JOHN PIERRE'S
3rd ANNUAL
PILLARS OF HEALTH
WELLNESS RETREAT
Held at the picturesque University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL, this 4 day retreat provides the space and support for you to come home to yourself by aligning with a wellness path that is unique to you.
With the support of John Pierre, his team of expert facilitators, and the compassionate community of attendees, you'll find yourself on a path to aligned health and wellness that encompasses so much more than just what you're eating and how you're moving.
Learn more about JP's Pillars of Health, our amazing teachers, and the beautiful accommodations! 👇
The Details
May 22-26, 2024
Our 2024 wellness retreat will once again be an experience you'll never forget!
Your Registration Fee Includes:
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Accommodation: single occupancy accommodation for 4 nights at the serene, tranquil, and picturesque University of St. Mary of the Lake (double occupancy is available, however we encourage you to take advantage of the solitude in order to fully integrate each day's learnings)
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Meals: 11 vegan, plant-centered and delicious meals
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Full Program: a front row seat to our full schedule of activities, presentations, and workshop
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Access: one-on-one time with our expert guests andfacilitators
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4 days of integration, inner exploration, expansion, and deep connection
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the unique opportunity to explore your inner landscape in one of Illinois' most beautiful settings - get centered and cultivate deeper relationships with like-minded attendees and yourself!
What's NOT included with registration
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your transportation from home to the University of St. Mary of the Lake
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any meals you choose to eat outside of the retreat
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off campus activities of your choosing
Questions? Check out the FAQ's
Still have questions? Email pohwretreat@gmail.com
Registration is Open
$1195
Payment Options
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Pay in full: $1195
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To arrange an installment plan, please reach out to pohwretreat@gmail.com.
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If possible, we encourage you to make your payment via cashier's check or money order (preferred), or Venmo (@JPDonation - please don't tag your payment).
Payments accepted via cashier's check, money order, Venmo, or credit card.
Questions? Contact Teresa at pohwretreat@gmail.com.
An Event to Remember
Your Facilitators
John Pierre (JP)
Lifestyle Enhancement Consultant
A pioneer in the brain building field for the elderly, he created the first brain-building programs utilizing a plant-based diet and nutraceuticals over 25 years ago.
With more than 37 years of experience in the nutrition and fitness field, John Pierre has developed cutting edge programs with a blend of science and ancient modalities.
Living with Harmony online and on Instagram!
Maureen Orrico
Yoga Instructor
My love for Yoga and meditation has given me a deep body and mind connection which has helped me in my every day life. As a teacher, my goal is to make everyone feel welcome and to take the weight of life off their shoulders. Practicing Yoga, teaching yoga, and guiding meditation has given me deep purpose and connection to others.
Crystal Kennedy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Certified Trauma Professional
She works somatically and relationally from a foundation of mindfulness and a healthy relationship to self. She has an embodied perspective that is deeply rooted in compassion and uses EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting and many other complementary systems.
Amy Burkman
Live Art Entertainer
Artist, entertainer, activist and speaker. For the past decade, she’s traveled the world entertaining audiences with her electric live painting. Her story of surviving cancer and her passion for helping others fuels her creativity and inspires audiences everywhere.
What are the Pillars of Health?
Nutrition
How and what we feed our bodies is vital to our wellbeing
Environment
What surrounds us has long-lasting and significant impacts to our health
Vitality
Energy and quality of life is what it's all about!
Compassion
Our internal dialogue can either support us or sabotage us. Compassion for self and others is a vital part of the health of our world.
Movement
Making daily life more active and supportive of mobility and function is crucial for overall health
Empowerment
Personal protection, integrity, and compassion contribute to feeling empowered to care for yourself.
What Attendees Are Saying
"You don't know what you don't know. I thought my approach to eating, cognitive clarity, fitness, and sustainability were top notch. I realized there is always room for improvement. John Pierre's wealth of knowledge is endless. I left with new goals and ideas on how to improve.
Being immersed into a stress and judgment-free environment at the Pillars of Health retreat was truly transformative for me. John Pierre and his presenters created an atmosphere that fostered genuine compassion, open dialogues and interactive learning activities for the participants attending from all across the United States." - Gretchen
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"This was an enriching experience like no other and I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking personal growth and meaningful connections in a serene, nurturing environment. It was an unforgettable experience of community building and self-discovery that I will always hold dear to my heart and mind." - Louise
"JP's Pillars of Health retreat helped to reinforce my habits around plant based eating, sustainability, and my overall health and well-being. JP comes with years of experience and practical ways to make changes in your life. The skills and connection I left with were the tools I needed to continue on my health journey." - Len
Accommodations
included in your registration fee
St. Mary of the Lake provides the perfect backdrop for the inner work you'll feel inspired to do!
From the stunning natural views to accommodations that allow you to unplug from the hectic world and plug back into a simpler way of living - and being.
Just what we all need, right?? Sign up for updates below 👇 to be among the first to add this unique, intimate experience to your calendar.
FAQ
Where is the event located? Which airport do I fly into? How do I get there?
The University of St. Mary of the Lake is located at 1000 E. Maple Avenue in the town of Mundelein, IL approximately four miles west of Interstate 94. The closest airport is O’Hare International Airport, which is about 28 miles south of USML.
The main entrance off Route 176 is closed. Please enter campus from Route 45 (Lake Street). This entrance is just north of the Route 176/Route 45 intersection. In your GPS or phone, enter “Route 45 and Dunbar/University Mundelein, IL” for directions to this entrance. Once on campus, please follow the signs or the direction of the Public Safety officers to the Purple Parking lot.
Everyone will have an opportunity to coordinate rideshares with other attendees via the private Facebook group and a spreadsheet of arrival/departure times.
When does the event start?
Wednesday, May 22 at 4:00 pm (check-in)
When does the event end?
Sunday, May 26, 2020 at 3:00 pm
What’s included in the registration fee?
Four nights of private lodging (see Accommodations section here and more info below) and ; 11 vegan (no salt, no oil, no sugar) meals; all retreat programming, which includes workshops, meditation sessions, movement sessions, access to facilitators, discussions with fellow participants, and time to incorporate your learnings and to walk the grounds.
What’s not included in the registration fee?
Transportation to and from the facility, any meals needed outside of the retreat hours, additional purchases from JP.
What is the cancellation policy? Refunds?
Registration is final - no refunds will be available, for any reason. If the need to cancel arises you may transfer your registration to a friend or family member. There might also be scholarship opportunities to donate your registration to, or it will be donated to Living with Harmony. Please email pohwretreat@gmail.com if you need to cancel.
Are accommodations single room or double?
Single or double, however we recommend having your own room in order to have down time to meditate, journal, reflect on the day, etc.
How will I receive communications prior to the retreat?
Updates and information will be communicated via email and text.
Is the campus accessible for those with disabilities or limited mobility?
Yes
What if I need emergency assistance, first aid, or medical attention while on campus?
Security is on campus 24-hours a day, seven days week and
can be reached by calling 847-970-4815.
Can I bring my pet?
No, service animals are allowed with prior approval. Please contact pohwretreat@gmail.com to arrange.
Can my child attend with me?
Campus policy requires that attendees be 18 years or older.
Can I walk or jog around campus?
Yes, time to explore and walk the campus will be built into the retreat schedule, but you are also free to walk or jog outside of retreat hours. According to campus policy, if you walk or jog after daylight hours a safety vest must be worn. Safety vests can be checked out from the Front Desk of the Lodge.
What is appropriate attire/dress code?
St Mary of the Lake is a seminary and their policies require that participants cover all undergarments (for example, a tank top must be worn over sports bras) and tank tops have a shoulder width of at least 2 inches and cover back and sides. Shorts should extend to mid-thigh, dresses and skirts should be a respectful length, shorts or skorts should be worn over yoga pants, and low cut tops and short or tight skirts are not allowed.
Is smoking/vaping or alcohol permitted?
No.
Is there wi-fi on campus?
Yes. Access information will be provided at check-in.
What should I bring? Towels? Soap?
Towels/linens are provided. Please bring any toiletries you might need as well as a hair dryer. There are a few available onsite but we recommend you bring what you may need, if your traveling plans allow for it.
You may also wish to bring a non-breakable water bottle, comfortable clothing, layers to adjust from cool mornings to possible warmer days, notebook/paper/pen/pencil (whatever your preference for taking notes), small flashlight, walking shoes, cash or Venmo for any purchases from JP, and mosquito repellent if you are sensitive to bites – lavender essential oils help with bug bites.
Do I need to have cash, check or credit card?
There are no additional retreat costs related to lodging or food. When purchasing items from JP or other vendors, cash is preferred, and Venmo or check are accepted.
What meals are included?
Wednesday
Dinner at 5:30pm
Thursday
Breakfast at 8:15am
Lunch at 12pm
Dinner at 5:30pm
Friday
Breakfast at 8:15am
Lunch at 12pm
Dinner at 5:30pm
Saturday
Breakfast at 8:15am
Lunch at 12pm
Dinner at 5:30pm
Sunday
Brunch at 10:30am
In addition, courtesy beverage stations including access to coffee, tea, juices, and water are available at the conference center.
Is the food WFPB? Is it oil free? Salt free? Sugar free?
Yes, we have worked with the chefs at the facility to provide for our dietary needs. We will work to also accommodate any allergies.
Can I use the lake?
There is no swimming, boating, or fishing in the lake, however it is beautiful to sit by or walk the trails around campus.