The sun had risen softly that morning, not in its usual triumphant blaze, but as a gentle, golden hush over the trees. The air was still cool, tinged with the scent of dewy pine needles and the sweet breath of the lake. The retreat’s morning bells rang lightly in the distance—three slow chimes—signaling that breakfast had ended and the morning mindfulness activity was about to begin.

The yoga mats had already been unrolled in a semicircle on the soft grass clearing nestled beside the ...