October… and the trees are stripped bare, of all they wear, What do I care? October.. and kingdoms rise, and kingdoms fall, But you go on… And on… Welcome to our renowned Retreats/Calendar page, the special spot where just about all the FAQs of The Higher Haven can be answered and registration happens for all of our classes and retreats. We’ve been threatening for years to get way out ahead of the outward world’s incessant din, that chaotic clamor that keeps everyone so busy out there. And we’re happy to report our 2026 Spring Retreat Season is already taking shape, with registration open for our Spring ‘26 Noble Silence Meditation Retreat Weekend (NSMR) and a full season of offerings up soon all the way through Summer next year. But if you’re in more immediate need for some respite and relief, this month’s classes and retreats may be just what you’re seeking. We’re embarking on our full Fall NSMR this weekend, however, there’s still a chance to jump into our Signature Meditation + Mindfulness 101 coupled with overnight stay options the weekend of Saturday, October 18th. And we’re offering a very special FREE day of wild, wetlands yoga in nature just to celebrate and introduce our new teacher Kellie L; all you have to do is register or Contact Us. And while November’s Ceremonial Purification weekend is full and closed to public registration, we’ll be doing our final Ceremony of 2025 in early December to welcome winter and the serene season. We’ll be offering a final Silent Night Holy Night Holiday Ho Down, and may even plan a Celebratory January 2026 New Year’s Retreat before our February Winter Break to welcome the new year of the horse.
More soon my good Oyates (People). Until then, here’s the mighty Katie McB. on her visit during our Summer NSMR in July: “I recently attended a Noble Silence Meditation Retreat, skillfully and lovingly led by Paul Tootalian. My husband, who has an established meditation practice, invited me to join, and although I have been an ardent yoga practitioner for decades, I was nervous because I had limited experience with what I thought of as traditional meditation. But I quickly realized that this retreat was at the very heart of what my yoga practice has been pointing toward. Postural yoga helps prepare the body and mind through movement and breath, creating the stillness and openness needed for meditation. I knew this intellectually, but after our weekend, I more deeply understand that connection and sameness between the movement of yoga and the stillness of meditation. Paul is a true spiritual guide—not only offering thoughtful, well-planned instruction, but also creating space for each participant to discover their own path within the silence. At the end of the weekend, I felt both sadness that this experience had come to a close and a deep sense of renewal to carry with me into daily life. The Higher Havenis a special place and I am very grateful for my time there.” -KM
ON FLYING TO (THH)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, MI, USA is your best route. You can also book through Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int. Airport (AZO) or South Bend, Indiana, Int. Airport (SBN), all three air fields averaging 44 country miles from our 494 63rd. St. South Haven, MI 49090 address. From there, an Uber or cab can assist in completing the final leg of your journey. For those up for more of a Midwest adventure, fly to Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) Int. airport, then rent a car to make the breezy, 94-mile, two-hour cruise up the Lake Michigan shore. Remember to turn your watch back, saving an hour as you go from Central to Eastern Standard Time at the Illinois-Michigan border. We wish you safe travails, much joy in the journey, and promise you a warm welcome to South Haven, Michigan, Midwest USA, one of the most serenely healing spots on planet Earth, across the Universe & entire Milky Way.
RE: RENTING THH
We are officially not a For-Rent Retreat Center. The Higher Haven does not host groups, organize meals, or have other teachers we don’t know, whose teachings we’re unfamiliar with, lead our retreats. That said, if you uphold a teaching you’re certain would behoove your students and ours, and wish to host an event, workshop, or weekend at one of the most pristine places around for personal practice, transformation and psychological healing, we encourage you to contact us. We’re open to working with other reputable healers and yoga teachers with whom we feel in energetic accord. Holding an open-hearted, open-minded approach to all people and paths, we invite you to experience one of our classes or retreats rooted in our very special form of mindfulness, by way of ancient ceremonial purification. We’re receptive to and respectful of other ways to wellness, worship, and spiritual work, and so look forward to connecting with you.
“I’m a committed yogi practitioner and have dreamt about attending a retreat longer than I’d like to admit. My friend, God Bless her, found a hidden gem in South Haven, Michigan. I had some initial reservations, but once I arrived and scoped out the house and property, I was completely at ease. The home and its surroundings had such a peaceful and mystical energy about it, that I felt safe and comfortable immediately. What I then experienced will be locked in my memory as one of my fondest memories, and on the list of one of the most pivotal moments of my life. I had NO expectations coming in, but when I left, I was a different person.
Now, I feel loved, connected, I want to express love, I appreciate everything and everyone, I forgive those that have wronged me, I feel rooted, strong, focused, grounded, and excited to start my day. The list goes on and on… I went in needing the noise to quiet the silence and came out needing the silence to quiet the noise. What I received from one weekend; most people will never experience in a lifetime. Thank you, Paul, RoZie and The Higher Haven. I can’t wait to return and continue my practice.” Namaste, Shannon
Our Return Policy is very straightforward and generous. If we cancel a retreat, class, or workshop for any reason on our end, we return your payment in full. If you cancel or need to reschedule your visit for any reason on your end within one week of a retreat or class — note that this would be the Friday night one week prior to the start of a retreat or the Saturday Noon one week prior — you have the option to (1) receive a credit to the same retreat in the future or receive a credit in the amount equal to the program fee to apply to another retreat, or (2) for orders less than $500, we return your payment minus minimal internet transaction and administrative fees of $50.00. For orders over $500, we return your fee minus minimal internet transaction and administrative fees of $100.00. If you cancel after the seven-day cut-off, there’s an administrative fee of $150 subtracted from your payment Any cancellations within 72-hours of a retreat, class or workshop — note that this would be Wednesday at Noon for a Saturday overnight or Tuesday at midnight for Friday evening start — The Higher Haven has no obligation to issue any credit or refund due to the inability to fill your reserved spot. Thanks for your interest and help in upholding mutually healthy, respectful business parameters ~ we look forward to seeing you soon. Toksha