with Elizabeth Shoop, LPC
Reconnect with yourself, others, and nature at our
Mindful Connections Retreat
Join us for a transformational weekend getaway
August 8-10, 2025
at the historic Old Massanutten Lodge in Keezletown, Virginia.
Nestled at the base of Massanutten Mountain, this retreat offers the perfect space to recharge and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the natural world.
Under the expert guidance of Elizabeth Shoop and Natalie Kerr, you’ll engage in science-backed practices designed to deepen connection and enhance your overall well-being.
Meet your retreat leaders
Since 2021, we have been hosting weekend retreats driven by our passion for sharing the life-enhancing concepts and practices that resonate with us, including mindfulness and authentic connection. We are fully engaged in every aspect of the retreat, cherishing our guests and embracing our roles as your "guides alongside." While we have backgrounds in counseling and psychology, this retreat does not offer professional counseling or therapy.
We are simply two friends thrilled to share what inspires us with others!
~Liz and Natalie
Meet the Team
Explore our venue -
Old Massanutten Lodge
A historic retreat with modern upgrades offers the perfect setting and amenities for a weekend of relaxation, renewal and social connection.
The spacious covered front porch and delightful side patio, featuring a lighted pergola, provide a serene backdrop with the soothing sounds of the garden waterfall. Guests will enjoy wandering through 5 acres of breathtaking Virginia scenery, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Steeped in history, the Lodge showcases its craftsmanship through hand-laid rock pillars and a grand fireplace. The Great Hall serves a welcoming and beautifully furnished area for our group gatherings.
The Lodge has gone under extensive renovations to include a modern kitchen and dining room, among other upscale touches. Great efforts were made to maintain the feel and character of The Old Massanutten Lodge.
"The retreat was soul-nourishing and deeply enriching-- I feel that I've grown as a person from our time together. Liz and Natalie were the perfect leaders to foster deeper connections in a group setting."
"From the beginning, the Sacred Connections Retreat felt warm, caring and safe, even though I didn't know any of the other participants. Over the course of the weekend, we connected deeply and genuinely. I left with a greater sense of belonging and peace."
"I felt safe in being vulnerable and found myself surrounded by lovely, authentic humans seeking genuine human connection. The space was transformative."
What's Included?
We provide our retreat guests with numerous opportunities for interaction, growth and renewal. However, we invite you to personalize your weekend experience by engaging at a level that suits your comfort and aligns with your individual needs and desires.
Connection Circles
Intentionally held spaces where individuals come together in authentic presence, deep listening, and mindful relating, fostering a sense of belonging, healing, and spiritual connection.
Transformational Breathwork
Let Natalie guide you into a state of clarity, release, and renewal, using conscious breathing to unlock stored emotions and cultivate a profound sense of inner peace.
Guided Mindfulness Practices
Gentle instruction for any experience level, fostering presence, relaxation, and self-awareness through breathwork, meditation, and gentle movement in a supportive community setting.
Silence and Solitude
Experience the restorative power of silence and solitude in a natural setting, allowing space for deep reflection, inner stillness, and connection to the rhythms of the earth.
Morning Yoga and
Mindful Movement
Slow, mindful movement and breath-centered practices, promoting relaxation, flexibility, and inner balance in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Nourishing Meals
Retreat guests will enjoy two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners of healthy, tasty cuisine, freshly prepared on-site.
All-inclusive
Option
Premium lodging - $728
Classic lodging $698
Unpack and relax!
Enjoy your choice of comfortable, classic, and well-appointed lodging, where timeless elegance meets modern convenience. Thoughtfully designed spaces feature plush bedding, warm furnishings, and serene ambiance, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating stay. Every detail—from quality linens to curated décor and thoughtful amenities—creates an atmosphere of refined comfort and effortless relaxation.
Retreat Only Option -
$349
Enjoy all aspects of the retreat experience and return to the comfort of home for the night. Lodging and transportation not included.
Sample Weekend Schedule
(Subject to Change)
Friday
3:00 pm Arrival
Greetings and getting settled in
Orientation
Welcome reception with a light meal
Connection Circle
Awe walk
Stories by the fire
Saturday
Morning yoga and mindful movement
Self-serve breakfast
Connection Circle
Transformational Breathwork Session
Lunch
Silence and Solitude
Connection circle
Unstructured time
Dinner
Connection Circle
Fireside gathering and Full Moon Celebration
Sunday
Mindful movement through yoga
Self-serve breakfast
Unstructured reflection time
Connection circle
Lunch
Closing circle
2:00 pm - Adjourn
Q and A
Q: Why should I attend this retreat?
A: If you crave more connection to yourself, to others, or nature, you should join us for Mindful Connections 2025!!
This weekend is designed to provide safe and comfortable space for you to:
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Make new friends (or reconnect with old friends)
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Practice stillness and quiet that allows you to re-center and root deeply into your most authentic self-expression
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Soak up the healing power of natural elements - fire, water, air and earth
You'll come away feeling more connected, cared for, and centered on the things that matter most to you!
Q: What IS mindfulness, anyway?
A: Mindfulness is defined as the intentional act of focusing on the present moment, without judgment. It is a powerful practice that boosts self-awareness, alleviates stress, and builds emotional resilience through heightened awareness and thoughtful responses. We will lead you through gentle meditative practices designed to help you slow down, discover tranquility, and connect with what is most important to you. We designed these practices with beginners in mind, but seasoned meditators will feel at home as well.
Q: Is this a spiritual retreat?
A: Though the retreat is focused mostly on the art and science of mindful connection, we’ll also share some insights from a variety of spiritual and religious traditions. You don’t have to ascribe to any particular religion, or have any certain beliefs, to benefit. We share these insights simply to convey the message that we’re all part of a greater whole.
You'll experience guided meditations, soft music, and inspirational readings from sages like John O'Donohue, Eckhart Tolle, Khalil Gibran, and Saint Frances of Assisi.
Q: What if I don't want to do one of the activities?
A: We welcome our retreat attendees to customize their weekend experience according to their needs and desires. You can sleep in instead of attending the morning yoga class. During the breathwork session, you may choose to go on a forest wander, or read a book. You can adjust any activity to suit your level of comfort and energy. You will never be pressured to participate in anything you don't want.
We do encourage you to attend the circle gatherings, as this is where we dive deeply into our core concepts of mindfulness and connection. But even within those discussions, you're welcome to pass or choose your level of disclosure.
Q: What if I feel awkward or nervous?
A: Spoiler alert! It is absolutely normal and typical for our attendees to feel a little, or a lot, apprehensive and self-conscious before the retreat. Here are some important things to know:
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We recognize that awkwardness is an inherent part of becoming more open and vulnerable. So, we welcome it! We guarantee that you will not be the only person who experiences awkward moments, and we promise to support you through the discomfort, which is short-lived, and often a doorway to a new level of connectedness.
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We lighten the atmosphere with our motto; "We're all weird!" And by weird, we mean mysteriously unique or fantastic. We can't wait to discover the mystery of you! We create a comfortable space to be your unique, fantastic self!
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We will teach you about the "liking gap" - and show you scientific proof that people like you more than you think!
Q: How do I register?
A: We handle the registration process personally, so you just need to reach out to us using the contact form below, or emailing elizabeth@elizabethshoop.com
We will reach out to you directly to discuss your lodging choices and answer any questions you may have.
Then, you will receive a customized invoice, based on your preferred payment schedule. When your invoice is paid, your reservation is confirmed!
Q: How many people will be at this retreat?
A: In order to maintain a high quality of interaction, connection and programming, we intentionally keep our group small. No big rows of chairs for us! We meet in a circle to create a safe and personal container for open, authentic conversations. Typically, we welcome between 10 and 15 guests at each retreat.
Scenes from past retreats...
Ready to
take the next step?
We handle all registrations individually by phone to be sure you have the best experience possible!
Submit this form and we will reach out to confirm your lodging choices and complete your registration, and answer any questions you may have.