongs that vibrate the room come from Switzerland. This large room is ideal for gatherings of all types. It has hosted workshops, spiritual retreats, indigenous wisdom gatherings, dance sessions, kids camps, and many more. Most of all, it has delighted guests of all ages as they played ping-pong, bean bag and generally raised a ruckus.
The Barn
This is where we'll share coffee, tea and meals together. The Barn is the heart of the ranch. The central portion was moved from the middle of the fields where it formerly graced the ranch for over a hundred years. The two side wings were added in 2012, as was the large central fireplace. All the ranch meals are prepared and served in the Barn. The three farm tables in the dining room are pleasant spots to partake in the family style offerings that the ranch chefs prepare according to your dietary needs. The loft library has a game table and two stuffed chairs for easy enjoyment. The fireside lounge is a cozy place to have a cup of tea or review the day’s adventures before sitting down to dinner. The Barn is sure to provide some of your fondest memories of Dancing Spirit Ranch.
The Bunkhouse
Lodging option #1
This unique, stable-like building has seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and three lounge areas surrounding the central hall with its clerestory ceiling. Each bedroom has a large window-wall faced with weathered barnwood and hand-plastered walls elsewhere. The rooms are outfitted with a queen, twins or bunkbeds and covered with organic cotton sheets and thick Pendleton blankets. The shared bathrooms offer showers or a relaxing tub to soak away the day’s exertions. The sitting lounges provide a choice of places for conversation or reading in easy chairs, loveseats and couches. The bunkhouse is just steps away from the dining and recreation facilities.
The Cedar House
Lodging Option #2
This four bedroom, three and a half bath cabin is built on the far shore of the large 14-acre pond. It has natural cedar siding and a long porch facing the water. It also has a private lawn on the water’s edge. The bedrooms have a variety of bed types and two have en suite baths. Three bedrooms are on the second floor and the master is on ground level. There is a full kitchen and dining area. The living room is surrounded by windows on three sides, providing excellent views at any point of your day, and has a brick fireplace to keep things cozy. This cabin houses the ranch office and is only available on special arrangement. The Cedar House is near the ranch gate and is a few minutes walk from the main ranch compound.
The Little White House
Lodging Option #3
This one bedroom cottage is right beside the large pond. It was once located a mile away next to the Halfmoon Schoolhouse. It was built as the schoolmarm’s living quarters. Once it was moved, a new bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette were added. The front porch was also extended to take advantage of the mountain views across the pond. Waking up in the queen bed as the sun rises over the mountaintop and shines in the window is an exhilarating experience you won’t want to miss. The living room has wicker furniture with comfy cushions and a small eating area. The large porch has a dining table and wrought iron patio seating. This little house is in the village, yet feels like a world of its own.
FUNDRAISE TO SUPPORT CAMPS FOR KIDS WITH T1D
FUNDRAISING
This retreat doesn’t ask you to pay your way... rather, we ask you to fundraise for a cause that’s near and dear to all of our hearts.
Take what you need in Montana, but give back to the cause that got you there.
By fundraising for Riding On Insulin using our easy-to-use partner fundraising website, Classy, you’ll rest assured that your trip to Montana is not only a needed boost for you, but also provides necessary life experience for kids with T1D at our action sports camps around the world.
Fundraise the minimum and pay for your own flight and transport to the ranch out of pocket, or fundraise more and get the entire trip covered from take off to arrival back home.
Only 18 spots are available on site.
Shared Room - 12 Available Queen Private Room - 5 Available Private Cottage with Queen Bed - 1 Available No flight, transport or lodging needed - a few spots available
A Classy Fundraising Page + a $500 USD nonrefundable donation to that page is required to secure your spot. Yes, the $500 USD counts toward your fundraising total! All fundraising goals are shown in Classy in US Dollars, and all flights must be within the USA. If you're coming from Canada or abroad and want to come to this event, please reach out and we can custom-craft a fundraising goal for you!
All fundraising minimums must be met by June 1st, 2020 for guaranteed flight bookings, and by July 1st, 2020 to attend.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Lodging, including all linens and towels
4 days of dynamic programming with Mollie Busby, from Thursday at 3pm through Sunday 11am
Daily hiking excursions around the Flathead Valley
Three locally-sourced, plant-based meals a day, from Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast, including coffee/fruit after meditation, and unlimited tea/coffee throughout the weekend. (Dietary needs can be accommodated!)
Yoga Mats and props to use
All manuals and journals for inquiry sessions
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Flight to Kalispell (Glacier Park International Airport) — unless your package includes it
Transport to Dancing Spirit Ranch — unless your package includes it
YOUR HOST
MEET MOLLIE BUSBY
Mollie Busby is a driven entrepreneur with the spirit of a summer camp counselor and a kind, midwestern smile. Mollie is a seasoned yoga and meditation teacher and off-grid home builder with her husband, Sean. Although the pair now calls Alaska their home, the have deep roots in the Flathead Valley, and Mollie commutes back to Montana to manage her three yoga studios called Yoga Hive.
Wherever they are, the Busbys choose to live close to the land off-the-grid and pursue their life’s work. The pair started Riding On Insulin, which Mollie ran as Executive Director for 7 years, until Sean took over in 2017. It was then that Mollie shifted much of her focus to Yoga Hive, and now, to Yoga Hive Studios, taking the brand beyond Montana. Yoga Hive is known for its inviting vibe, friendly instructors, and willingness to show anyone that yoga is for everybody and every body.
Regardless of the method, Mollie sees her purpose on this planet as cultivating community in small groups of women — whether in a yoga retreat setting or during the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings she runs in Montana, Colorado and beyond. She enjoys spending time outdoors skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and playing with their three dogs all year round, Daisy (a Weimaraner), Glacier (Border Collie/Great Pyrenees Mix), Milo (husky/Shepard mix), and Powder (Alaskan Husky).
She and Sean have built a dynamic off-the-grid homestead in the heart of Whitefish that’s been featured on HGTV, the DIY Network, Discovery Channel, Yahoo News, Daily Mail, and more.
Hailing originally from Wisconsin, Mollie brings to Montana her warm, midwestern hospitality mixed with a wide range of yoga training. Her teaching draws inspiration from the Baptiste Yoga community, Unnata Aerial Yoga, and a mix of Tantric Kriya and mantra-based meditation from Sattva Yoga Academy at the foothills of the Himalayas in India.
This unique mix gives her classes a magical feel, with a love for teaching the basics to anyone willing to learn, layered with a profound gift of teaching for transformation.
