Windy Goat Acres Co-owner Jessica Kettler gets a Thai massage. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SOULFOOD DAVIS

CHELSEA — Good vibes, good times, and animals walking all about, it was the Fall Soul Retreat. At Windy Goat Acres in Chelsea, last weekend was the annual retreat all about calming down, and getting reacquainted with yourself. Catherine Potter from Cedar Falls, owner of Wild Heart Retreats and Events, has been the organizer of the twice-yearly soul retreat since the beginning.

“The intention is all about being present, community, and enjoying nature, art, good food, amazing people, animals, and getting connected with yourself,” Potter said about the retreat.

As Olive, the resident chef, had veggies cooking on the fire, and some event goers enjoyed the company of the goats, others simply relaxed in the shade.

The weather was perfect for the event, as Potter noted.

“I think it’s been really beautiful so far, the weather has been wonderful, the people have been really relaxing and nourishing vibes so far,” she said.

Fall Soul Retreat organizer, Catherine Potter, left, gives a reading. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SOULFOOD DAVIS

The soul retreat is a place where people go to re-center themselves and have a calm weekend. Potter talked about what she hoped people took away from the event.

“New friendships and maybe they’ll try something new. A lot of people had said that they incorporate that into their daily life, different practices and reconnecting with yourself, feeling just energized and inspired and relaxed,” she said.

So, next year, if you are feeling overwhelmed, under pressure, and you want to tap back into yourself, keep an eye out for the Soul Retreat. Usually, the retreats are held in June and October out at Windy Goat Acres. Go out, pet a goat, keep calm, and meet some new people.

You can find all of Catherine Potter’s events listed on her website www.wildheartlove.com

Some Soul Retreat goers enjoy time with the goats. PHOTO BY MICHAEL SOULFOOD DAVIS