Led By: Michaela Rai Lemke
Location: Alternating between Svälja’s Lotus studio and the shores of Brighton Beach*
*Detailed location sent via welcome letter at the point of registration
Dates: Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Cost: $80 for 4-Week Series
Moving between the quiet of the Svälja studio and the expansive shores of Lake Superior, this four-week journey invites a practice of honesty, storytelling, and self-reflection. It is an opportunity to deepen your connection—both to your own internal narrative and to the community around you.
The series follows a deliberate rhythm, alternating our environment to help us listen more closely to what the water (and our own hearts) might be saying.
The Journey
Weeks 1 & 3: The Studio (Svälja Whole-Being) We begin within the held space of the Lotus Studio, focusing on the story you are currently living. Using writing, drawing, and underwater photographs from Michaela’s collection as portals, you will gently explore:
What you are currently experiencing in your life's season.
The narratives you are telling yourself.
What you are ready to ask for or move toward next.
Weeks 2 & 4: The Shore (Lake Superior) We shift our presence to the waterline at Brighton Beach. Through guided prompts and intentional silence, we will spend time observing the water’s movement—reflecting, watching, and learning from the Lake’s ancient wisdom.
The Final Session: Optional Cold Dip Following our final shore session in Week 4, there will be an optional opportunity to conclude our journey together with a communal dip in Lake Superior—a physical punctuation mark to the reflection we’ve shared.
Detailed beach location, what to bring + weather policy information sent in a welcome letter at the point of registration.
Meet Your Guide
Michaela Rai knows what it means to lose everything—and how to come home to yourself, your body, and your intuition.
After surviving family estrangement, deconstruction from high control religion, birth trauma, a child’s serious illness, and an abusive marriage that cost her, her home, work, and stability, she rebuilt her life piece by piece. Lake Superior became her lifeline, the ritual and wisdom found there bringing her back to her body and breath -- she’s dipped into its waters at least once a month for over three years.
Through her consulting, photography, facilitation, and writing, at What We Saw Stories, Michaela shares narratives that reconnect us to our humanity and the water. Her work invites others to revisit their own stories with safety and presence, reconnect mind and body, and make space for truth.
She lives in northern Minnesota with her love and their blended family of three children, and is the founder of What We Saw Collaborative, a space for nurturing womxn and their work.
Instagram: @michaelarai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-lemke/
Tiktok: @michaela_rai
Email: michaela.rai.lemke@gmail.com
You can explore working with Michaela or shop art and gifts at whatwesawstories.com.
Finally, you can find her writing by subscribing to her Substack: https://michaelarai.substack.com/
Workshop & Special Event Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change. Because our workshops and special events require significant preparation and often have limited space, we adhere to the following cancellation policy:
Cancellation up to 48 hours prior to the workshop will be refunded less a 10% Administrative Fee.
Cancellation 24-48 hours prior to the workshop receives a 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 24 hours prior or a no-show receives no refund.
To request a cancellation or coordinate a credit, please contact us at hello@svalja.yoga or (218) 595-0762.