Laura Mac
Return to the wisdom of your body
At this Berkshires lakehouse, retreat practice is built around the body’s everyday signals: light, breath, movement, water and food. Small-group gatherings combine active breathwork, a fire ceremony and a closing Sound of Soul session, alongside direct access to the lake and time among forested surroundings. Cold-water immersion is part of the experience, while meals are whole-food and protein-forward, with timing intended to support steady energy. The kitchen serves nose-to-tail cooking, locally sourced where possible, and can accommodate many dietary needs on request, including vegetarian, pescetarian, gluten-free and nut-free meals. The format is more immersive than a conventional meditation weekend, with physical practices and shared meals shaping the group’s time together. The venue has free Wi-Fi, towels and parking. Laura Mac’s retreats run by donation; ask about upcoming dates, sleeping arrangements and specific dietary needs before booking.
Highlights
- Active breathwork paired with movement
- A fire ceremony for symbolic letting-go
- A Sound of Soul closing session
- Nose-to-tail meals timed around the body’s needs
Good for
Setting
The retreat takes place at a private lakehouse in the Berkshires, with direct access to the water and forested natural surroundings. The setting gives the program a close connection to outdoor elements, including lake and cold-water practices.
The practice
The retreats bring together active breathwork, movement, time in water, fire ceremony and sound rather than following a named meditation lineage. Sessions are designed to involve the body as well as attention, with shared meals and the natural setting forming part of the experience. Beginners can ask Laura Mac about the pace of each practice and any options for adapting it.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat. Expect the experience to revolve around active breathwork, movement, lake or cold-water time, shared nourishing meals, and a fire ceremony or Sound of Soul closing; confirm the exact rhythm with Laura Mac.
Accommodation
The venue is a private lakehouse, but room types and sleeping arrangements are not described. Ask Laura Mac about lodging details before booking.
What to bring
Pack layers and a waterproof outer layer, especially in the wetter spring and autumn months. Bring swimwear for lake and cold-water sessions, plus comfortable clothing for breathwork and movement.
How to get there
The Berkshires are about 2.5 hours by car from New York City or Boston and 1.5 hours from Hartford. Car rental is recommended, and full directions are shared after booking.
Nearest airport: Albany International Airport (ALB) (53 km)
Albany International Airport (ALB) is approximately 53 km from the center. Car rental is recommended; full directions are provided after booking.
Nearest city: Albany
Retreats run by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Ask Laura Mac about suggested contributions and what they cover.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Aug, Jan, Sep
Avoid: May, Oct, Apr
The Berkshires have a cool annual average temperature of 7.8°C, with the warmest months in June through August and the coolest in December through February. May, October and April tend to be wettest, so conditions can vary substantially by season.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What should I expect during a retreat?
The experience can include active breathwork, movement, cold-water immersion, a fire ceremony, a Sound of Soul closing and shared meals. Ask Laura Mac for the agenda for your dates.
Can I attend if I am new to breathwork?
The retreats include active breathwork, but no experience requirements are described. Ask Laura Mac about the pace of sessions and any adaptations that may be suitable for you.
Can meals accommodate dietary needs?
Meals are whole-food and protein-forward, with vegetarian, pescetarian, gluten-free and nut-free options among the listed dietary needs. Contact the host about your requirements before booking.
How do I get to the lakehouse?
Car rental is recommended for reaching the Berkshires. Full directions are shared after booking, and guests can coordinate arrival plans in a discussion group.
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