One of the questions I often ask my clients when we’re first getting to know each other is: “What do you do for fun? What do you do when you want to do something that is just for you?”
More often than not, this question is met with a blank stare. Who really has time for fun? Or space for doing something purely because it fills your own cup? In today’s world, with endless responsibilities and constant demands, the answer usually feels like nothing.
The truth is, carving out intentional time for ourselves often gets buried beneath the never-ending to-do list. Parent or not, working outside the home or not, thriving financially or just getting by,it’s all too easy to fall into the pattern of only keeping our heads above water. I’ll be the first to admit: even though I know better, I don’t always do better.
So when a friend mentioned a yoga class at the beautiful St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, MI, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to press pause and give myself a morning of space. Twice a month, St. John’s hosts yoga with Jenn Douglas from White Buffalo Yoga Studio. And this week, I finally made time to check it out.
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A morning of yoga, calm, and quiet luxury in Plymouth, Michigan
Walking through the St. John’s Resort’s main entrance, I was immediately struck by its elegant, calming atmosphere. Everything felt intentional, immaculate, pristine, and steeped in history. Originally built in the 1940s as a Catholic seminary, the property evolved into a family and conference center before transforming in 2000 into the luxury resort it is today. Its grounds are breathtaking: manicured gardens, sweeping emerald green lawns, and a forest-lined championship golf course. Inside the historic charm radiates— beautifully balanced decor with modern updates and sophisticated details.
The yoga class was held in the Pavilion, a bright, spacious room wrapped in windows that frame serene views of the surrounding grounds. Natural light streamed in, creating the perfect backdrop for an hour of grounding movement and breath.
White Buffalo Yoga class led by Jenn Douglas at St. John’s Resort
As I entered, I was welcomed by Jenn, who signed me in and shared a little about her collaboration with St. John’s. She smiled as she mentioned how the Pavilion seems to hold its own magic. Whether bathed in sunshine, cradled by gentle rainfall, or enveloped in a snowy landscape, the Pavilion at St. John’s always provides the perfect setting for practice.
Even though I was only twenty minutes from home, stepping into that room felt like slipping away on a mini-vacation.
While I’ve practiced yoga before, I wouldn’t call myself an experienced yogi, and I worried about whether the class would be too advanced. What I discovered instead was an incredibly welcoming and accessible practice.
Jenn guided us through an hour of yoga that struck the perfect balance: invigorating enough to feel alive and engaged, yet calming enough to leave me deeply relaxed. Gentle music played in the background, harmonizing with the soft rustle of leaves outside.
The group this morning included people of varying ages and skill levels, yet everyone seemed to settle into their own rhythm. There was no competition, and no pressure, just a collective energy of peaceful presence.
After class, I lingered a bit, exploring more of the property. I wandered down the long hallways, pausing to take in the artwork and architectural details, before stepping outside to stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
A yoga class that felt like a mini-vacation
After yoga, the air felt fresher somehow, the gardens more vibrant. It was a reminder of how different the world can look when you give yourself permission to slow down.
For me, taking this time wasn’t just about attending a yoga class, it was about choosing myself, if only for a morning. As I walked back to my car, I thought about how easy it is to dismiss opportunities like this because they don’t feel “productive.”
But in reality, these moments are essential.
These moments refill our cup, shift our perspective, and give us back to ourselves, so that we can return to our families, our work, and our lives with more presence.
At St. John’s, I found more than just a yoga class. I was gifted a reminder that even a short escape can feel restorative, and that joy and balance are worth scheduling on the calendar right alongside everything else.
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