Ground to Crown: A Midsummer Yoga Retreat

MONTROSE - 1884 On The Bluff hosted the Ground to Crown: Midsummer Yoga Retreat on Saturday, August 1st. A full-day experience, locally held in Montrose, guided by Benny Saint James of Primal Origin Holistics.

A retreat designed to activate and balance the chakras through yoga, nature immersion, intentional nourishment, deep conversation, and stillness. 1884 On The Bluff, a historic wedding venue, hosted a similar half-day retreat in August of 2025.
Saint James, located in Keokuk, offers private sessions centered on yoga, massage, sound therapy, and holistic healing. He has a few more yoga classes for those interested in getting involved. Follow Primal Origin Holistics on Facebook for upcoming yoga opportunities and to learn more about holistic healing with Benny.
His favorite part of this retreat is getting to share things people do not think of as yoga, such as emotional intelligence, communication, and creative expression.
“I hope that today demystifies these concepts that can be seen as confusing or uber spiritual. And now they have the knowledge and experience to continue this work at home on their own. These practices have a lasting impact on how someone interacts with the world and others around them in a huge way. It all helps us make a little more sense of our being human, which can be very hard some days,” he said.
Leah Sutcliffe, invited by her friend Jess, thought the Ground to Crown retreat would be a good way to slow down and do something for herself.
“The retreat was good! It was a good reminder to connect with my body, be present, take in my surroundings, pay attention to what I eat, and find productive ways to communicate emotions and set boundaries,” Leah Sutcliffe said.
Jess Sutcliffe, also an event attendee, signed up wanting to take the time to slow down and check in with herself. Sutcliffe wants to incorporate yoga back into her routine and make time for things that fill her cup.
“I’ve always liked yoga, but I haven’t been consistent in my practice lately, and my body can tell," she said.. “It was a lot of fun to connect with others. Plus, I love JoDee and her venue.”
Doug and JoDee Krotz opened the barn doors of 1884 On The Bluff in 2018. The two met as kids and got married in Texas in 2010. The two now run this charming wedding venue available from mid-April through October. 1884 On The Bluff is also introducing a new concept: a June Micro Wedding Experience. An intimate weekend for three couples to celebrate intentionally in a “simple, meaningful way.” Although the 2027 Micro Wedding couples have already been selected, there is hope this will continue in 2028.
JoDee’s passion and creativity are evident through the curated events she coordinates. Doug and JoDee hope to always create experiences that feel intimate, meaningful, and just a little different from everyday life.
“One of our guests told us today, ‘this retreat was the highlight of my summer,’ and that was all we needed to hear. Whether it’s a wedding, a concert, or a retreat, we want every gathering at 1884 On The Bluff to leave people feeling more connected-to nature, to each other, and to themselves,” said JoDee Krotz.
The rainy Saturday didn’t take away from the experience either.
“Even the rain became part of the story today, reminding us that some of the most beautiful moments happen when we embrace what nature gives us,” said Krotz. ​
Don’t worry, the next romantically envisioned event is just around the corner. 1884 On The Bluff is hosting a Bluff Music Session featuring Dan Fester on September 12 from 6:00-10:00 pm. There is still time to buy tickets for a night of live music, wood-fired pizzas from Coal Haus 337, enjoying golden hour, cocktails, a sweet dessert from Hinterland Dairy, and more. Doug and JoDee are labeling it an evening meant to be savored. Make sure to follow their Facebook page and keep an eye on their website to enjoy a new local experience.