2024 Retreat Classes Descriptions:
The theme of this year’s retreat is Stillness. How do we even begin to achieve that in this world today with so much
information at our fingertips and all the different energy flowing around us? I’ve always loved Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra “Yogas
Citta Vrittis Nirodhah” and remember many of my teachers stating this sutra during classes. From the moment we take our
first breath our mind starts fluctuating, which it needs to in order to make sense and adapt to this world. Then, it seems we
spend much of our life trying to managing the fluctuations (vrittis)! During the retreat we will explore the 5 vrittis and the
various ways we can calm and balance these mental activities including awareness of our diet, what we read, where we go
and how we shape our living space inside and out. Managing and understanding vrittis is a main focus of yoga practice.
Ayurveda
The five elements congregate in a certain pattern in the body of every human being and are known as doshas. The three
doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are referred to respectively as the air, fire and water principles and everyone has a unique
combination of these elements decided during conception. The 24 hour cycle has a vata time, pitta time, kapha time. The
seasons have a vata, pitta or kapha time. Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing systems that teach us to live within the
rhythm of the earth as well as the seasons of our lives. Using diet, exercise, massage, meditation, teas and herbs among
other things we learn to manage the ever changing fluctuations of our minds and our bodies as we respond to life
experiences. We each have our own unique mental and emotional make up that responds uniquely to different situations
called our Prakriti and then the “current state” of our being called Vikriti. Ayurveda will be woven into discussions
throughout the retreat to deepen your understanding of this way of life.
Qigong – Michael
A gentle practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness appropriate for all levels of ability. Qigong helps to calm
the mind and to cultivate one’s chi (life energy) while balancing the five elements.
Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation
All yoga will be adapted to different levels and abilities. The goal is relaxation with some nice stretching. You’ll learn various
breathing techniques “pranayama” to help calm the mind, enhance meditation and calm the vrittis.
Ayurveda and Aromatherapy – Hunter Margolf
Hunter will help us understand the healing power of plants with pure essential oils and discover the natural way to promote
wellbeing, reduce stress and enhance your life. Imagine transforming your wellbeing with the power of plants. Inhale the
soothing aroma of lavender or apply peppermint oil to invigorate your senses. Essential oils, that are sourced from organic
farmers and distilled for purity, offer a natural solution for every wellbeing need. Learn ways to harness the healing power
of plants to transform your wellness routine. Guided by Hunter’s expertise expand your knowledge of the healing power of
plants as he leads discussions on selected oils for their therapeutic properties. Hunter is dedicated to helping individuals
harness the power of essential oils for holistic healing while using the wisdom of Ayurveda as a foundation. Join the
thousands who have discovered the natural way to promote wellbeing with pure essential oils.
Medicinal Plants and Teas, Anticancer Herbs and a Nature Walk – Sara Crockett
Sara will share her knowledge of medicinal herbs and plants in a fun, understandable way leaving us with ideas of what we
can grow ourselves and/or source and ideas on how to use them. Then Sara will take us on a plant walk to look at local
plants while we absorb the healing that comes from nature.
Vastu Shastra; Creating A Healing Inner and Outer Space – Hunter Margolf
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science that can help harmonize your living space with nature.
Learn how your environment directly impacts your energy including your mind - be it your home, office, studio, room, yard
or garden. Hunter will guide us with an overview on how to create a harmonious living space that aligns with natural
energies. We’ll look at how we might block the energy flow creating hurdles in our life with broken or damaged objects and
simple ways we can create a healing space to help us to feel more balanced.