Breath & Ink Retreat
June 10-13, 2027
Four days of yoga, journaling, writing, and sharing among community.
The Breath & Ink retreat takes place at Three Pines in Petersburg, Illinois (a 3-hour drive from Chicago or a 30-minute drive from the Springfield airport). The retreat offers yoga classes twice per day, journaling exercises, writing prompts, workshop space, opportunities for sharing your work, and home-cooked plant-based meals. Everyone is welcome, especially beginners.
If you're new to writing or yoga, this is a space to explore words and movement in a safe + collaborative environment. If you're an experienced writer / yogi, this is an opportunity to network, hone your craft, and ask any professional questions you may have about either industry.
Breath & Ink is hosted by Morris McLennan, the founder of Flannel Yoga. Morris is a grad student at Carnegie Mellon University where he is working on an MFA in Dramatic Writing. He publishes Myo Magazine, a yoga-themed literary magazine. When he is not in school, Morris lives in Chicago and teaches daily yoga classes.
"Most fun I have ever had in a yoga class! It was so warm and welcoming and joyful" -Krystal H
Yoga Philosophy:
I've been practicing yoga for over 10 years and I am familiar with a number of styles. I learned how to teach at Chi-Town Shakti in Chicago and I try to honor that lineage. I teach in both English and Sanskrit, mostly because it would be very strange to take ballet with no French! I don't believe yoga teachers are healers. Any healing you seek is either within you already or at the doctor's office. For me, the goal of yoga is to understand the scope of my autonomy over my body and mind. And to generally feel less bad.
I have some continuing ed in accessibility and trauma-informed yoga, but I could always learn more. My teaching accommodates all learning styles and I always offer multiple versions of each pose so you can choose which option works for you. If you have any access / teaching questions, please reach out.
Writing Philosophy:
I have a BFA in Playwriting from DePaul University and I am working on an MFA in Dramatic Writing at Carnegie Mellon University. During this retreat, I will offer some of the generative exercises and optional feedback processes that I've practiced within my own career. Everyone writes messy first drafts and that is good! Allowing ourselves to not worry about if our work is "good enough" is the first step to having more fun and making interesting work.
Since the goal of this retreat is to generate new pages, you do not have to bring in any drafts or ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What if I am not a writer? What if I don't practice yoga?
That is OK! This retreat is open to everyone, and everything is both optional and suitable for beginners.
Can I split a room with a partner or friend?
Yes! You and your plus one can each pay a discounted rate to split a room. Email hello@flannelyoga.com to inquire about rooms with twin beds / queen beds.
What is the food situation?
We provide plentiful homemade plant-based meals and snacks. Please email hello@flannelyoga.com if you have requests or restrictions.
What should I bring?
Bring clothes you can move in and whatever you like to write with. Everything else is provided.
How much does it cost?
The retreat is $555 per person. This includes housing, meals, yoga classes, and writing workshops. A lower rate is available if you plan to share a room with a friend or loved one.
How do I get there?
The nearest airport is in Springfield, IL. You can take a taxi from the airport or drive. If you want a ride from Chicago, please email hello@flannelyoga.com to arrange transportation.
What is the area like?
Three Pines is tucked away in the woods, but only a ten-minute walk to town. Petersburg has a number of cafés, bars, gift stores, and parks to explore.
Flannel Yoga