Softening Into Wisdom
An Ancestral Retreat for Midlife Women
McElmo Canyon, Colorado
April 8-12, 2026
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Midlife carries its own intelligence. It invites reflection, forgiveness, and a widening sense of responsibility. We soften obligation, and harness the power of presence and love.
This ancestral retreat is for women in midlife who feel called to honor what has shaped them, to soften the weight of what has been carried, and to step more fully into their role as a steady, wise presence within their family and communities.
Through embodied practice, shared reflection, and time on the land working with our ancestors, we create space for wisdom to move through us naturally.
This is a retreat of integration, listening, and quiet remembering.
“We honor our ancestors by choosing what brings life forward.”
Limited Spaces Left!
Step away from the noise & distractions.
Join us in the sacred stillness of Colorado.
Honor your strength, grace, and vitality through the art of ritual and devotion. The Call of the Ancestors is alive and the time to awaken to their support and guidance is forever present.
4 Days & 4 Nights in Colorado
Deepen Devotion Through Ancestral Connection
Through Kundalini yoga, mantra, sacred singing, and gentle ancestral practices, we explore devotion as a lived relationship with lineage, land, and life itself. These practices invite subtle shifts that awaken more ease and the flow of love.
Restoring Energy Through Ancestral Release
Using yogic practices such as breathwork, meditation, kriya, and reflective ancestral work, you’ll be invited to gently release inherited patterns that no longer belong to you. As what has been carried begins to soften, energy becomes more available for presence, clarity, and connection in daily life.
Nourish Yourself in Community
Step into a sacred space of connection with like-minded women. Together, we’ll create a supportive circle for exploration, reflection, and growth, reminding you of the beauty and power of walking this path in community.
“When a woman releases what she's been carrying...
she elevates herself & her entire lineage, seven generations before her & seven generations after.”
This Retreat is For You...
This retreat is for women in midlife who feel the call to slow down, listen more deeply, and tend to what has been carried—personally and ancestrally. If you are ready to soften inherited patterns, reconnect with your inner rhythm, and allow wisdom to guide how you live and relate, this space is for you. It is an invitation into rest, reflection, and a quieter, steadier sense of belonging.
Retreat Includes:
- 4 Days & 4 Nights at Ancient Echoes in Mc Elmo Canyon, Colorado
- 3 Nutritious Vegetarian Meals Per Day (Protein available
- Daily Guided Walks, Kundalini Rebirthing, Mantra, Meditation, Ancestral work, Women's Work & Song Circles
Hosted by the beautiful Ancient Echos Retreat Center in McElmo Canyon, Colorado USA.
Legacy Destination Lodging & Retreat Center Archeological & Horticultural Preserve Human Refuge
This space is a journey & a destination. A place of LOVE with rich, wide-open views.
A hidden gem destination point, off the beaten path and outside of ordinary time, guests describe the place as magical, memorable, an unexpected treasure, a hidden gem: but mostly a sense of place. Many return to Ancient Echoes again and again. Many come as guests and leave as friends.
Located on 38 wild acres nestled in a surprisingly lush, stunning canyon, The McElmo, known for her fruit orchards, seed savers, farmers and vintners. Surrounding and within are significant National Parks dedicated to the exploration and preservation of the ancient cultures that lived here and whose ancestors still do.
Reserve Your Spot!
Come off the beaten path for wildness, story, and sanctuary. Cradled between Sleeping Ute Mountain and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the land is alive with sandstone domes, hoodoos, slot canyons, desert flora and wildlife , orchards, and vibrant gardens.
Walk in the footprints of the ancestral Puebloans, the first farmers here, whose villages, kivas, and granaries speak of ingenuity, care, and reverence for the land.
Descend into a restored kiva or pause by a cliffside granary and feel the presence of those who came before. Birdsong, shifting seasons, monsoon waterfalls, viga rains, and star- filled skies create a landscape of ever-changing moods.
Make a deposit below to reserve your spot today & pay later:
Make a Deposit HERE!
Family Lodge Room
With 3 beds, the largest Main Lodge suite with ensuite bathroom and lots of light. Located on the second floor, this is a generous center room upstairs with a view of the grass boulevard and out to the pines beyond the room. The room is spacious, shady and quiet.
- 1 King Bed
- 2 Twin Beds (tucked in a corner)
- Shared Ensuite Bathroom
- WiFi and A/C
- Bed Linens & Towels Provided
FAMILY LODGE ROOM
King Bed in Shared Room
Reserve 1 King Bed in a Shared Room of the Lodge House with Shared Ensuite Bathroom
$4,097 $3,097
1 Available
PAY IN FULLFAMILY LODGE ROOM
Twin Bed in Shared Room
Reserve 1 Twin Bed in a Shared Room of the Lodge House with Shared Ensuite Bathroom
$3,797 $2,797
2 Available
PAY IN FULL
Deluxe Lodge Room
Spacious suite with a private bath and a beautiful tile shower, a coffee/tea set up, a lovely indoor and outdoor sitting area for 2 and private deck overlooking the Lodge patio. Located in the North corner of the second floor of the Main Lodge and tucked into the top of numerous mature trees. (Pictured with twin beds pushed together for King bed, but only available as 2 twin beds for this retreat)
- 2 Twin Beds
- Shared Ensuite Bathroom
- Private Outdoor Deck
- Kitchenette
- WiFi and A/C
- Bed Linens & Towels Provided
DELUXE LODGE ROOM
Twin Bed in Shared Room
Reserve 1 Twin Bed in the Shared Room of the Lodge House with Shared Ensuite Bathroom.
$3,797 $2,797
SOLD OUT
The Lodge: Tree House 1 & 2
Both of these rooms have an ensuite bath and are located on the second floor of the Main Lodge. One room has a window looking out into the trees while the other is in the South corner with two windows, one of which looks out towards the red cliffs.
- Tree House 1: 2x Twin Beds with Shared Ensuite Bathroom
- Tree House 2: 1x Queen Bed with Private Ensuite Bathroom
- WiFi and A/C
- Bed Linens & Towels Provided
LODGE TREE HOUSE 1
Twin Bed in Shared Room
Reserve 1 Twin in Shared Room in the Lodge House with Shared Ensuite Bathroom
$3,797 $2,797
2 Available
PAY IN FULLLODGE TREE HOUSE 2
Queen Bed in Private Room
Reserve 1 Queen in Private Room in the Lodge House with Private Ensuite Bathroom
$4,497 $3,497
1 Available
PAY IN FULL
Ute Mountain Suite
This is a 2 bedroom suite with full bath, living room with a futon couch that turns into a full bed that sleeps one, a fully equipped kitchen, a private patio with a gas grill and an outdoor table with seating for five. This suite sits directly under Sleeping Ute Mountain and has a breathtaking view of the mountain and the sunset from the porch.
- 2 Private Bedrooms (1x Queen Bed per Bedroom)
- Futon in living room
- Shared Ensuite Bathroom
- WiFi and A/C
- Bed Linens & Towels Provided
UTE MOUNTAIN SUITE
Queen Bed in Private Room
Reserve 1 Queen in Private Room in the Ute Mt. Suite with Shared Ensuite Bathroom
$4,397 $3,397
2 Available
PAY IN FULLUTE MOUNTAIN SUITE
Futon Bed in Living Room
Reserve 1 Futon in Living Room in the Ute Mt. Suite with Shared Ensuite Bathroom
$3,497 $2,497
1 Available
PAY IN FULL
Canvas Tent
White Duck canvas glamping tent equipped with Queen bed, spacious living quarters, wood burning stove, electricity and chest for storing items. Tucked under a huge Mulberry tree with tons of shade, sleep under the stars immersed in the beautiful nature surrounding Ancient Echoes
- 1 Queen Bed
- Electricity
- Wood Burning Stove
- Bed Linens & Towels Provided
CANVAS TENT
Queen Bed in Private Canvas Tent
Reserve 1 Queen in Private Canvas Tent
$3,497 $2,497
1 Available
PAY IN FULL
What's Included
Included in the above reservation costs:
- 1 bed at Ancient Echoes for 4 nights
- 3 Nutritious Vegetarian Meals per Day (protein option)
- Daily Kundalini Yoga, Mantra, Meditation, Ancestral Walks and full program.
NOT included in the above reservation costs:
- Travel to Cortez, Colorado
- Shuttle to McElmo ( $15 from Cortez, $35 from Durango)
- Additional food & beverages outside of retreat meals
- Any healing or massage treatments
Travel Details
Arrival Airport & Shuttle
Located at 14537 CR G, McElmo Canyon, Cortez, Colorado, 10.2 miles outside of Cortez, Colorado in the McElmo Canyon (County Road G) and located on The Trail of The Ancients scenic byway.
We recommend flying into Cortez Municipal Airport (located 15 minutes from Ancient Echoes) or Durango La-Plata County Airport (Located one hour from Ancient Echoes).
Trip Insurance
Even if you think you could never, ever imagine canceling your participation in this amazing retreat, we recommend that you purchase a cancellation/travel insurance policy to protect your investment. >>insuremytrip.com is a company that has a multitude of policies to choose from, including a “cancel for any reason” rider option.
Payment Information
Deposit Notes: Please specify your desired room at checkout. If you make a deposit for a room that is not longer available, you will have the option of choosing another room or receive a refund of your deposit, minus a $17 processing fee.
Payment Plans: After completing your deposit, please email us at audri@shaktischool to confirm with room you would like to reserve. Please note, all payments must be complete by March 8th, 2026
Refunds & Cancellations: Our cancellation policy is strict and firm. 50% of your deposit is non-transferrable & non-refundable. If you cancel prior to March 1st, 2026, you will forfeit 50% of your deposit. If you cancel on or after March 1st, 2026 you will forfeit 50% of your deposit, but may transfer $500+any other payments made towards the next retreat.
Please do not make any travel arrangements before receiving confirmation of registration.
Or, continue reading to see our FAQ's!
About Your Guide
Pauline Drossart
Pauline is a mystic, mother, and artist whose journey into consciousness began with profound loss, which ultimately led her to a path of transformation and healing. After experiencing the deep grief of losing both her mother and grandmother at an early age, she spent two decades in addiction before finding her way to spiritual awakening.
Moving from London to Los Angeles, Pauline discovered a powerful path of self-healing and sobriety, immersing herself in ancient wisdom teachings that would guide her for the next 20 years.
In honoring her lineage, Pauline founded the Shakti School, a sacred space that empowers women to embrace their strength, wisdom, and leadership. Through circle-style gatherings, she creates a space for women to deepen their connection to themselves and each other.
Alongside her husband, Akah, she co-founded Aykanna, a musical duo celebrated for their soul-stirring music. Through their music, Pauline shares the transformative power of sound, healing, and connection with audiences worldwide.
Now living in Costa Rica with her husband and daughter Sahej-Rose, Pauline continues to serve and share the creativity that moves her.
Listen to Pauline's music with Aykanna here!
FAQ's
Q: Is yoga experience necessary?
A: Yes, you will want to have at least begun a practice of yoga. However, the yoga we teach, while challenging to each individual, will be accessible to practitioners at every level.
Q: What time should I plan to arrive/leave the retreat?
The retreat program will begin in the evening on Wednesday April 8th at 5pm. Ideally you would arrive at the retreat center around 3pm to get settled, but feel free to arrive at any point during the day.
The retreat program will end on Sunday April 12th, at 11am so you can book your flight anytime after 1pm but if you need to leave earlier in the day for your flight, feel free to book what works for you
Q: Can I bring a partner or friend?
A: Absolutely! If you have a partner who is a woman or you have a friend who wants to join, yes! Sharing this transformational week with someone close to you is such a gift.
Q: What is included in the price?
A: A shared room or a single room. Your accommodations at Ancient Echoes, all of your meals (with ample vegan and GF options or added protein) and full program.
Q: What is not included in this price?
A: Flights, Shuttle to and from airport to center. Massages or treatments.
Q: Does the center have Wi-Fi?
A: Ancient Echoes provides complimentary WiFi for those who need to stay "connected" during their retreat.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Yoga clothing & hiking clothes. One ceremonial dress. Yoga mats and props are also provided, as are bath towels.
There are no laundry facilities, so we recommend packing accordingly.
Q: Are there places to stay before and after?
A: You may be able to stay a day or more at Ancient Echoes before or after. Please contact a[email protected]
Q: Where do I fly into? What is the best way to get to Ancient Echoes
A:The closest airports to Ancient Echoes are Cortez Airport .
Located at 14537 CR G, McElmo Canyon, Cortez, Colorado, 10.2 miles outside of Cortez, Colorado in the McElmo Canyon (County Road G) and located on The Trail of The Ancients scenic byway.
We recommend flying into Cortez Municipal Airport (located 15minutes from Ancient Echoes) or Durango La-Plata County Airport (Located one hour from Ancient Echoes).
Please contact Pauline at [email protected] with any additional questions.
Have a Question?
Send us an email! One of the Shakti School team members will get back to you shortly. Email us at: [email protected]
