Of Sound, Rhythm & Movement
A 4-Day Holistic Retreat for Unprecedented Times

West Tennessee | May 14 - 18, 2025

A Journey of Transcendence - Immerse yourself in the healing power of sound, unlock your inner rhythms, and transcend the ordinary in our ever-changing world.

Nestled in 400 acres of pristine privately owned land, our four-day retreat invites you to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner expansion.

This immersive experience is meticulously crafted to guide you away from the clamor of everyday life and into the depths of your inner being. As you detach from the mundane, you'll find yourself traversing the hidden pathways of sound, energy, breath and consciousness. While these sacred tributaries converge, they create a powerful confluence of inner wisdom and vibrational harmony.

In this space of profound stillness and rhythmic movement, you will discover new dimensions of yourself, expanding your awareness and tapping into reservoirs of peace you never knew existed. The gentle guidance of sound and rhythm serves as a backdrop, facilitating your journey inward and outward, enriching both your personal growth and our collective human experience.

Awaken your senses, embrace and ignite the magic of your inspiration, and excel to new heights. Join us for an unforgettable journey towards wholeness, healing and fulfillment.

Lovingly tended and fueled by unerring dedication by its founders Adam and Diane over the past three decades, Gray Bear Holistic Retreat Center, nestles in the lush, rolling forests of West Tennessee's picturesque hills.

This idyllic haven, a labor of love and dedication, provides the perfect backdrop for profound healing, deep relaxation, and boundless inspiration. Surrounded by nature's embrace and soothing whispers of the forest, each carefully crafted space within the center reflects the passion and care invested in its creation, making it a truly unique sanctuary for personal growth and rejuvenation.

Hosted in this richly warm, rustic retreat which seamlessly reveals the empirical healing of nature, pure air commands the awareness of breath and pure water reflects the overarching image of serenity. Stone hearths with roaring fires, and long twilight walks complete the richness found in the blending of nature with sonic alchemy.

The Retreat

Explore a transformative excursion into your “Inner Garden” during this unique and creatively crafted workshop as we delve into the realms of sound, imagery, and breath.

Surrounded by nature, find yourself being immersed in a symphony of transformative sounds emanating from the human voice, gongs, singing bowls, flutes, drums, handpan, the didgeridoo, and other instruments and…discover the resonance of your own voice as you explore the intricate frequencies of "Intentional Being".

Wednesday 5/14 - Arrival

  • Arrive at Gray Bear Lodge between 3:00 to 6:00 pm and get settled in accommodations

  • Dinner: 6:15 pm 

  • After dinner, meet Gray Bear staff and orientation to space, welcome and intention setting by workshop facilitators

  • Followed by an hour + long Sound Bath Meditation

  • Alternatively: soaking in tubs, or… off to sleep

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

  • Early morning sitting practice / yoga (optional)

  • Wake up bell: 7:00 am

  • Breakfast: 7:30 am

  • Morning Class at 9:15 am - 12:15 pm (see facilitator and description below)

  • Lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 pm

  • 1:30 to 4:00 pm break time, ideal for hiking the trails, introspection, massage, bodywork, sauna, hot tub soak, hike to waterfall, rest, or gallery visit

  • Afternoon class 4:00 - 6:00 pm (see facilitator and description below)

  • Dinner: 6:15 pm

  • Followed shortly thereafter by an hour + long Sound Bath Meditation, or alternatively after dinner relax time, community, soak in tubs, evening walk

Sunday 5/18 - Departure

  • Early morning sitting practice / yoga (optional)

  • Wake up bell: 7:00 am

  • Lite Breakfast: 7:30 am

  • Class and open Q & A: 8:30 - 10:30 am - led by all three facilitators - organically revealing findings gathered during the previous days

  • Closing circle and intention setting 10:30 am

  • Lunch / Brunch: 11:15 am followed by checkout

The serene environment, coupled with the group’s energy will ultimately drive the organic unfolding & natural flow of our time together. Therefore, please consider the above as our guideline, more to be revealed there.

Your Presenters

Gabriela Ramirez de la Mora

  • Thursday morning

    Manifestation – Part 1: Creating a New Foundation toward the Life you want to live through 5 practices

    Together we will go through a journey beginning with the foundation of your current life. From there, we will move up through a multi-dimensional journey including mind, body, emotions, and your essence, to pre-pave the new path in resonance with your heart and dreams as the new foundation supportive of the life you want to live.

    Acknowledging and understanding the components of each unique mind’s hologram, we will experience the alchemy of transmuting those in order to support your process of creation and manifestation.

    The purpose is to do the practices for the integration of the new thoughts, emotions, imagery, and to feel the connection with the divine energy of your Higher Self in connection with Source through sound.

    Friday morning

    Manifestation – Part 2: Balancing, Transmuting and Healing, towards lasting Satisfaction and Bliss

    We will feel the alignment of our two dimensions as Human Beings: the doing (our ideas, dreams, plans, and wishes) and the Being (the meaning and depth), as the basis for conscious manifestation, and deep and lasting satisfaction and happiness.

    We will understand the difference between manifesting from the level of consciousness vs. the level of the conditioned mind (mostly focused on the “Individualistic doing”) which generates among other things: progress, competition, separation, jealousy, frustration, fear, control, suffering, the feeling of never enough, lack, greed, co-dependence or addictive behavior, violence, destruction, etc. All being directly opposed to manifesting from the level of Infinite Love, freedom, consciousness, and Presence, which generates the clear feeling of being part of the whole, oneness, collaboration, creation, harmony, evolution, integration, fulfillment, joy and bliss.

    During the practice, you will feel the opening of our energy channels, and the release of energy blockages to allow Universal Energy, or Qi, to flow through you. You will experience the transformation of the residual effects of our conditioned mind attached to old emotions, to reach the level of infinite love, consciousness, expansion, and creation through sound: with the sound of your heart as a foundation, the sound of gongs, flutes and voice we will generate frequencies of love, freedom, beauty, expansion, and joy.

  • Gabriela is a multifaceted professional, blending roles as a Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Singer/Songwriter, Musician, Gong Master, Mindfulness and Spring Forest Qigong practitioner and Healer.

    Hailing from Mexico City, she developed a deep appreciation for her culture, while also witnessing societal challenges, particularly towards vulnerable groups.

    Gabriela's academic achievements include master’s degrees in Integral Psychology, focusing her thesis on “Psychotherapy and Gongs for the Integral Development of Children with Brain Paralysis and Autistic Traits.”

    Alongside her bachelor’s degree in communication, she earned certifications as a Life Coach, Human and Universal Energy (HUE), and Spring Forest Qigong Healer.

    Her impactful book "Un Minuto para Ti" (2008) was part of a widespread campaign across TV, radio, and print media, aiming to provide tools and motivation for personal well-being. For 17 years, she moderated national television programs, enriching cultural dialogues and promoting holistic wellness.

    Driven by a desire to directly serve communities, Gabriela collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health on initiatives like "Health Ambassadors in Social Media" and engaged with the Carlos Slim Foundation, offering conferences and workshops for employee wellness.

    Now based in Chicago, IL since 2015, Gabriela, along with Marian, facilitates meditative and transformative sound journeys with Delamora Transformational Experiences. She also provides Psychotherapy and Mindfulness combined with sound baths, extending her expertise to individuals, small groups, corporations and associations such as PCNA, offering bilingual in-person and on-line courses, as well as Guided Meditations with healing sound in both English and Spanish.

    As a committed Public Speaker and a Mindfulness Coach, Gabriela continues to empower others to achieve balance and fulfillment.

    To learn more about Gaby please visit our About page

Frederick “Frijon” Johnson

  • Thursday afternoon

    The Sound Journey of Self Care and Intentional Being

    This is a journey of deepening our relationship with our vibrational Inner Garden of Intentional Being. We will learn the techniques of Inner Toning, the power of the frequency of Affirmative self-Talk, and the reframing of our intentionality as Healers, to include the importance of our own health and wellbeing in the processes we offer to others. This practice is based on principle of The TRIANGLE OF HEALING… The Song of the BREATH, The frequency THOUGHT, The frequency of SOUND. Healer, Heal Thyself!

    Saturday morning

    Sacred Sounding of The Seeds of The Lotus & The Quiet Calling Mantras

    Introducing SOTL and QC Mantras from the Bogolanfin West African Inspired Sound and Breath Healing practice, as a sounding pathway for personal and communal empowerment, healing, and union of body, mind, and spirit.

    Each of the above are a study unto themselves, but this retreat can serve to create a foundation from which participants can build both a personal and/or client-based healing practice. All are experiential.

  • Fred Johnson is an artist and educator dedicated to the journey of creating spaces and experiences that express our respect for and support of honoring life and all living entities.

    The fact that he has opened for both Aretha Franklin and Dr. Deepak Chopra points to his versatility as an artist and healer. An acclaimed jazz vocalist, sacred chanter, storyteller, author and arts educator, Fred is a graduate of the National Academy of the Performing Arts as well as the Master Performers School of the National Mime Theater. He has opened for or recorded and toured worldwide with jazz and R& B legends Ramsey Lewis, Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins, Christian McBride, Richard Elliot, George Benson, Boney James, Joe Zawinul, Ottmar Liebert, David Sanborn, B. B. King, Patti LaBelle, Herbie Mann, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat Adderley and Miles Davis.

    He is recognized globally for his work in the health and wellness community as well as his extensive work in international Interfaith peace and reconciliation. He served as Deputy Executive Director of Intersections International, a multi-faith, multi-cultural initiative of The Collegiate Church of New York for ten years and led their international outreach, utilizing the arts, meditation and dialogue that specifically addressed challenges in communities around the issues of bias, exclusion and cultural conflict. Since the mid 1980’s Fred has worked in communities throughout Tampa Bay, empowering children and adults in creative ways, to celebrate the richness of who they are, to dream big, lift their voices and come together to work towards making the experience of living in Tampa Bay culturally rich, inclusive and inspiring.

    His presentations on the healing power of music have caught the attention of internationally recognized holistic health practitioners and the medical community. Fred presents lectures and seminars re-accentuating the importance of creative expression and the sharing of story as catalysts for personal and communal empowerment, health and healing and giving voice to the voiceless. He is a leading voice in the national conversation regarding Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access and chairs committees for The International Transformational Leadership Council, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida and The Stella Adler Center for the Arts in both New York and Los Angeles.

    Mentored by spiritual masters of the African oral and percussion legacy, Fred has been hailed as one of the true guardians of an oral tradition transplanted and nurtured to create a fusion of cultural heritage that is uniquely American and inherently African. His global presentations of "Jazz, it's Roots and Branches" has served to inform and inspire audiences around the world to recognize and celebrate a creative global tapestry set by the first woven thread sown from the artistic richness of Africa. Fred currently serves as Artist in Residence, Community Engagement/Diversity and Equity Specialist and coordinates the Arts and Health initiative at The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. He was the first artist to perform at the Straz Center when it opened in 1987 and served as the Vice President of Education and Humanities from 1996 to 2005.

Marian Kraus

  • Friday afternoon

    The Unfolding Process of Inspiration

    Step into the realm of inspiration, where the desire to express oneself ignites a transformative journey. Whether it's a gradual contemplative buildup or a sudden revelation, inspiration sparks creation in myriad forms – from art to music, from lifestyle changes to culinary creations. Deeply personal and rewarding experiences that can lead us to achieve great and unexpected results.

    We will delve into the essence of inspiration, focusing on the pivotal role of the second chakra and the vital energy that fuels our creative endeavors – be it known as Chi, Prana, or Life Force. We will shed light on the resonance that emerges between us, the sculptors of our lives, and the subject, fueled by this potent universal energy.

    However, inspiration isn't without its challenges. We will uncover the role of Resistance and learn how to identify and harness it, transforming it into the state of flow – that magical point where creation effortlessly unfolds. Embrace your creative potential and allow inspiration to guide you towards extraordinary self-discoveries.

    Saturday afternoon

    To be announced

  • Marian is a visual artist, commercial and fine art photographer, and Sound Practitioner

    Born in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, Marian's family escaped from behind the Iron Curtain to West Germany in August 1968, during the Prague Spring invasion. This sudden upheaval left lasting psychological imprints, intensified by the oppressive atmosphere of communist rule.

    Struggling to integrate into West German society, Marian grappled with a profound sense of not belonging, exacerbated by the prevalent German culture of alcohol consumption. Gradually, his reliance on alcohol as a crutch and eraser deepened.

    After pursuing an industrial business degree and working for a major German industrial conglomerate in a variety of sales and marketing related functions, he sought adventure and transferred to the company's Chicago subsidiary in 1985. However, his dependency compelled him to seek a lifestyle change.

    In 1990, he embraced a 12-step recovery program, intensifying an ongoing journey of inner exploration and metaphysical discovery. Encouraged by an inner voice urging him to pursue his hobbyist photography, he left his corporate career in 1999 to become a full-time commercial and fine art photographer.

    With an early passion for rhythm and hand drumming, Marian expanded his creative pursuits to include the therapeutic use of gong sounds in 2011. Motivated by personal transformation, he founded ‘Gong Sound Healing’ shortly thereafter, later evolving it into ‘Delamora Transformational Experiences’ with Gabriela's partnership, aiming to inspire others towards positive personal change and increased self-awareness.

    To learn more about Marian please visit our About page

In addition to the daily sound baths offered throughout the retreat, each class incorporates sound-based elements and practices

Prices include all tuition, sound baths, yoga, meals, lodging and full use of facilities

Available accommodation options

Standard shared lodging in the Main Lodge

  • Dorm room with 4 twin beds available at $1,225 / person

  • Stained Glass room with 4 twin beds available at $1,225 / person

  • Jewelweed room with 3 twin beds available at $1,225 / person

Note: Dorm and Stained Glass ideal for all women/same sex as person walks through Dorm room to access Stained Glass

The Main Lodge hosts all shared lodging spaces. Rooms are clean, spacious with hand chosen quilts, comfortable, and cozy. Restrooms are on same floor, just outside of room. Rooms upstairs; walk down spiral staircase for breakfast or meditation

Rooms with double occupancy

  • Azalea room with 2 queen beds available at $1,255 / person

  • Sage room with 1 queen and 1 full bed available at $1,255 / person

Note: Large rooms located in the Main Lodge

Private Room

  • Indigo room with 1 queen bed available at $1,325 / person

Note: Indigo room is ideal for couple, special circumstance or private room in Main Lodge as needed

Signature Private Cabins

  • Mud Palace, Sunrise and Valley View, each with 1 queen bed available at
    Single occupancy $1,520
    Double occupancy $2,745 (= ttl. rate when a 2nd person joins)

Note: Lovely, modern with artisanal design, mindfully nestled into GB’s natural campus creating privacy while still a very short stroll to the Main Lodge, hot tub or bodywork facilities. Large bay windows, private 1/2 bath, queen bed. Can be shared with friend or enjoyed solo

Deluxe Private Cabins

  • Buddha Bungalow and Lotus Loft, each with 1 queen bed available at
    Single occupancy $1,610
    Double occupancy $2,835 (= ttl. rate when a 2nd person joins)

Note: Elegant simplicity, floor to ceiling windows bring the forest to you, private full bath, deluxe queen bed, organic splendor, spacious and silent. Bath robes provided

Premiere Private Cabins

  • Falling Leaf Temple with 1 queen bed available at
    Single occupancy $1,625
    Double occupancy $2,850 (= ttl. rate when a 2nd person joins)

Note: Gray Bear’s newest addition: A one-of-a-kind portal to pure bliss. Dedicated to sacred rest it features: hand cut artistic creation with 16 meditation bays, queen sleeping, full shower, private bath, amazing softly filtered light, copper ring of balance. Sweet silence. Organic linens. Toiletries and Bath robes supplied

Forest Haven Shared / Two Person Cabins

  • Cedar and Pleasant View, each with 2 twin beds available, requires double occupancy
    Double occupancy $2,670 (each pays $1,335)

Note: Each requires minimum of 2 guests. Featuring sink and drinking water, large windows, lovely forest view. Short walk from the Main Lodge. The fully equipped bath house is very close and shared by these two cabins. Designed for two kind friends to share a cabin together with separate beds

Summer Cottage

  • Artist’s Way with 3 twin beds available at
    $4,020 (requires 3 people occupancy = $1,340 each person)

Note: Gray Bear’s original artist retreat cabin, located just outside the Main Lodge has a full private bath with claw-foot bath tub, luxurious bamboo outdoor shower immediately outside, sitting room, 3 twin beds upstairs in the sleeping loft

Examples of the lodging arrangements in the Main Lodge and Private Cabins

from $1,225.00
Main Lodge Rooms:
Quantity:
Add To Cart

NOTE: All bookings are subject to final approval

from $1,520.00
Private Cabins:
Quantity:
Add To Cart

NOTE: The Private Cabins are subject to limited availability, on a first come first serve basis.

Meals

All meals at Gray Bear are made fresh in house, with the main ingredient, LOVE

The staff at Gray Bear takes your health and the health of our planet into consideration with each meal by using fresh, organic ingredients, locally sourced. The meals are hearty, delicious vegetarian with many pure vegan and gluten free options.

  • Breakfast options include farm fresh eggs & fantastic organic locally-sourced coffee made with Gray Bear spring water

  • For dinners, fish is served occasionally. If you have allergies or are on a special diet, we will do our best to accommodate you

  • Gray Bear composts all food scraps, tea bags and tissue / napkin type paper

Who is the retreat for?

  • Individuals seeking a transformative inner journey in a serene supportive community and environment

  • People choosing to strengthen their self-understanding

  • Those liking to enhance their creative expression

  • Anyone wanting to disconnect from life’s stresses, seeking the healing energy of sacred lands

Why choose this retreat?

  • Healing - overcome and transmute past hurts and limitations

  • Inspiration - recognize Resistance and replace it with Flow

  • Vision - identify and feel resonance with manifesting your dreams

  • Presence - connect with endless possibilities for growth and expansion

  • Bathe in nurturing, masterfully multi-layered soundscapes

  • Plus…so much more

Portal to insight, clarity, inspiration and enlightenment

Learn more about the far reaching benefits of wellness retreats at Unplugging for Wellness: The Healing Power of Retreat Workshops in Nature's Embrace

Additional Photo Gallery

 FAQs

  • Gray Bear has 400 acres of forest land, numerous fresh clear springs, hiking trails, a wonderful wood fired sauna, a stone hot tub for soaking, a dedicated hand cut stone Watsu pool surrounded by tropical gardens, an amazing free-standing yoga room with state of the art rope wall.

    Prices includes all tuition, meals, lodging and full use of facilities.

    GB provides hand picked massage therapists for your retreat. Therapists are paid directly with check or cash. Reservations are taken with an old-school small community/info/sign up board in place on porch for guests to sign up as they arrive or during retreat. Rates vary according to length of session and modality, but are consistent with Nashville prices.

  • Gray Bear is a rustic retreat center with an emphasis of under promise - over deliver. And while rustic, hot showers are available and all towels and linens are provided. The rooms in the Main Lodge are large, clean and comfortable with restrooms immediately across the halls. Most rooms in the Main Lodge are shared double occupancy. The retreat center is for adults only.

  • No pets, drugs or alcohol. GB is firm on no alcohol, which includes wine. GB is a nonsmoking facility, which includes vaping. We believe in the power of the breath to bring health to the body. Enjoy pristine clear air filtered by thousands of trees.

  • Full payment will be required to hold your space.

    For cancellations from 8 weeks to 3 weeks out THERE IS NO REFUND, however we will credit your payment to another workshop in the same or following year. For cancellations within 3 weeks of the start of the retreat there is NO REFUND AND NO CREDIT. Your reservation may be transferred to another person. Cancellations must be received in writing.

  • Gray Bear is located near Hohenwald in the South West of Tennessee, and about a 9 hour drive from Chicago. The exact address will be shared prior to the retreat. The closest airport is Nashville, TN (BNA), about 1:45 h away.

“The knower of the mystery of sound knows the mystery of the whole universe.”

— Hazrat Inayat Khan

“Music is the mediator between the life of the senses and the life of the spirit.”

— Ludwig van Beethoven

“Ah, music, sacred tongue of God! I hear thee calling and I come.”

— Confucius