To contemplate means "to reflect upon, to study, to gaze with continuous attention, to meditate." In this retreat we will explore the essential, yet often ignored, contemplative aspects of yoga--in theory and practice. Asana and pranayama will be guided as contemplative experiences; and the classical yogic "limbs" of pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi will be introduced through a variety of techniques including chakras, mantras, mudras, yantras, and meditative sound baths.

We will be using Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita as source texts to ground our discussions and our practice. Yoga teachers will have an opportunity to practice teach contemplative methods in the final session if they choose, while practitioners will be immersed in a contemplative retreat. You do not have to be a yoga teacher to take this training.

This retreat integrates the multidimensional aspects of yoga, and provides the space and time to immerse yourself in a spiritually nurturing, mindbody healing environment with other practitioners. We will discover the connection between classic philosophic yoga texts and our direct experience of yoga. We'll begin each day with an inspiring morning sadhana of asana, pranayama, and meditation, and continue with an experiential inquiry.

We'll dive deep into the practice of Kripalu "meditation in motion" and conscious breathwork. Yoga Nidra and sound healing (Nada Yoga) will also be included. These practices will be balanced with mindful reflection, discussion, journaling or art making--contemplating the meanings we uncover. In sum, we will be exploring the root meaning of "philosophy" as both the love of wisdom and the wisdom of love. And "contemplation" as a practice which creates the space for the "temple" within.

Insights gained through philosophical teachings can clarify habitual confusions and shine a light on our shared sources of happiness and well-being. Taken onto the mat and integrated through guided yoga experiences, these discoveries can become a springboard for taking yoga "off the mat" and into the world....

Please bring a translated copy of these Yoga "classics" to the workshop. We will discuss--and compare--the various translations of these universal philosophic texts as part of our inquiry into the meaning and nature of yoga. Please also bring a journal.