Workshops

What is a Retreat?

The word "ashram" means "without fatigue". Spending time in a yoga ashram is a way of removing the fatigue of worldly existence. Retreats are a wonderful way to refresh and renew your spirit and spiritual aspirations. Our Retreats create the serene and refreshing atmosphere of a yoga ashram - a sanctuary in which we can focus on the refreshing and spiritually-reviving practices of yoga. The teachers of our tradition and the texts of yoga tells us that the purpose of human birth is to enjoy life, family and work, and to have spiritual fulfillment. We explore these teachings in our retreats

What to Bring

Bring a meditation cushion if you have one, notebook and pen, and a bed pillow and eyebag for Yoga Nidra. Wear comfortable clothes for asana practice. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so your needs can be accomodated. Our retreats combine asana practice as well as seated meditation and lying-down relaxation. You may want to bring a shawl or sweater and a pair of socks.

How to Register

All students must register and pay in advance. Please do not drop-in or ask to be "put on the list". Payments are not accepted at the retreat. Refunds: A 20% service charge will be deducted from the refund for all cancellations. No refund will be given for cancellations made within 5 days of the retreat.

Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation

The Profound Inner Journey
As is your deepest driving desire, so are your thoughts.
As are your thoughts, so are your words.
As are your words, so are your deeds.
As are your deeds, so is your destiny.
---Upanishads

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is based upon the ancient tantra techniques of nyasa, bhuta shuddhi, and meditation using dharanas. The word "nidra" means sleep, but this is not ordinary sleep. This is yogic sleep, entering a profound state of relaxation in which you are able to descend into deep levels of consciousness and unlock your inner strengths. Learn how to transform your life. Change negative habits and thoughts into positive, life-affirming behaviors. Tap into your own creative potential. Re-discover how to meet life's challenges with enthusiasm and courage. Yoga Nidra holds the key.

In every great myth,
the hero or heroine must go on a journey to a deep cave,
or a labyrinth, or to an enchanted isle...
to bring back a treasure, or a magic talisman, or a wonderful weapon
to defeat the enemy and save the kingdom.

We are each the heroine or hero of our own myth...
and Yoga Nidra is a journey to the infinite cosmos within.
What you find within is a reservoir of infinite courage, clarity, tranquility and steadfastness...
this is the central teaching of the yoga tradition.

How to Prepare

What to Expect
The class begins with an hour of traditional yoga postures that prepare the body for deep relaxation. No prior yoga experience is required. Students with physical restrictions will be shown how to modify postures using chairs and other props. Students are then shown how to set up your space for an hour of guided relaxation.

What to Wear and Bring
You will be practicing yoga postures, so dress appropriately. You should wear loose or stretchy comfortable exercise clothes. If you have a yoga mat, you should bring it. We also recommend a regular bed pillow and something to lie upon such as a comforter, quilt or sleeping bag. You can also bring a blanket for covering and an eye pillow.

Who Can Practice Yoga Nidra?
You must be able to lie quietly on the floor for an hour, listening to the teacher's instructions. Yoga Nidra is not appropriate for children under 12, individuals who cannot lie still on the floor, who have a seizure disorder, restless leg syndrome, active lower back discomfort, or are beyond the first trimester of pregnancy. Do not attend if you have a cold or sinus problems that cause coughing, sniffling, sneezing or sinus drainage.

Yoga Nidra Class Etiquette
Arrive early to check-in. Latecomers will not be admitted. If you are hard-of-hearing you should position yourself near the front of the room. Turn off cell phones, watch alarms and pagers. You must be able to lie quietly on the floor for an hour, listening to the teacher's instructions. Turn off cell phones, watch alarms and pagers.

How to Register

All students must register in advance. Please do not drop-in or ask to be "put on the list". Yoga Nidra is a popular class and is usually filled. Registration is only accepted by payment in advance. You may register online, in advance in person at any of our studios or by phone with a credit card.