Emmie Brenzel has over thirty years of experience in holistic health and wellness as a Registered Nurse, Health Coach, Healing Touch Practitioner, Spiritual Director, and Forest Therapy Guide. She has developed and taught classes on Energy Health and Wellness and The Healing Power of Nature. Emmie graduated from the Osage Forest of Peace School of Spiritual Direction and has been Certified as a Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She operates a local business, Ozark Forest Therapy, providing Eco-Spiritual Direction, leading Forest Meditations, and Guiding Forest and Full Moon Walks.
Details of this retreat
Enjoy a peaceful evening at the Forest, while bathing in the celestial energies of this full
moon autumn day. Join Forest Therapy Guide Emmie Brenzel for a slow wander in the
woods with gentle pauses to soak in nature’s healing.
We will witness the fade of daylight, delight in the magic of twilight, and welcome the rise of the Super Full “Beaver Moon.”
Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku, a
wholistic practice which connects participants with their natural world to enhance health
and wellbeing. Participants will be invited to move slowly, listen loudly, awaken their
senses, and activate their imaginations. There will be opportunities for silence and
observation with optional group sharing. This adventure concludes with a tea ceremony.
Indoor and outdoor options will be available to accommodate forest access, mobility
concerns, and extreme weather. Participants should dress in layers keeping in mind
temperatures will be cooler when stationery and temperatures drop quickly after
sundown. Walks will be limited to fifteen participants.
Schedule
Meditation.
Hiking.
Nature.
Labyrinth.
Zen Garden.
FROM TULSA:
Take Hwy 64 West past the town of Sand Springs; exit at 177 West Avenue.
Turn RIGHT on 177 West Avenue and drive about 1 mile to Anderson Road.
Turn LEFT on Anderson Road.
Continue about ½ mile to the entrance to the Shell Creek West housing division.
Turn RIGHT into Shell Creek West housing division.
Turn RIGHT at Lakeview Drive.
Continue until you see Monastery Road.
Turn RIGHT onto Monastery Road until you come to the parking lot for Osage.
Accommodation
Our guest cabins provide a cozy and simple spot in the Forest to focus on what truly matters during your retreat. Many guests comment that they experience deep peace upon arriving at the Forest. Staying in a guest cabin allows you to experience the serene rest that comes with sleeping in the woods.
STANDARD CABINS
Our standard cabins feature a full bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and WiFi access. They include:
Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
Bed linens, pillows, blankets, and towels
Hair dryer
Desk
Dresser
Comfortable chair
Alarm clock
Hand soap
Makeup remover wipes
Tissues
Insect repellent
Umbrella
Flashlights
GUEST HERMITAGE
Our guest hermitage cabin is located in a private spot with big picture windows for looking out at the forest. This cabin features two rooms and a larger bathroom. There is a microwave, small refrigerator, plates, mugs, and eating utensils. A private deck is perfect for experiencing the wonder of the forest in solitude.
This cabin includes:
Twin beds
Bathroom with shower
Bed linens, pillows, blankets, and towels
Hair dryer
Desk
Dresser
Comfortable chair
Alarm clock
Hand soap
Makeup remover wipes
Tissues
Insect repellent
Umbrella
Flashlights
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Entering the Forest is a peaceful experience and you'll have the opportunity to meditate in a beautiful Meditation Chapel with large windows looking out into the woods. Other meditation areas include a traditional Zen Garden, a woodland labyrinth for walking meditation, and an underground meditation chamber (the Cave of the Mothers) with wonderful acoustics for chanting.
Our retreat center also has a trail system along wooded bluffs with views of Shell Lake and downtown Tulsa. You can rent a cabin to experience the peaceful setting overnight for your own personal retreat. Our rental rates include three meals a day in our dining room, where you'll eat alongside other guests and residents of our community. The Forest also offers a full range of programs and retreats on meditation and spiritual topics.
You have a range of options to experience meditation in a way that suits you. You might choose to join our resident community for meditation held Tuesday through Saturday at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, or 4:45 p.m., and on Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in our Meditation Chapel. Here you'll experience a meditation of 25 to 45 minutes with others who can help guide you.
Or, you may wish to simply rake the Zen Garden as you contemplate the prayer flags in the trees overhead. If you prefer to move while meditating, walking the labyrinth or hiking the trails will give you a chance to reconnect with nature. The Cave of the Mothers provides you with a dark, quiet place where you will be amazed by the sound of your chanting reverberating all around you.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Breakfasts are a self-serve buffet style with cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, toppings such as nuts and raisins, hard-boiled eggs, and a variety of milks from dairy to dairy free. On weekends, we additionally offer a variety of breads and toppings for toast.
Lunch is our main meal of the day and is eaten together in community. Before the meal, we all circle around the table for a blessing and to introduce ourselves. Food options typically include a meat, a variety of vegetables, tofu or other protein for vegetarians, salad bar, and a healthy dessert.
Supper is a light meal and is eaten together in community. Food options typically include a hearty soup, a meat, a variety of vegetables, crackers, salad bar, and a healthy dessert.
What's Included
Meals.
Meditation.
What's Not Included
Airfare.
Customer Reviews
4.89 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
The Peace Will be with You
This extraordinary plot of peaceful respite is a sacred gift to give yourself or a loved one. Regular life disappears as you travel down Monastery Lane and doesn’t seep back in until a few days later when you hit the Tulsa line. Checking out is a real need in today’s harsh, overstimulated world. Thank goodness Osage Forest is here to give us all the space & place to truly get away.
5.0
Verified
A gem
A well kept, relaxing retreat, run by very open-minded people. Cabins are in great shape. I hope to visit again soon!
5.0
Verified
Rejuvenated my life!
Attending this spiritual retreat was truly life-changing. My spirit feels rejuvenated, renewed, and at peace in a way I didn’t even realize I needed. The atmosphere was filled with love, healing, and presence.
Jeni is absolutely amazing, her warmth, wisdom, and genuine care create a space where transformation feels natural. I left feeling deeply connected to God, grounded in purpose, and full of gratitude.
If your soul is craving rest and restoration, the forrest is the perfect place to find it.
5.0
Verified
Spiritual, Beautiful, Tranquil Nature
Beautiful, peaceful, spiritual place to feel God’s presence. Solitude.
David and the staff and whole peaceful atmosphere was great! Loved the meditation time on the morning. Loved the 3.5 miles of trails. The labyrinth was a peaceful meditative walk.
We were with a group of 11 and had a meeting room we were able to have meetings and do crafts. My husband and I are coming back soon. Laura Avey Jenks
4.0
Verified
Peaceful Morning
I arrived early and on the entrance door was a sign notifying silence in the assembly-dinning room where people assemble before meeting. The director passed by coming from morning prayer in the chapel. later various people entered and awaited the beginning of the meditation time. I knew no one, so I stood and asked about the meeting place and time. The person graciously answered my question. He was the leader who began the session. Little instruction was given to begin the session, and fortunately I have practiced Zen meditation for many years. Later in the morning the leader gave a short presentation and one idea prompted new thoughts for me. The morning experience was worthwhile, however, a show of hospitality in the beginning would have been welcome.
Last Chance
Top Rated
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Verified
Meditation
Spirituality
Health & Wellness
