October 13th-15th (Fri 7pm-Sun 12 Noon)
Ananda Ashram
13 Sapphire Rd., Monroe, NY 10950
Our theme this year is The Wisdom of the Body. Participants will explore their relationship with their body, and using the body as a tool for higher wisdom, rather than something to be transcended. While everyone can benefit from this knowledge, it may be especially helpful for people who have chronic bodily issues (pain, illness), a trauma history, dissociation, or who seek to understand how to connect with the body in meditation. We are beings with bodies for a reason, and we would exist only in spirit if there was not something our bodies had to teach us.
Every year, the Inner Lotus retreat explores the intersections of the Indian philosophical systems of vedanta and tantra, with mental health and self-development from modern psychodynamic theory. We hope to cultivate a space for like-minded individuals looking to learn and connect through spirituality, with a deep interest in psychology and reconnecting with the self. The retreat takes place at an ashram with beautiful grounds where you can take hikes, nature walks, or just sit peacefully and take in the trees and fresh mountain air! See below for the full retreat program.
Registration Fee: $125
Register here. Accommodations must be booked separately with the ashram (See below).
Accommodations & Meals: Arranged with Ananda Ashram at this link: Overnight Stay Registration Please note rates are for the full weekend (2 nights)
Breakfast, lunch, chai-nashta, and dinner will be provided by the ashram. All meals are vegan & vegetarian, other dietary accommodations available by request upon arrival at the ashram at the main office.
The ashram is accessible by public transportation (MetroNorth Harriman Station), and arrangements will be shared by the ashram with attendees who may request a ride from the station to the ashram. Uber/Lyft is also available, $8-10.
Retreat Program
Items listed in italics are part of the normal ashram activities, and are completely optional to attend as a part of the retreat.
Friday: You may choose to arrive at any time to get settled in and explore the grounds. Room check in is 4:00pm.
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm Ashram Meditation (optional)
8:00-9:00pm Welcome Address and Introductions
Saturday
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast
9:00-10:00am Class 1: How and why emotions and memories get stored in the body
10:00-10:30am Yoga/Gentle Movement
10:30am-12:00pm Class 2: Relationships, early life, & our bodies
12:30-1:30pm Lunch (Chai, coffee, and snacks always available in dining hall)
4:00-5:00pm Class 3: Guided deep body scan meditation & reflection
5:30-6:30pm Dinner
7:00-8:00pm Ashram Meditation (optional)
8:00pm Satsang (Open Q&A or spiritual music concert)
Sunday Room check out 12:00pm
8:00-9:00am Breakfast
9:00-10:30am Class 4: Shaktis of the Body
11:00-11:30am Meditation
11:30am-12:00pm Wrap-Up & Farewells
12:30 pm-1:30pm Lunch