A Growing Awareness: Rebirth and Renewal through the Practices of Yoga

Esalen at Sunset

Facility: Esalen
Location: Big Sur, CA
Leader: Thomas Fortel
Dates: Weekend of April 2-4, 2010

Taking time for oneself to go on retreat is one of the many spiritual practices available to us. Often on retreat, we enter into the cradle of nature where the pranic force (life energy) is magnified and completely available for anyone who comes. In a similar way, the practitioners of yoga have journeyed for thousands of years to the ashram (yoga community) to engage the practices of meditation, pranayama (conscious breathing), chanting and Hatha yoga. In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the word "shramas" literally means fatigue, and "ashram" means removal of fatigue. Quite simply, when we gather in community and engage the various practices of yoga, we experience a sloughing off of accumulated energy, the removal of fatigue, and return home renewed and refreshed. You are welcomed, on this classic spring weekend, to join us as we practice, heal, and play together.

Please have a minimum of three months recent yoga experience and bring your own yoga mat.