Cultivating Inner Peace in Turbulent Times -- A One-Day Retreat - 5/3/2025

Cultivating Inner Peace in Turbulent Times -- A One-Day Retreat - 5/3/2025

Join Jack Utermoehl and Jere Friedman for a one-day retreat of yoga, meditation, and sound to help you cultivate inner peace.

By Jere Friedman

Date and time

Saturday, May 3 · 10am - 4:30pm MDT

Location

Spiral Light Sound & Meditation Center

Address provided upon registration Grand Junction, CO 81507

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 6 hours 30 minutes

Spiral Light Sound & Meditation Center presents:

Cultivating Inner Peace in Turbulent Times – A One-Day Retreat with Jack Utermoehl and Jere Friedman

📅 Saturday, May 3, 2025

⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

📍 Spiral Light Sound & Meditation Center in Grand Junction, CO (Address provided upon registration)

ABOUT THIS RETREAT:

Stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion have become the norm for many of us. We move through life feeling weighed down, constantly pulled by the next task, the next obligation, the next crisis. But what if you could meet life’s turbulence with a steady mind and an open heart?

Cultivating Inner Peace in Turbulent Times is a retreat designed to help you do just that. In this immersive one-day experience, you’ll learn how to recognize the patterns of thought that create stress and suffering and discover practices that help you break free from them.

Together, we’ll explore:

✔️ How false perceptions shape our reality and how meditation, yoga, and other practices can help us see clearly.

✔️ The power of mindful presence in overcoming distraction and emotional overwhelm.

✔️ How letting go of habitual thought patterns creates space for clarity and peace.

By the end of this retreat, you will . . .

✔️ Feel a Deep Sense of Inner Peace – You’ll leave with a grounded, centered presence, knowing how to access peace even in challenging moments.

✔️ Have Practical Tools for Your Daily Life – From meditation techniques to breathwork and mindful movement, you’ll have a toolkit to navigate stress with clarity and resilience.

✔️ Understand the Hidden Obstacles to Peace – You’ll recognize the mental patterns that create suffering and learn how to shift your perspective toward inner peace.

✔️ Experience Greater Emotional Balance – With guided practices in mindfulness and self-inquiry, you’ll cultivate a healthier relationship with your emotions, allowing you to respond more often than react.

✔️ Feel Reconnected to Yourself – Through reflective journaling, deep relaxation, and meaningful discussions, you’ll reconnect with your inner wisdom and rediscover what truly brings you peace.

✔️ Be Ready to Integrate These Practices into Your Life – This retreat is just the beginning. You’ll return to your daily life with a clear plan to incorporate these insights and tool, so inner peace becomes a way of life—not just a temporary experience.

Activities and discussion topics will include:

  • Gentle Yoga and Restorative Yoga with Jack
  • Meditation and chanting
  • Gongbath with Jere
  • Dharma talks and teachings
  • Journaling opportunities

SOME DETAILS YOU’LL WANT TO KNOW:

  • Register before April 26th to receive the discounted early-bird price of $99. Full price (April 26th and after) is $145.
  • Doors open at 9:30 am. Please arrive by 9:45 to check in and get settled. The retreat will begin promptly at 10:00 am.
  • Please note that lunch is not included. Bring your own lunch to enjoy during a special, meditative group meal break that is part of the experience. A refrigerator will be available to keep your food chilled if needed.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and dress in layers as temperatures will vary throughout the day. As a courtesy to others, please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, scented body lotion, or other body fragrances.
  • You may bring your own yoga mat, blankets, bolster or cushion to sit on, eye pillow or eye mask, and other props. Or, you may use any of the props that are available at Spiral Light. Chairs are also available for sitting if you are unable to sit and lie on the floor.
  • Please bring your journal and a favorite pen for taking notes and journaling. Notepads and pens will also be available.

Reserve your spot today! Space is limited, and this retreat is expected to fill quickly. Invite a friend and share this experience together.

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT: Jere at info@jerefriedman.com or (602) 619-7145

Contagious Disease Reminder: If you are not feeling well for any reason, PLEASE stay home, take care of yourself, and join us next time.

ABOUT JACK UTERMOEHL:

I'm Jack Utermoehl, an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher and YACEP with a foundation in vinyasa yoga, bhakti yoga, and kriya yoga. My journey through yoga began with a search for answers to my depression. Dedicated to the study of yoga, my practice has also led me through Advaita Vedanta and Jungian archetypal philosophy as I overcame my depression.

Since 2015, I have been on a mission to share and teach yoga. My passions, rooted in adventure, exploration, and interconnectedness, have shaped my teachings to open up pathways for others to explore their own hero’s journeys. In 2018, I started the Bhakti House yoga community on the Western Slope of Colorado, creating a supportive space for practitioners to gather and grow together.

In 2022, I founded Asivana Yoga Company to provide high-quality yoga gear, resources, and knowledge to fellow practitioners. Continuing my mission to connect and inspire, I began Bhav Spiritual Jewelry in 2024, offering meaningful, spiritually oriented jewelry at yoga festivals to support spiritual journeys. Through these ventures, I aim to bring people together and share the transformative power of yoga.

Tickets

Frequently asked questions

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for anyone seeking inner peace in the midst of life’s inevitable turbulence. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, struggling with anxiety, or simply looking for tools to cultivate more mindfulness, this retreat offers a supportive space to reconnect with yourself.

I’ve never done yoga or meditation before. Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The yoga and meditation practices will be gentle, accessible, and expertly guided. You don’t need any prior experience—just a willingness to participate at your own comfort level. Modifications and alternative poses will be offered.

What should I expect from the retreat?

You can expect a balanced mix of movement, mindfulness, and discussion. The day will include gentle yoga, meditation, chanting, journaling, and teachings on how to find inner peace amid life’s challenges. The goal is to leave feeling calm, clear, and equipped with practical tools for daily life.

How physically demanding is this retreat?

The gentle yoga and restorative yoga segments are gentle and designed for all levels and focus on relaxation, breathwork, and grounding. If you have physical limitations, modifications will be available. Chairs are provided for those who prefer seated options and props are available.

Will there be breaks throughout the day?

Yes! There are scheduled breaks, including a morning break, a "mindful eating" lunch break, and an afternoon break to allow time for rest and integration.

Where is the retreat located?

The retreat will be held at Spiral Light Sound & Meditation Center in Grand Junction, CO. The exact address will be provided upon registration.

What is the cost of the retreat?

• Early-Bird Registration (before April 26th): $99 • Full Price (April 26th and after): $145

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

You can request a full refund up to 7 days before the program.

Is there a limit to the number of participants?

Yes, space is limited to ensure a high-quality experience for all attendees. We recommend registering early to secure your spot.

What should I bring?

• You can bring your own yoga mat, blanket, bolsters, eye pillow, and other props you like to use. (Mats, blankets, bolsters, cushions, eye pillows, and chairs will be available if you don’t have your own.) • A journal and pen. • Lunch!

What should I wear?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for movement and relaxation. Layers are recommended, as the temperature may vary throughout the day. It is Springtime time after all!

Is food provided?

Lunch is not included, so please bring your own. We will have a "mindful eating" session as part of the lunch break. Please be mindful of strong-smelling foods as we want to maintain a peaceful, scent-free environment. A refrigerator will be available for food storage if needed.

Can I bring snacks?

Yes, you are welcome to bring snacks, but please be mindful of strong-smelling foods as we want to maintain a peaceful, scent-free environment.

Is there a scent-free policy?

Yes. To respect everyone’s sensitivities, we ask that participants refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented body lotions.

Do I have to participate in everything?

While we encourage full participation, this retreat is about your personal experience. If you prefer to sit out a portion, rest, or modify a practice, you are welcome to do so.

Will there be opportunities for personal reflection?

Yes! Journaling exercises and quiet moments are incorporated throughout the retreat to help you integrate what you’re learning.

Will we be in silence all day?

No. While there will be moments of intentional silence (such as the meditation and mindful eating sessions), much of the day will involve discussion, sharing, and guided experiences.

What if I feel emotional during the retreat?

It’s completely normal for emotions to arise during practices like meditation and self-inquiry. This retreat is a safe and supportive space, and you are welcome to step outside or take a break if needed.

Can I take notes during the retreat?

Yes! You are encouraged to bring a journal and take notes, jot down insights, or reflect on the exercises we do throughout the day.

Is this retreat religious?

No. Certain aspects of this retreat may be seen as "spiritual" but these processes are not religious. The teachings are based on yoga, mindfulness, and self-inquiry, which can be adapted to an individual's personal belief system, including those who have no religious belief whatsoever.

Will this retreat help with anxiety or stress?

While this retreat is not a substitute for therapy, it offers practical tools for managing stress, calming the nervous system, and shifting your perspective away from the chaos of our everyday experience toward inner peace.

What happens after the retreat? Will there be follow-up resources?

Yes! You will receive a handout booklet with supportive materials and information. And Jack and Jere will be available for post-retreat consultations. We also may offer post-retreat resources or future gatherings to help you integrate what you’ve learned.

Can I invite someone if I think they might be interested?

Absolutely! This experience can be deeply enriching when shared. Feel free to invite anyone who might benefit from the retreat.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

For any additional questions, please reach out to Jere at info@jerefriedman.com or (602) 619-7145.

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Organized by

Jere Friedman

Jere Friedman, J.D., M.A., CMMI, is an Employee of the Universe – with full benefits! Jere is a Gongmaster, Soul Centered Coach, a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor, certified Breathwork Healer, cacao ceremonialist, and a "recovering" (retired) attorney. Jere  holds a Masters’ degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and uses those skills in all areas of his life.

As a coach, Jere’s life work is to contribute to the evolution of consciousness on Planet Earth by supporting others in finding their own way to joy, fulfillment, and inner peace. Jere teaches Spiritual Psychology, meditation and mindfulness, conscious leadership, spirituality, reclaiming your life from burnout, and related topics. He also regularly facilitates public and private gongbaths, Sound Medicine and Breathwork Journeys, and cacao ceremonies. Playing gongs allows Jere’s “Inner Child” to come out to play and teaches him to be present and focused in the moment.

Jere is available for one-on-one and group coaching, private and small-group sound, breathwork, and cacao sessions. He leads classes, workshops, and retreats and offers public speaking for the general public as well as in professional and corporate settings.

Jere has personally experienced the transformational rewards of reduced stress, increased inner peace and calm, enhanced relationships, improved focus and efficiency, heightened intuition, and living a more authentic life that become available when a person makes a commitment to himself or herself to reclaim his or her birthright. Ask Jere – he’ll show you how easy it is to claim these benefits for yourself!

Please visit www.jerefriedman.com for more information.