Work with Beth ~
Work with Beth ~
Testimonials
Jody Hunter
“The first time I had an experience with Beth was in 2019 at an event called Leaning into Kindness. I attended the event solo (which I never do), and that day honestly changed my life. There were multiple presenters on stage, but there was something about Beth that just resonated with me. I am not going to lie, she had us doing some crazy breathing things that I had never heard of and sticking out my tongue and pumping my arms like a wild woman, but it all felt right. A couple days later I attended my first Barefoot & Free Yoga Festival, I was there for the last day and instantly regretted that I didn’t attend the two days prior. Yoga was still “new” to me as I had only started practicing 7 months prior, however the “world” Beth created for that festival was something that I knew I needed to be a part of. Since that day, I have joined Beth for retreats in Bali, Joshua Tree and Italy, with more to come. I have attended each festival for the full 3 days each year. I have attended two of Beth’s mini festivals that she hosts in the winter. I have already signed up for future events that will take place later this year. I have been on multiple retreats with other leaders and not one could hold a candle to the experience and richness that Beth provides to everyone. Beth holds a vast knowledge of everything related to what I call a “Yogi Lifestyle”. She is an expert in yoga, breathing, meditation, sound healing, women’s circles, self-love and female embodiment along with so much more. Through Beth’s work, I have been able to change my view on myself, start the healing process and begin to love myself for the unapologetically fierce, strong minded, sensual, wild woman that I am. Beth has been an integral part of me morphing into the woman that you will see at a future event of hers.”
Judith Twardowski
“I travelled to Dominican Republic and Costa Rica to attend Beth’s retreats. From the moment I stepped onto the grounds, I was enveloped in a sense of calm and serenity that lingered throughout my stay. Beth picks beautiful locations that provide the perfect backdrop for yoga sessions, allowing us to connect with nature. Beth guides you with gentle encouragement and unwavering support, whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner. Beyond the physical practice, Beth sets up daily meditation/circle sessions for a much-needed opportunity for introspection and inner peace. You share laughter, stories, and moments of vulnerability with like-minded individuals. The supportive atmosphere encouraged personal growth and self-discovery, leaving you feeling inspired and empowered to continue your journey when you return home. Beth is a real thing when it comes to guiding people onto their transformative journey. I look forward to more retreats, and to continue to learn from her vast experience. Thank you.”
Rachel S.
“I first met Beth James through her grassroots yoga festival, Barefoot and Free in Milford, Michigan. It was such a joy to experience the open-minded yoga community in the beautiful natural setting of our local Proud Lake State Park. I loved the variety of classes that were offered and had so much fun with the SUP yoga workshop! It was a small festival that was both intimate, yet expansive and has been exciting to experience the growth of this beautiful event. I got my RYT - 200 yoga certification in 2011 so I was so excited to have this opportunity to meet other yogis and experience such a unique event. I have volunteered at Barefoot and Free a few times since my first visit and love being a part of this unique and local healing arts experience. As a teacher, I really appreciated being able to spend a weekend in the late summer devoted to yoga and healing arts.
When I learned that Beth started doing yoga retreats, I was intrigued and motivated to finally experience a yoga retreat. When the Sedona retreat in May of 2023 was offered, I took a chance and registered to go solo! I was not only pleasantly surprised with the actual accommodations and dynamics of the retreat, but also realized how much time and energy Beth contributes to make these retreats so special and meaningful. We connected with the other participants through social and spiritual talks and activities, hiked to amazing vistas, communed in nature and dining and had wonderful morning yoga sessions to start each day. I absolutely loved it!
Fast forward to the spring of 2024… I was thrilled to learn that Beth was curating a retreat to Costa Rica and it was the same week as my spring break! It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Costa Rica. After teaching middle school Spanish for 20 years, I not only got to realize my Pura Vida dreams, but experienced an added magical element thanks to Beth’s vision and leadership! The Jade retreat center was the perfect landscape for our community. Not only did we practice yoga each day, but we also experienced a cacao ceremony with a local Tico medicine man, preserving the rituals of his elders. That was such a special evening that would not have happened had I just planned the trip on my own. We also had massages on site, took optional surf lessons, had an amazing catamaran excursion and dinners together that quickly felt like your favorite family members gathering around the dinner table. Beth strikes the perfect balance in her retreats and it resonates with freedom and community, inspiration and reflection, peace and passion!”