Social Distancing | Maple Grove Hot Springs

Exactly one year ago today, we were practicing the opposite of social distancing.

Nearly 40 friends and strangers joined us for a Hail Mary yurt raising of our 30-foot Retreat Center. We cooked, ate, camped, sang and danced, worked, ran kids' camp, and soaked—ALL TOGETHER. We even all got sick together. ⁠

⁠No water, no power, no internet, no toilets, no problem. ⁠⁠

It was our first big project and remains our first new love on this land—none of it possible without social closeness. ⁠

⁠The yurt had no idea what 2020 had to offer. Its soul was incarnated for togetherness. Since birth, it’s convened yoga workshops, meditation retreats, creativity getaways, mothers' blessings, friends' birthdays, and so much more. We estimate nearly 800 people have gathered in her center since our raising. ⁠

⁠Today, one year later, she stands empty but ready.

For now, her retreats have been canceled. Her groups scattered. Her space is silent. The magic memory, however, of people collaborating, learning, growing, laughing, loving, and ultimately connecting inside is very much alive. If not in her walls, then with those of us who meandered inside. ⁠

⁠Nothing is forever, not even social distancing. ⁠

⁠Cheers to everyone who helped raise this space and to those who filled it after!